Spontaneous Dinner

Stephen was in a meeting with Abraham (company president) and Lollie (HR director and interpreter) at the end of the work day yesterday. The meeting ran late and we all missed the meal in the cafeteria. Steve messaged me from the meeting and said that we would be going out to dinner and just to wait for him. No problem.

We learned on the way that we were meeting with the head of security - at his home. So we pull in at his house and go upstairs to his office for hot tea (more like hot water with a few herbs sprinkled in), peanuts and sunflower seeds. This is a very traditional start to the meal. The hot "tea" keeps your chi (Chinese life force) warm and ready for the meal.

It wasn't long until we were called downstairs to the meal. We sat at the traditional table with the rotating center. The plates are about the size of a man's palm so you only take a bite or two as the dishes go by in front of you.

The first dishes ready for us. More was added as the meal went on.

This meal was delicious. My favorites were: fish patties (a pressed patty with fish, seasonings, and flour?), a ham and veggie stir fry (tasted like country ham), peas, greens, marinated cucumbers, a bread with eggs (tasted very much like french toast) and rice balls (fish, veggies, and seasonings in a ball and covered in sticky rice).

The man looking at the camera was our host.

They had the traditional chicken feet. I just can not. Nope. Nada. Not doing it. They can judge if they like. Y'all, you can see the little toe nails. Nope.

They just bite off the toes. Nope. No way. (I asked permission to take Lollie's picture eating it)

At these big group meals there are MANY toasts. The host typically begins with a formal toast to all the people there. We all stand and listen and then toast. Then they all go around the table and toast to individuals. This is a long thing. One person says several things they admire and wish for the other person and then that person does the same. Then they toast. No wonder people are so thin here - they spend more time at meals running around the table toasting than sitting and eating. Stephen and I stood for toasts both corporate and individual about 6 times during the meal last night.

Toasting!

Overall, it was a fun outing with some of the best food we've been served. And we were back at our hotel by 9pm. Not a bad evening out!