I eat everything. I have eaten pig’s trotters, stomach, intestine, chicken feet, eel, pig’s brain and pig’s blood. Pig’s brain did not feel nice in my mouth but I am determined to eat everything that comes my way. Thankfully dog hasn’t been ordered. Fortunately I am not fussy but if I really don’t like something I just swallow it and move on.
One example of the hospitality and warmth of the people here is when I met Fu Yu Xiang. I wondered into his studio at 501 and then he whisked me off for lunch. Although we had some difficulties communicating we very much enjoyed each others company and the food was fantastic! Especially the bamboo.
Huang lin’s wife cooked for Valerie, Oliver and myself one evening and it was delicious. She made one of the local dishes that tastes like smokey bacon with vegetables.
I have met a millionaire. His fortune has been built ferrying tourists to the 3 Gorges Dam, opening 3 exclusive restaurants in Chongqing and his latest venture is in rabbit farming. He talked very passionately about the American’s in his uncanny American accent. He told me of China’s vision of customer service influenced by the Americans. He invited me and a friend who had introduced me to him, to take part in a pannel of judges. We were to judge his staff at his restaurant on their passionately driven restaurant entertainment. Scoring was made from the lowest 8 and highest 10 and we were told not to give less than 9. One group sang ‘I love China’. The song is hard to erase and I can see how the spirit of song empowers people. It was ear piercing and with some relief I wore ear plugs! The prizes included cash, a keyboard and the latest ipods! Such a generous boss! The evening was filmed and was going to be shown on the local Chongqing TV station. All was well until we were invited on stage for the final performance. We cringed as we clapped along in front of the camera. The things we do!
