Originally a lecture on our trip was titled “China Engaged” to represent the focus on furthering engagement through education. After our first week, we determined that “China Engorged” would be a much more accurate description of our experience.
Traditional Chinese dining involves eating family style from a table dominated by a giant lazy susan. The lazy susan is piled with dishes ranging from octopus to duck tongue to large sausage pastry balls. In theory, you are supposed to use your chopsticks to take food from the dishes directly to your mouth. The plate is for spitting out bones. Mastery of chopsticks has been an ongoing process. I almost impaled Jason at our first meal and was the only person at our banquet table to be offered a fork. At the end of the meal, a plate of sliced watermelon is served as dessert. After several “Two-a-Days” of overwhelming meals, we decided to fashion a sign with a picture of watermelon to signal to the waitress that we were done!
The other crucial component of meals is toasting. Bai jiu is the customary drink. Do not be fooled by the lovely blue bottle – this stuff could rival moonshine from the mountains of South Carolina….and win. Toasting is an important part of the culture and, fortunately, our Furman professor and trustees have been able to uphold our national honor.
Marie with the Baijiu
Kathy and Coleman toast at the Celebration
Kate and Martha take one for the team
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