I stumbled upon this photo essay from Time Magazine’s website entitled, “What the World Eats.” The essay includes 16 photos of families from different parts of the globe showcasing what they eat, what products they buy and their favorite foods. It’s based on a book called “Hungry Planet” photographed by Peter Menzel.
Growing up, I’ve always been exposed to 5 cuisines- Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Italian and American. The usual case would be a lauriat feast with my family and relatives, occasional trips to our favorite Japanese restaurant, Filipino, Italian and American seldom visited although I still enjoy. No idea what a lauriat is? If you go to a Chinese seafood restaurant complete with their generic tables and lazy susans, you’d see a group of Orientals enjoying a feast of at least 5 different courses, ranging from cold cuts, prawn salads, crabs, lobsters, hot soup and dessert. When I was in high school around 16 years old, I was more aware of other exotic foods available in the city. My parents are not refrain from experimenting other cuisines, so suggesting a Persian restaurant would include a 30 minute non-stop complaint about how it’s not good yadda yadda yadda. Can’t deal with that, so I had to do it my way which my own personal foodie adventures with good friends.
This photo essay continues to open my eyes on how the other side of the world eats. It also made me compare my own diet. I’m always a sucker for anything Japanese, I love sushi, udon and those beautifully wrapped boxes of sweets that I can’t seem to touch but just admire. Fruits and vegetables, staple foods all around the world. I can’t help but notice how American products have seeped into our daily food intake. May it be a soda, or a pack of chocolates or even Colonel Sanders, I’m sure the family from Chad never heard of McDonald’s! I just love how food can already characterize a culture, a family. How one can deduce their diet and eating habits. Some just spend $1/week on food expenses! Wow! The diversity of the photos gives readers a glimpse of the fresh-from-the-farm veggies in Bhutan to microwave snacks in the States.
My love for travel goes hand in hand with my love for food. I try to be as adventurous as I can and as daring as I can be. Carpe Diem baby! I can’t seemingly comprehend how some people choose not to travel and stay at home not because of financial reasons but just because they don’t want to, it’s a “hassle.” There’s so much to see, so much to discover, so much to get to know.
Be a Traveler, Not a Tourist. A rule I shall live by. Needing a gazillion dollars to take a year off to be a nomad!
I know what you mean! I Love to travel, my husband does not. He’s in a band so their tours wipe him out for “pleasure” travel. Sigh. I love it though!! I agree, food is such a big part of it!