1 of 2 loyal readers
As some of you might know, I’m going to China over the summer. I’m there alone for the most part (new for me), and I’m also there for 2 months (a long time and also new for me). In the spirit of not wanting to take pictures of another disaster in the kitchen this week, I’ll be taking my readers (Tyler and Chris) through my itinerary, and talking about what I’m most excited to do (eat) instead.
Nightmare beginning: O’Hare Airport
I refuse to buy 15 dollar beef jerky at the airport, so I’ll wait until I get on the plane. Unfortunately, airplane food has an unparalleled ability to make me upset. So my diet for the flight will consist of ginger ale and diet coke.
Layover: Taipei
I’ve never been to Taiwan, so this is another first for me! My sister went when she was in high school and I remember her talking about two things. First, the beef noodle soup. And second, the fruit. I’m not sure how long I’m there for, but if I have the time I will definitely be seeking out those two things.
First stop in China: Jiangxi
This is my dad’s home province. I’m honestly not really excited for anything here just because I don’t know what the specialities
Potential diet
are. I haven’t been back to this area in a while–it’s been 7 years–and the last time I was here I was insanely picky, so I’ll just keep an open mind! I know that they love seafood here and that the food is notoriously spicy, but beyond that I’m not sure about anything. The only thing that I am certain about is the fruit (I anticipate that this will become a theme in this post). Not only is fruit in China already usually better because they harvest when it’s ripe, my grandfather lives in a farm village. Though I doubt that I’ll dislike the cooked food, at least becoming one of those raw vegans that only eats fruit is always an option.
Second stop: Harbin/Qiqihar
My mom’s side of the family–the side I prefer–lives in northern China. But since I’m visiting during the summer I won’t have to suffer through their trademark winters. Harbin, like a lot of urban areas in China, has both morning and night markets, and I can’t wait to go to either. Though there’s a very real and probable possibility that I’m wrong, if my memory serves me correctly, morning markets typically have more produce. And night markets have more prepared food–think lamb skewers and other street food.
What I’ll look like at the night markets
I’m not a morning person, but those early trips have a special place in my heart. They’re where I discovered all my favorite fruits. As for the night markets, those are equally beloved. I don’t think my immune system was nearly as weak the last time I went as it is now, but I’m still going to risk it every night for a quick bite.
Beyond street food, I’m going to gorge myself on northern Chinese specialties: 锅包肉, 鲇鱼炖茄子, and 东北冷面 to name a few.
Uncharted territory: Beijing
For the first two weeks I’m there, I’m with my dad visiting family. But in early June, he flies back and I’m all alone. The main reason I’m going to China is to train with the athletes there. This time around, I’m at a sports university in Beijing. I have mixed feelings about this arrangement.
Someone who coached me last time I was in China and the scariest person I’ve ever met
On one hand, I’m excited to train here. But on the other hand, I’m terrified I’m going to be the worst one there (a likely possibility). And since I’m staying on campus and my mom is scared to the bone that I’m going to get trafficked, the chances of me going out on my own and exploring Beijing are starting to seem slim. Nevertheless, I’m determined that I’ll at least be able to eat well a few times; I refuse to spend a month and a half eating dining hall food.
I think I’m most excited for this period of my trip. Not only is it the longest, because Beijing is so big and relatively diverse compared to the other places I’m visiting, I’m certain that the food selection will be one to marvel at. But for now though, there’s only one thing on my must eat list: 北京烤鸭.
The trip back: Taipei (again)
I might be wrong, but I think my layover the second time around is longer. Since this is the case, I’ll make sure to try anything I didn’t get to before. And my mom made me promise to bring back a box of pineapple cakes. If I like you I might bring you back something too (watch out Tyler!).
One Comment
Hi Kathryn,
While I resent the fact that you lumped me into the same group as Chris (I’m far more loyal), you called me out so I suppose I have to comment. Not that I’m reluctant; I think your forward planning is super smart and your blog made me hungry for sure. All of these meals are exciting and I hope you learn how to make some of them for when you come back.
As one off your fruitier readers, I love the idea of enjoying the natural produce of China. In Senior Foods we learned that ethylene gas is responsible for the ripening process, so I guess staying on the vine longer makes it gassier and therefore superior. I don’t really see you as a raw vegan, and I doubt your stuck would be able to handle the fiber overload, but I encourage you to explore your options and I”d to be corrected when you make the change.
NIght markets are a bit intimidating to me; I’ve learned about some amazing street food before (there’s a docuseries on Netflix we watched last year in Spanish), but of course I don’t want to be caught spraying my insides out if my immune system can’t cope. When I went to New York I passed tons of street vendors but never dared try their food, so I have to live vicariously through your exploits.
Overall, you’ve capped of a semester full of countless amazing blogs. I’m honored to be counted among the people you like, and I’m looking forward to whatever you bring back for me. Also, don’t get trafficked because that would suck. Have fun in China, text often, and thanks for a great read!