Why I Love Food

          I think everyone on this trip has witnessed my capacity to eat. I weigh a good 70 pounds less than Benjamin and I still eat more than him. It's not that I'm a never-ending pit that is using food as a comfort or necessity. I actually really truly enjoy food and eating for its own sake. As Plato would say I love it for what it is and not the benefits and pleasure it gives me.

           What is neat about being in another country is experiencing the cuisine; the different spices, the cooking techniques, the serving styles, and the presentation. By tasting what each country has to offer, you are gaining valuable insight into their culture and lifestyle. 

           In Turkey, I noticed that we were always served in a family style, where several plates are placed on the table for everyone to share communal. This demonstrates the fellowship they share with one another. As I have mentioned before, the Turks are very hospitable and helpful to not only to the native people but to tourists. They find great pleasure in having tourist enjoy the land and everything it has to offer. Sharing food is just another way of extending their hospitality. The sentiment, "what is mine is yours," is very prevalent in Turkish traditions. 

           In Greece, food is generally served individually but the dishes are much heavier than the Turkish food. It contains more carbohydrates like rice, pastas, and pita. A typical dish I would have could contain both potatoes and rice in addition to a large portion of meat. This differs from the Turkish meals that were lighter like small kofte (meatballs), fish, kebabs, and vegetables. The meat served was always in such a small portion to the entire meal. My hypothesis about the Greek cuisine and its more filling dishes (often 3 filling dishes in one sitting) is because the Greeks like many Europeans utilize meal time as leisure time. They take their time and go through each course slowly because they want to enjoy each other's company and the food they are eating.

           This can be contrasted to the American view of eating as necessity and almost a burden. Where can we get the quickest meal? Why is the service so slow? Are common American sentiments towards to restaurant industry. In Europe, eating is a pleasure and a type of social hour. In Thessaloniki, we ran into three to four times more coffee shops than fast food restaurants. That is because gathering for a meal or drink with friends and family is enjoyable. Every dish is savored and every piece of conversation is amusing. 

           For both cultures and in others, gathering at the table is a time for bonding and unity. The Last Supper is a iconic Christian symbol of fellowship. Asian tradition and even the Turks gather for tea frequently. In ancient Greek cultures, showing hospitality would require a great feast and discussion about their journey and history. All these have a common theme of friendship being developed and enhanced by the dining table. 

           Something about sharing a meal and taking the time to sit and converse with each other is lost in American culture. We never take the time to really enjoy each other's company and what food has to offer. True camaraderie is lost and is replaced by superficial relationships through social networks and technology. Why can't we just sit down with one another and talk.