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Class of 2016
My experience during this trip to China has been slightly different from the other scholars. Experiencing the local cuisine is certainly an important aspect of traveling, and especially interesting in China, a place so vastly different from the United States. Unfortunately, I am severely allergic to peanuts, not a debilitating affliction by any means, only inconvenient at worst in the United States; however, the limitations are actually quite frustrating and terrifying when facing a foreign cuisine.
Navigating the local food has been difficult in some situations. When I arrived, I was petrified to try anything from traditional Chinese restaurants, due to the frequent use of peanuts and peanut oil. I quickly discovered that refusing to eat was not sustainable and meals were somewhat awkward watching everyone eat. I soon discovered that the white steamed rice served with almost every meal was a safe choice. Sadly, man cannot live on rice alone. For nourishment I have resorted to fast food. I am very fortunate that Yum! Brands and McDonalds have spread globally, otherwise I would probably not have enough energy to get through the day. I have never eaten as many Big Macs and fried chicken as I have in the past several weeks, and I may never eat them again after this trip.
On a few occasions, with the help of the translation skills of the student guides, I have been able to try authentic Chinese cuisine. It’s quite an adrenaline rush waiting for about one minute after a small bite of each new dish, trusting that nothing was lost in translation and hoping not to react. I tend to limit the number of different dishes that I try at each meal to decrease the probability of any problem but I am thrilled that I have had the opportunity to try at least some local food.
Over the past three years, there has developed a line-up for stabbing me with my epi-pen in the event that it would be needed. First, Chloe – probably because she was the most excited about the opportunity to stab me (and hopefully would prefer that I not perish at the hands of a peanut). Second, Connor – because he would probably have some clue as to what to do. Philip and Victoria are both competing for the third position which is by far the most disputed position in the line-up. Both are the late-comers to this game otherwise they could have contended for the top two spots. A rematch of the 2015 SGA presidential elections in a fight over an epi-pen would lend some humor to an otherwise unfortunate situation. If anything were to happen I would certainly not want for people eagerly waiting to help.
Travis Wilson, of Burlington, Ky., is a senior McConnell Scholar majoring in history and economics.