Not all it's cracked up to be

OK.  Y'all are not helping me out here.  When I mentioned Balut last post, I thought I would spare you a picture (figured some knew what it was, others would Google it).  So, for the sake of transparency and those who are really twisted, I've posted a generic shot of a Balut off the net.  Yes, it is that kind of egg.  

In my younger, wilder days, when I was more adventurous and less worried about tomorrow (and, yes, stupid), I might have jumped all over this chance.  Especially on a dare or if there was some sort of contest involved.  Nowadays, I really don't have any burning desire to sample this gastrointestinal treat, even if it is considered by some to be an aphrodisiac and and a high protein, hearty snack.  But, seeing how this is my first and only trip to this region and I am a bit of an explorer (when in Rome), I may have to check it out, just because.  

The wife thinks that is some really sick stuff, but is it?  Looking back, compared to some of the exotic things I have partaken of over the years, this may be just another one to mark off the list.  So far, in my short 55 years on this rock, I've had the pleasure of tasting:

• Caviar
• Frog legs
• Alligator
• Beef tongue
• Cabrito
• Menudo
• Rattlesnake
• Milk Bone
• Foie Gras
• Mud bugs/crawfish/crawdads
• Sushi (different varieties)
• Alaskan King crab
• Maine Lobster
• Raw Oysters (not a fan)
• Calamari
• Rocky Mountain Oysters 
• Sticklefish (Germany)

Trust me.  Some of these you only need to sample once to get the gist of it.  And several were consumed under duress.  Of course, if I were to partake of such a delicacy, I am quite sure a fair amount of alcohol will be required.  

And, No, no videos.  After all, this is a PG-13 show.

What's the most exotic/interesting thing you've ever eaten?  

You are what you eat

Or so I am told.  We try to watch what we eat during the week.  During the week, our normal meals are pretty bland, uninspired.  With junior off living in Austin and the wife helping with her parents pretty much full time, we don't get to sit down and break bread every night.  Usually it's just me and the dogs to fend for ourselves and they're pretty easy to please.  I cook up some meals during the week but it depends on how the day goes and how late I get in.    On the weekend, we will sometimes let our hair down and get something from several of our local favorites.  I tend to prefer Chinese, but momma likes Mexican.  I thought I would share with you some of our conquests of late:  

Chicken Quesadillas from our favorite local Mexican dive

Some really good Mexican fajitas

Pulled pork from last weekend

Fish tacos from last month's road trip to CA

Whenever I get out on the road, I try to sample the local fare.  Of course, that goes for the beer as well.  We prefer to try local restaurants over the chains, if possible.  Lord knows I've had more than enough meals from an airport eatery.  I've had some interesting meals from different places  (England, Brussels, Germany, Mexico, Maine, California, Minnesota, to name a few).  This upcoming trip to the other side of the world should prove interesting as well.  The guy who did the last audit in Manila three years ago told me that the sponsor company will take you out to eat at a restaurant to dine on the typical local specialties.  I have been brushing up the typical Philippine cuisine and there are a few unique dishes.  Most seem rather exotic, but the one I am not too sure about is Balut, (duck egg) even if it is, as I am told, a delicacy.  I'll let you know if it crosses my path while I am over there.     

The one other good thing about long flights is that I can cross off several of my movie choices in one sitting.  Last year when I flew to Europe twice, I knocked several off my Netflix queue.  This last trip to Maine, I got to view The Avengers (thumbs up) and Drive (Meh).  I hope to knock off a few more.  I find that watching the movie on the plane in lieu of the DVD helps to avoid some of the lamer movies.  

Still working back end plans for the vacation but I am pretty confident that Balut will NOT be on the menu.