We are winding up the trip to China, a few more days to go. It seems like a long long time ago that we were in Hong Kong on a boat to an island for a lunch.  I have had many things to eat,  and I have heard many others comments on the food that we have eaten on this trip.  I have learned something new every day.  

The most important thing is that I have gained a new point of reference on many things in regards to Chinese food.  I think I understand "why" more than ever before on chinese cooking. I came to eat things that we already have in Hawaii to compare to the real deal,  and also to discover some new things.  

Chinese food is not just Chinese food , it is still about the region you are in, the ingredients you have to cook with, and why you have to cook the way you do in China and its different parts.  I feel like I have just scratched the surface here.  I have had some "contemporary" Chinese food, some successful, some not so successful.  If I were to take a page from what I learned on the Mediteranean cruise, it is that there is no such thing as bad food, just badly made food.  If one was to respect the food and the culture of the people from a certain place,  and they put their heart into what they are doing,  then it doesnt matter whether you like it or not,  you can still learn from it.  We have Chinese food in Hawaii, a lot of it is geared for the local palate there, and that's what we are used to because we grew up with it.  It is different here.

The second most important thing if not the most important thing, are the memories created and the friendships made.  On a cruise, in a group,  thats what happens, you meet a lot of people and spend time with them.  You share moments together, laugh together, eat together.  I am so fortunate to be able to do this.  I wish that more of our staff could experience this.