Re-conversion to Vegetarianism

I found this disturbing news item in a paper in Bangkok when I was on vacation:
"When an American caterer working for the U.S. Olympic Committee went to a supermarket in China last year, he encountered a piece of chicken - half a breast - that measured 14 inches. 'Enough to feed a family of eight,' said the caterer, Frank Puleo, who has traveled from New York to China to handle food related issues.
We had it tested and it was so full of steroids that we never could have given it to athletes,' Puleo said of the chicken meat that measured about 35 centimeters. 'They all would have tested postive.' "

So with the knowledge that I've been unwittingly bulking up for the past 6 months, I've decided to rededicate myself to the life of an herbivore. Although with the language barrier, I'll have to be less than strict about my vegetarian diet. This change, however, has the added benefit of giving me a valid excuse to avoid eating some of the very strange delicacies in China.
In honor of that fact, I'm giving you a list of all the exotic morsels I've indulged in and my amateur culinary opinion.

Pig's feet: Not much to eat, mostly skin, and very hard to hold with chopsticks. Overall, lacked flavor.

Cow's stomach: Texture is the main appeal. Feels like bubble wrap.

Chicken feet: After accidentally ordering this, I was too scared to actually eat it. Chicken feet look surprisingly like huge pieces of ginger.

Duck intestines: Probably one of the most unappetizing things I've ever had. Imagine eating an anus. That's what it tasted like.. with peppers!

Duck brain: A lot like foie gras. I definitely recommend this one.

Hundred-Year Old Egg: The egg is not actually one hundred years old, but marinated in some sort of brine for a few weeks, giving it a murky appearance. Kind of an acquired taste.

Ox Lung: Looks like beeswax, feels like a tennis net. Overall, not bad.

Sheep's testicle: A silken texture that feels amazing on the palate. Definitely a must.

Me and the threatening chicken appendage.

Lily and Shelby enjoying sheep genitals as part of our Christmas feast.

Back to the Grind

Well, almost. Class doesn't officially start for another five days, but I've been using my last days of freedom to finish all the tasks I left hanging for a month while I was off cavorting in exotic locations. The weather in Xi'an is not as cold as I expected, but it was a little shock to the nervous system after all the time spent on the beach. My tan is definitely out of place in this climate and where "whitening cream" can be found in almost any skin care item.

I posted the rest of my pictures from my vacation which can be viewed here. For a more graphic representation of where I was, you can look at this map. I also put up some pictures of my week spent in Shanghai after New Years, which you can see here.

I'm looking forward to getting back to work and seeing my students again, although I might be taking on a few extra hours, due to the fact that four foreign teachers left this semester and have yet to be replaced. Hooray.

Pictures and Cambodia: Updated

Sorry for the fact that I haven't kept you all better updated on my travels. I made it out of China before the big snowstorm hit, and I've been very happily avoiding the cold weather in Vietnam and now Cambodia. Apparently, the hotel in Xian has been without power and heating, and the temperature was -8 celsius the last time I checked! I'm staying warm in the town of Siem Reap, just outside the ancient city of Angkor Wat. After spending a few days here, I'm off to Thailand where I fly home February 19th. I just wanted to share a few pictures I uploaded from my time spent in Chengdu and Kunming. There will be more to follow.. just as soon as I get the chance.

Update: I put up more pictures of my time in Vietnam. I spent all of today wandering the ruins of Angkor Wat, and I'm still not done! I'm going back for more tomorrow before heading on to Bangkok on the 9th.