Grate Wall Of China

Learning to eat while visiting China can be an adventure

I have friends who are visiting China. They are a 50-ish couple, an educator and an attorney, who are intrepid explorers that love history. They've been all over the world and whenever they're traveling they send us daily missives on what hilarious events have transpired. (When they went on safari in Africa, they asked in an email if I thought our etiquette columnist would know whether they should tip the man with the machine guy who guarded them.)

I should point out that Gigi is willing to try most foods once, while saying her husband Don is a picky eater is an understatement. It hasn't kept him from traipsing around the globe, but many of his messages back to the ole U.S.A. are about foraging for food he can recognize.

Thus, rice has become a staple for him in China, and his wife is learning to use chopsticks. He wrote from Beijing about hoping for just one meal that didn't involve "bait" or mystery meat:

"Back at 5:30 and a free evening. McDonald's was calling. Wrong. Wall to wall people. No English, no pictures, no hope. On to kfc. Same thing. On to Pizza Hut. Finally, a menu with pictures. They actually feature squid and octopus on the menu. We are saved, except that the Chinese spoken word for the No. 61 doesn't sound like 61. Fortunately, if you are (tall) and Western and stand in front of the girl, despite a long line, they will remember you. It wasn't like home, but not a cup of rice."

And he wrote about the chopstick learning curve of his wife: "The best news is that Gigi is continuing her quest to learn to use chopsticks without putting out an eye. Tried most of the stuff except the bait and started a new diet plan: She gets to swallow any item of food that actually gets to her mouth using chopsticks, which wasn't much."

Don't let that basil in the garden go to waste.

Basil-Garlic Grilled Pork Chops

4 (8-ounce) pork chops

1 lime, juiced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Salt and black pepper to taste

1. Toss the pork chops with the lime juice in a bowl until evenly covered. Toss with garlic and basil. Season the chops to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.

3. Cook the pork chops on the preheated grill until no longer pink in the center, 5 to 10 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees.

Travel tips to thailand | Great Wall of China

Travel tips to thailand

This Southeast Asian country is one of the most devoutly Buddhist countries in the world. One top pick for vacationers is the Vegetarian Festival which runs October 18th – 26th. Cities such as Bangkok, Trang and Krabi decorate the streets with yellow banners announcing the vegetarian vendors. In Phuket Town, the festival steps it up a bit where entranced marchers turn themselves into human shish kebabs. This is definitely a site to see, but one that may not be suitable for little ones. Travel to Ko Tao to swim with the mighty whale sharks. This coral-reefed island is a beach paradise. Then, take a bus ride to Sangkhlaburi. This border outpost in the craggy Karst Mountains is far from the regular tourist trade, but the road to the hazy lake from Kanchanaburi is one of Thailand’s best kept secrets and absolutely beautiful! Before leaving Thailand, attend a cooking class in Chiang Mai. Learn from the locals about Thai herbs and spices and tour a local market to purchase the items fresh. There is a wide choice of classes; this is not something that you will find anyplace else in the world!

Every major airline in every country flies to Thailand. Simply pick your travel dates and go to the web site of any major airline to easily book your flight. Most flights will fly into Bangkok, but you may also opt to fly into Chiang Mai or Phuket. Some routes fly into Phuket with no layover in Bangkok.

Depending heavily upon tourism, Thailand has 30 airports that offer scheduled service on commercial airlines, though most flights will connect through Bangkok. The seven international airports are Don Mueang International in Bangkok, Chiang Mai International in Chiang Mai, Chaiang Rai International in Chiang Rai, Hat Yai in Hat Yai/Songkhla, Phuket’s International, U-Tapao International in Rayong/Pattaya and Udon Thani’s International Airport. 28 regional airports or airstrips throughout Thailand accept small commuter planes or helicopters.

Thailand is one of the most desirable destination vacations for families, honeymooners, or corporate getaways. Thailand is often referred to as a ‘golden land’ for good reason. Its ambiance gives off a unique glow. Travel, dining and entertainment are ridiculously inexpensive compared to many destinations and the citizenry of Thailand welcome visitors with open arms. This getaway will soothe your body and soul.

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