Hunger Games in Southeast Asia

Admittedly I'm not actually starving on this trip. In fact, I've probably gained a few pounds, unless my clothes have been shrinking every time they come back from the laundry. But it does feel like I'm often staving off hunger between each meal. Yes it's a personal problem but I feel like sharing.

Catheleen mentioned yesterday that I am always talking about food. I think it's true. I usually start off by asking Catheleen whether she wants to go for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Then there's often the need to research restaurants in the area for good ratings, since apparently we can't keep going back to the same restaurant for all our meals. Next we decide when to go and whether everyone wants to go. Then there's the time needed for everyone to get ready. I'm not naming names, but let's just say some people take longer to get ready than others. Then we need to walk there, order, and wait for the meal to arrive. All the while I'm starving, or feel like it anyway.

Well you might suggest I pack snacks at all times, which I try to do. But we're lucky if we're even near a convenience store. Unless I start eating junk food, my snack choices are usually limited to nuts and, if I'm lucky, yogurt. What about going to market or a grocery store? Grocery stores are hard to come by, and we don't usually have kitchenettes where we stay. Say we did have kitchenette, we're not really equipped with the tools or skills to make use of the ingredients on offer at the outdoor markets. Do I really want a live chicken and a bag of rice?

I'll keep packing the snacks and hold out for Australia and New Zealand. Maybe we'll actually be able to go to a grocery store, buy ingredients we recognise, and cook a meal. I would settle for a bowl of cereal frankly with some fresh milk.

Here's that egg coffee I had a few times in Vietnam. Now that was good - tasted something like liquid tiramisu.