For those of you who know me well, you know that I am a pretty picky eater. Well, as I have said earlier, I am really working on this whole "hard core" missionary persona. I have hung in there all week by eating protein bars, trail mix, toast and the occasional cheese and cracker combo that I bought once here. Tonight I really "went for it" and we walked to The Bahari Beach Resort just down the road from our house. It is a nice looking place (compared to its surroundings it is spectacular) but the food. Oh, the food. First, let me say that stray cats were roaming the restaurant. There is no air conditioning here, so it was an outside venue, but cats in the dining room is a bit much for me. (Honestly, I kept my eyes on each one to be sure the cook didn't snatch them up and drag them into the kitchen!) So, I ordered what I though to be a safe meal. Chicken and chips (or french fries) was selected, not surprisingly over steak kebabs, lamb and octopus liver. The plate came, I dug in....I spit it out right into my napkin. Holy cow. I don't know what kind of chicken that was, but I just couldn't even bring myself to swallow one piece. Jenny was also in the same dilemma. We each mastered the art of scattering food on our plates so as to look like we ate on each portion of the meal so we didn't seem rude or wasteful. I hope it worked.
Side note- today Zenyeto, the village teacher, told us on our walk that the first time "Mzungu" (white) people came to teach at our school, the children were very frightened and many cried and ran away. He said that they had never seen white people before and they thought we were ghosts! I know some of us are not as tan as we would like to be, but ghosts! How funny! There have been tons of people who just stare at us when they see us. We aren't sure if they are also afraid, curious or skeptical as to why we might be here.
I am tired from the 3 hour walk and hungry from the lack of dinner. I am about to eat another protein bar (Thanks again, Dad!) and get a shower.
Much love from Africa
Lauren
7 comments:
Yum yum .. and mom and I are stuck going to Palm Spring Pizza tonight! Keep eating those protien bars.
oh I hope you have lots more protein bars!!!
YUMMO octopus liver!!! sounds like a real upscale restaurant to me!!! maybe you could get me a few of their recipies! well, i think dad will be happy to buy you a nice big lobster when you return home, come visit me and i'll do the same!
Lauren,
As I recall there are about 18 protein bars in the stash....what are you going to do when they are gone? How are Bruce and Jenny adapting to the cuisine?
Can't wait to hear about the kids' reactions to their new, improved school tomorrow!
Ellen G.
LOL!!!! I am laughing out loud (extra loud) sitting in my kitchen alone!
Of all people, Miss Mayo! I bet mayo is looking good right now!
Hang in there friend!
Shari
I love the Clark/Ellen references, Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan!! Hilarious.
Lauren, I'm sorry to hear that the food has been more challenging than you expected. I'll add that to the prayer list (seriously), as I know "all protein bars, all the time" are going to get old....
Hey Lauren & Jenny!! I am thinking of you guys and praying for you :) I bet those kids love you! I am of course cracking up over the name pronunciations and the food stories. You know I'd be spitting some of that food out - haha.
Hang in there - can't wait to hear more!
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