Monday, May 17, 2010
Hi There, Little Duckling
I ate Balut yesterday. “Balut is a fertilized duck egg with a nearly-developed embryo inside that is boiled and eaten in the shell” – Wikipedia. Let’s just say I’m glad I never saw a picture of this Filipino delicacy before agreeing to eat it (go ahead, look up a picture!). It was better than I thought it would be…except I don’t think I could eat it again…it’s just hard to think about. I can’t believe it’s really in my stomach… The book I read on culture shock and the Philippines said that if I was offered Balut in the Philippines I should know that I don’t have to try it, but if I did, it would give me an immediate “in” with the Filipinos—true story! The youth from SBCC (Sampaloc Bible Christian Community Church), who cheered me on as I ate, proclaimed me a true Filipino once I finished. They joked that they should set up a competition between all their Covenant College interns to see how soon they would eat Balut upon their arrival in the Philippines (I ate it day 1, so the bar is pretty high :D—but I ate it out of the fear that if I refused it the first day what would make me think that I’d agree to eat it later?). Oh the adventures!
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Jess! OH my oh my, you are going to have an incredible adventure, and i am praying that you learn a lot, and that you are able to open your heart and mind and allow change in yourself. I love reading about your adventures and hey I am on for trying that Balut. props to you for going for it!!! :) well i love you jess! and you are in my prayers!!!
ReplyDeleteThats kinda like my worst nightmare in food form. (I looked up a picture). You are so brave and, coincidentally, my new hero. I love you!
ReplyDeleteJessica! I'm so shocked! After reading the squishing ants thing, it was like a little static fizz, but eating baby ducklings? Oh man! I think I'd be more depressed by the fact that they were baby ducks than the fact that it was going to be such a foreign experience. Keep up the energy, J! Hot weather can be combated with hats, sunscreen, water, and SHADE! :)
ReplyDeleteAngie
WE TOTALLY TALKED ABOUT THAT IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS! Wow! you ARE that class in walking, talking form.
ReplyDeleteHah! Jess, what an awesome little snippet to share. I'm keeping up with your posts and love to read what you're writing. And I'm praying for you, lovely. And I miss you.
ReplyDeleteI too have had the dubious honor of eating a balut. I remember distinctly the crunching of little bones as well as the difficulty of trying to swallow without chewing much. :(
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed. Dr. Vos would be proud. I believe he used that example 4 times this semester.
ReplyDeleteBOSS
ReplyDeleteJess. I can't believe YOU ate it. Congrats. You just jumped right in on day one. Awesome. I'm glad that you got so many cool points with the kids for such an incredible feat.
ReplyDeletePraying for you!
If there were a competition between interns, you would definitely win. I think I only tried balut about halfway through my internship . . . but I did eat it twice . . . and I would totally eat it again.
ReplyDelete