Friday, March 15, 2013

Vegetarianism in Taiwan

If there is one country in the world where I wouldn't mind being a vegetarian it would definitely be here. As a caveat, we've figured out that a vegetarian meal isn't exactly what we've grown to expect. Often it includes a wide variety of fresh, tasty, locally grown vegetables including lotus, exotic mushrooms, bamboo, baby corn, etc. However, my favorite vegetarian dish has got to be the broiled whole fish that comes served up over a hot flame. No! Actually I think it's the pork rump that I just can't get enough of. No, no no, it's definitely the sizzling beef strips served on a bed of scallions. Wrong again, my final decision is that it's the black (not blackened) chicken that comes out in a piping hot soup broth. Ok, so I can't decide which of these delectable meats are my favorite part of the vegetarian meal. I guess we can all agree that they are all delicious and that even when our hosts tell us that we're going to have a "vegetarian meal" it may very well include any and every meat that your little heart desires, as long as vegetables are somewhere on the table. Yesterday we had a "real" vegetarian meal which was completely 100% satisfying. However, on our way back in to town we drove by an area that is famous for it's pork legs. We ended up with a 3lb bag of pork just in case we were so inclined. What wonderful hosts we have had each and every day here. The Taiwanese Rotary family is so generous and hospitable. Any time we open our mouths and express an interest in anything it's like the world stops and they would walk over fire to make it happen. Oh and one last tid bit of knowledge that was new to me. Those who follow the teachings of the Buddha adhere to a stict vegetarian diet that actually does not include meat. Nor will it include garlic or onions. They say it excites the system! Who knew. ciao, off to district conference!

No comments:

Post a Comment