Bears and Belgian Waffles...

By Katrina McIsaac
July 27 2008

Setting out to China and being a vegetarian, I knew that the food in Beijing might be a bit daunting, but I was more than ready to take that challenge. Little did I know I would be confronted with more than noodles and vegetables. The perpetrators you may ask??? Bears... and waffles.

Yes, you're right, I said I don't eat meat, but I can't resist anything shaped like a bear while I'm here. Why, I can't explain. We're talking panda, koala, teddy, I've had them all so far, and I can just sum it all up to great marketing. I spent 20RMB on a cookie shaped like a rather shapely bear in a bikini. Luckily, it was delicious, and made for a nice photo op.

The unexpected seems to be the biggest draw for me here, and the appeal of a Belgian waffle at a little place in a strip mall is obviously too much for me to handle. I think the most disorienting experience here for me so far hasn't been the infamous culture shock, the confusion in trying to navigate in a cab, or attempting to wash laundry in that evil little robot machine down the hall. The moment came after my first day at the National Stadium.

After work, we all headed out to a place called Saddle Cantina for dinner, as it was Taco Tuesday (a great deal). When the food finally came I couldn't comprehend I was in downtown Beijing, I was surrounded by cheese, margaritas, Latin music and it all hit me as very funny for some reason. I guess I understand more now how it must be to be from here and to head to America and experience their view of what your  food and culture is really like. It was just plain odd. But I will admit something about hearing the wait staff at a Mexican cantina converse with me in Mandarin was more than delightful after a long day at work.

So far, I think the amusing side to the food is what has been my saving grace. If I really got all worked up about it, I would end up eating nothing and be miserable. But now I'm clearly on the lookout for a polar bear-shaped treat of some sorts. Thank you, China and thank you, marketing.