Tonight was the first time in eleven days that I heard my mom’s cheery voice. My sister, my sister’s partner and my mamma had just landed off marathon flight back from China and I couldn’t wait to hear all about the trip. My dad called from his cell phone, said “here she is!” and passed off the phone to my mom.
“Hi Merv (my nickname in the family)! I can’t wait to tell you all about the food. Susan took a lot of photos so you’ll be able to look at them online. I took photos of the food too, but it was with a regular camera so hard copies wouldn’t be good for you.
We had a great time! I can see why you love the markets so much when you travel. We had so many interesting things to try, but I’m not sure everyone in our group enjoyed it so much. Our tour guide said that other visitors on the trip usually mark on their surveys at the end of the trip “Why do we have to always eat Chinese food?” and “Why does everyone speak Chinese.” (Side note: I laughed at that “dumb American” perspective, but then again, it totally sounded like something I would write as a joke!)
She told me a bit more about the food, the trip and the flight and she was off to bed. This morning I got an email from my mom to all of the kids in the family that I am very excited about. Check it out.
Hello, All!
We’re safely home – and ready to tell you more about China than you ever wanted to know! From our preliminary conversations, it sounds like everybody might be available to get together this weekend?
We’ll get Chinese take-out, show you pictures and tell you stories until your eyes glaze over. There will be souvenirs for all, and genuine Chinese chopsticks, and jasmine tea flowers which open when you pour hot water over them.
Let us know whether you’re available on Sunday.
Love you all!
Mom
The Final Dish: I cannot wait to get a taste of China from my mom. I’m hoping she ate some really mouse-ear, chicken-foot, rat-tail sort of things and has photos to prove it!
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