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I have discovered that as humans, what binds us together is more than what separates us - food is one of such binding elements, whether we agree to it or not. Those that travel often will attest to the fact that food is a universal language. It is impossible not to see a food item that is common to all, though the preparation or presentation may greatly differ from region to region.
I was in Bangkok, Thailand in April of this year for the 11th United Nations Crime Congress, where I had the opportunity to have a first-hand experience of Thai cuisine. Usually, I sometimes have phobias for travels that last longer than two weeks because I know I may not be able to get the kind of food I would like to eat and that usually makes me nostalgic after a week.
Rice is the second most common stable food in Nigeria (bread ranks first) and it is one of my favourites. Knowing that most of the rice grains we import to Nigeria are from Thailand, I had already settled my mind to eating rice, should I have problems with the available food.
Since the congress was of an international nature, the organisers tried all they could to provide as much varieties as possible to meet the varying needs of delegates. A ‘food court’ was provided by the organisers at the Queen Silikit Conference Centre, venue for the Congress. Visiting the food court almost everyday of the Congress, made me appreciate Thai cuisine even more. The layout was superb with several kinds of foods (including Halal) available for the UN delegates from all the continents. One thing that astonished me that I could not resist was the ways these foods were presented – they were very appealing to the eyes and definitely mouth-watering!
After visiting the first food kiosk on the first day I was so curious at what next I would see, that I took time to walk around all the other kiosks available at the food court. My curiosity paid off for something nice when I went to the kiosk for fruits. I saw some displayed fruits on display and actually thought they were artificial, I was shocked when the chef told me that they were hand-crafted. He then took me to a point where another chef was working on a similar fruit - I was more amazed at the expertise at which ordinary fruits were crafted for display purposes – I could not believe that the same water melon and pawpaw (papaya) that I eat ordinarily can be translated to a work of art. The Thai chef gave me the opportunity to take pictures of the fruits and also try my hands on designing the fruit he was crafting - I really loved the experience.
Food is definitely a universal language. While attending another special event – a dinner hosted by Thai’s Navy for delegates to the Congress, I was shocked to see ‘Zobo’ (a popular locally made drink in Nigeria) as one of the special drinks provided. It was prepared the same way and had the exact taste with the one I am used to back home – I did not waste time to fill my glass with ice and help myself to a full cup. That particular event was used to showcase as many things that are typical of Thailand e.g. food, culture etc. and I really saw many items that bind Nigeria and Thailand together.
Of all the foreign countries I have visited in recent times, Thailand gave me the most choice of food to pick from. Considering the fact that I like rice a lot – a typical food in Thailand, I did not miss my home food too much. There were lots of spices and chillies which are essential elements in my food preparation in Nigeria and that made the meals more appealing to me.
Another aspect that I noted is the culture of greeting by the Thai Ladies that attended to us at the lounge in Windsor Suites Hotel, Shukumvit – they practically knelt down (on both knees) to take our orders and they served the drinks the same way. In Nigeria that is typical of my Tribe – the Yoruba’s, who are from the South-western part of the country. We usually courtesy or kneel down to greet our elders – it is a show of respect and strictly adhered to.
The visit made me realise that we have lots in common; it will only take us to discover it. Had I not been to Bangkok, I would not have known all the things I discovered during my stay.
If only we can make conscious efforts to look at our similarities rather than our differences – this world will definitely be a better place to stay.
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Writer Profile
'Yemisi
Hello there! I'm Yemisi, a Nigerian female with a passion for developmental initiatives.
I love writing because it's a way of adding value to other people's lives, i.e. sharing. We all are who we are today just because sometime in our lives we had opportunities to read what someone else had written.
I like advocating for the voiceless, especially the less-privileged ones. I love programs that focus on children, teens, youths and women. I also believe that we all can live lives worthy of emulation (by generations yet unborn) if we contribute positively - by putting in our best in whatever we are involved in.
My first degree is in Economics and I also have a Masters in Humanitarian & Refugee Studies. I'm currently in University of Jyväskylä, Finland studying for a Masters in Development and International Cooperation.
I'm interested in issues relating to children, youth and women empowerment, especially in developing countries like Nigeria.
I have authored 3 books titled - "Child Development: Whose Role", "Let's Help Nigeria", and "Charisma and Character".
I am a facilitator, trainer, business advisor/consultant and a motivational speaker. My goal is to contribute to socio-political and economic development through skills transfer, knowledge sharing, networking and policy advocacy.
Thanks to TIG for giving me a unique platform to share with and meet new friends!
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Comments
The mexican food ! FReddy W. | Jul 22nd, 2005
Es cierto que al viajar uno al poco tiempo uno pueda extrañar la comidad de casa en verdad... pero se tiene el miedo a tratar de comer otros tipos de comida en otro pais,... en mi caso en las veces que viajo pregunto por la comida traidional y pruebo de todo, al menos aun no me he enfermado y me he tr aido algunas recetas a casa para hacerlas, lo que mas extrañe de mi viaje a chile, fueron las tortillas de maiz, cualquier mexicano que vaya al extranjero siempre llevara en su equipaje sus tortillas y salsa!
The mexican food ! FReddy W. | Jul 22nd, 2005
is true that so travel, al some time, i can strange the house food. but is scary proof other type of foods and snacks.
i when travel , ask to people over ther typical foods and snacks, and eating all. ! so i never disaaser and sick me. i have got very make forms that foods. for me, in travel for chile , strage the tortillas and chillis!!!!
ever mexican, can do let your tortillas!!!
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