Food

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Clay,
What should we anticipate eating? I spoke with my friend Steve who lived in Japan for seven years and he said they served a lot of fish, which is fine with me. But is it the typical meal for travelers. Peel the fruits, not a lot of vegetables unless they're cooked, don't eat cooked food off the streets, etc.

Can we at least try some of the sushi?

Wondering,
LaRue

[Anonymous]

I am bringing some of those Crystal Light lemonade and iced tea packets that you can put in your water, for those of us who do not like water. I believe COurtney suggested them. I will also bring sweet 'n low.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if they make something that does not have the artificial sweeteners? I like the idea but not the substitute sweeteners.

[Anonymous]

You skinny minnie! I have to use artificial sweetners or I would weigh a ton!

[Anonymous]

Crystal Light without the artificial sweeteners would just be cool aid.....refreshing.

[Anonymous]

I definately want to try the sushi! I think I remember Clay saying that sushi would be an out of our pocket expense being that it is not so cheap.

How are you doing on the food bit? I've been looking for foods that you might take with you that are low/have zero sodium. I will grab them what I find if you want and pass it on to you. I so want you on this trip!

[Anonymous]

I think I'm going to try to find some low-sodium tuna packs, protein bars,
trail mix type of bars, and not worry. I've traveled quite a bit. I'm just glad
that I had time to look around.
Keep looking for me. Email me what you find. : )

[Anonymous]

I am bringing some nuts, and tuna packs as well.

[Anonymous]

Found two things that might work for you: Kool Aid now makes individual packets, not artifical sweetners. There is also a new product out, I have seen a coupon for it, but have not looked for it: it comes in lemon and lime only, and is in little individual packets---no artifical sweetner.

[Anonymous]

Has anyone heard whether it is safe to eat chicken in China? We have a friend who is from China and returns frequently. He said he never eats any kind of bird meat and recommended that I not eat any during my visit. I had assumed it was safe in the city because there have been no proven cases where someone contracted the illness from eating chickens. I thought you couldn't get the illness unless you were in direct contact with infected birds? Does anyone have any info on this topic?

Darlene, thanks for the info on the lemon/lime packets. I'll look for them at the grocery store.

[Anonymous]

How scary. I have heard nothing of birds but my student told me not to eat pork. She said grew ill from the pork.

[Anonymous]

I think basically it is going to be a lot like Mexico. It is not so much what you eat, as where you eat it. I am sure our Professors would not take us anywhere, where the quality of the food would be an issue. The problem might arise if you start eating off the street on your own. That could be dangerous. I have been all over Mexico and have never gotten sick, but I do not eat off the street.

[Anonymous]

I think not getting sick on food has a lot to do with how it's been
prepared, but also different types of bacteria that maybe a
body isn't used to. I've been reading Guns, Germs, and Steel.

We also have the issue of heat and humidity going against us--
on top of food.

I think we'll be fine.

[Anonymous]

Hi Everyone,

During my last trip to China, I ate all kinds of meat (poultry, beef, pork, seafood) regularly and sometimes from street vendors. While I didn't escape from a few bouts of upset stomach, I had no serious problems and I've lived to tell the tale. Stomach problems are an inevitable consequence of foreign travel, whether it's to Asia or Europe, to the most upscale restaurant, or even a street stall. So please be prepared for this. Chances are, it'll happen to you. Obviously, the decision to abstain from certain types of meat is completely up to each individual. Many travelers are choosing to stay away from chicken.

My recommendation is that for those who have not traveled much or have sensitive stomachs, it's a good idea to avoid the street vendors and uncooked vegetables and fruits (unless you wash with bottled water). My recommedation to all, no matter how strong a stomach you have, is to give yourself about a week to adjust to the climate and the food before trying to be adventurous. And always have fresh and bottled water, with or without Kool-Aid!

Enjoy!
Linda[Edit by="Linda Truong on Jun 19, 10:51:34 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

I remember when I completed my Outward Bound backpacking trip through northern Maine that I could drink water out of lakes and streams, etc. if I added 5 drops of Iodine. Now is this a possibility for Asia or should I wait before I go out and purchase a bottle of iodine?

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