Food for thought - Tibet Part 3
When is it too much of a cultural shock?
Eversince young, both in school and by various teachers or adults, we were drilled never to be those UGLY tourists who sneer and compare Singapore with every 'zu si ma ji' when abroad. Taboo is to mention even fast foods lest you be labelled 'Useless City Brat'. But when is the discomfort too great to bear, comparison too large to swallow that you have to voice out a suggestion or comment?
Every country, town and village is unique. Every culture different. Should one try to improve or enhance one another? Is this the inevitable part of evolution? That we all ultimately become the same?
Why do we travel?
To marvel at the wonders of the world, to experience and learn of different cultures and beliefs. But how can we do so and immerse ourselves in something different when we always demand or expect the same comforts and tastes?
Foods & flavours, fashion & clothes, housing & transport, lifestyles and behaviour...
ALL DIFFERENT.
Hundreds, thousands, millions of countries, cities and towns -- all unique.
Should i insist on bringing my favourite tinned meat so that every restaurant along my trip adds it to my meal? Sure, if it only affects me and i know i'm a finicky eater. But i should not demand my tourguide to get KFC or Mac for me 'cos i hate the local cuisine which is ok for the majority. That's what a spoilt city brat would do and what does the spoilt city brat get in response -- a good telling off. However, it's a different story when it comes to adults. This behaviour is not only accepted but accomodated and promoted.
So where do we draw the line? What is considered acceptable and what's not?
Comfort and palatability of food sits on the "See", to be balanced by an acceptance of a different culture and taste on "Saw".
When in Rome, do as the Romans.
I still believe that unless you're in dire straits and the food's poisoning you, you should keep your egg fried rice and fries for the time when you're back home to relish. If you've made the journey across oceans and mountains to experience a different culture, the least you can do is to show it some respect and make do with what's given. If you want everything the same as you're used to -- STAY HOME.
If you dun like the food, please buy your own food later. Do not pester the kitchen to cook your tinned meat. It is impolite. If you visit a poorer country, do not expect the facilities to be as fanciful or advanced. The people have a hard enuff life as it is. Be thankful you're only a tourist and accept what they can offer. Basic human courtesy and hospitality is all one should expect from any trip. The rest is a bonus.
Eversince young, both in school and by various teachers or adults, we were drilled never to be those UGLY tourists who sneer and compare Singapore with every 'zu si ma ji' when abroad. Taboo is to mention even fast foods lest you be labelled 'Useless City Brat'. But when is the discomfort too great to bear, comparison too large to swallow that you have to voice out a suggestion or comment?
Every country, town and village is unique. Every culture different. Should one try to improve or enhance one another? Is this the inevitable part of evolution? That we all ultimately become the same?
Why do we travel?
To marvel at the wonders of the world, to experience and learn of different cultures and beliefs. But how can we do so and immerse ourselves in something different when we always demand or expect the same comforts and tastes?
Foods & flavours, fashion & clothes, housing & transport, lifestyles and behaviour...
ALL DIFFERENT.
Hundreds, thousands, millions of countries, cities and towns -- all unique.
Should i insist on bringing my favourite tinned meat so that every restaurant along my trip adds it to my meal? Sure, if it only affects me and i know i'm a finicky eater. But i should not demand my tourguide to get KFC or Mac for me 'cos i hate the local cuisine which is ok for the majority. That's what a spoilt city brat would do and what does the spoilt city brat get in response -- a good telling off. However, it's a different story when it comes to adults. This behaviour is not only accepted but accomodated and promoted.
So where do we draw the line? What is considered acceptable and what's not?
Comfort and palatability of food sits on the "See", to be balanced by an acceptance of a different culture and taste on "Saw".
When in Rome, do as the Romans.
I still believe that unless you're in dire straits and the food's poisoning you, you should keep your egg fried rice and fries for the time when you're back home to relish. If you've made the journey across oceans and mountains to experience a different culture, the least you can do is to show it some respect and make do with what's given. If you want everything the same as you're used to -- STAY HOME.
If you dun like the food, please buy your own food later. Do not pester the kitchen to cook your tinned meat. It is impolite. If you visit a poorer country, do not expect the facilities to be as fanciful or advanced. The people have a hard enuff life as it is. Be thankful you're only a tourist and accept what they can offer. Basic human courtesy and hospitality is all one should expect from any trip. The rest is a bonus.
posted by milknpowder | 12:07 PM
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