Since moving to Asia I've had many a 'chopstick moment' (and probably many times before if the truth be known). These 'moments' are when I fumble awkwardly with my two sticks, discreetly trying to determine whether they're the right way up before gingerly attempting to clasp my rice and other slippery suckers that lurk menacingly in my bowl in the most civilised way possible. (When no one's looking I've been known to stab my chopstick into the food for better leverage.) Naturally my inability has only been highlighted living in a country where the chopstick is a national icon. Invented in China, they're said to reflect the wisdom of ancient Chinese people. You can appreciate, eating at local restaurants (often one of the only Gwailos) is more than enough to feed my chopstick anxiety. Not that I've got a complex or anything, but it's hard to miss the amused looks as waiters circle our table like sharks, stifling their smirks and jabbering away in cantonese (clearly entertained by the white girl's clumsy attempts to get so much as a grain of rice into her mouth). In the beginning I would accept defeat immediately - ditching the sticks and humbly requesting a knife and fork. These days I'm more accepting of the challenge and proud to say, I'm gaining ground on the proverbial stick! … [Read more...]