It’s nine at night and I am about to edit a paper that’s due tomorrow (I think…the time change is still hard to figure out). My mom and I just got back from a dinner cruise on the Pearl River around Guangzhou. My dad has felt better as the day has gone on (or as the night has gone on for you guys), so we left Katie with him for the evening. I fail to understand how such horrible food could be severed on such a lovely boat in such a beautiful city!
We, 13 families in all, drove to the dock in stop-and-go traffic. After waiting by the “VIP” lounge, complete with lace, slip-covered iron chairs and paper cups of water, we boarded our neon-encrusted dinner cruiser. We were served coke or orange fanta in small cups and then we waited. For awhile. Until Erin Becker noticed that there was a stampede at the buffet. Apparently, we silly Americans had missed the food call.
Having been in China for 2 weeks, I have learned to stay away from crowds. Not because of pick-pockets or bad B.O (Africa’s problems) but because you will literally be trampled to death by impatient people. A travel guide had warned us that “Chinese don’t do ques or lines” but we were not prepared. There is NO such thing as a line, or waiting your turn, or being polite. On planes people even push past you in the aisle. This being said, mom and I waited to get in “line” until I glimpsed a tiny hole beside a guy in our group. He graciously let us in front of him. We waited at this corner of the buffet for about 5 minutes because, well you know why.
Here’s what the food was; I think- there weren’t signs. A deep-fried sardine thing. It looked like battered little fish. Raw, completely whole shrimp. Several dishes of unidentified brown meat, kind of slimy. Rice and noodles, which were not bad and all that I ate. Fish balls and chicken balls, use your imagination. Ice Cream. Water melon which we can’t eat b/c of GI risks. Little cakes with Crisco topping (not like normal icing, like pure Crisco with sprinkles). And that’s about it.
Needless to say, I have had better food. To be honest though, this was the first bad meal I have had here. All the other restaurants have been truly delicious. Mom remarked, “Yeah, the dinner cruise got way better after the dinner.” Everyone agreed. The view from the top deck was well worth the money, though. There was a slight drizzle of rain, but that just cooled down the weather, so I enjoyed it. The lights on the water were gorgeous, and the skyscrapers were tremendous. Salsa and then piano music set a great tone. I’m sure Sam would have told me it was very romantic- a boat at night, with twinkling lights, in the middle of a beautiful, ancient Chinese river J. (He’s gonna kill me for saying that!)
Despite the food, we had a great time. Being in a city at night gave me the travel bug; good timing I guess since we are leaving so soon! Anyway, I’m sipping a nice, hot Starbucks, so bad food memories are fading. Pics to follow! Hopefully….
Great posting Sarah! Way to step up to the plate. I hope your dad is feeling better. Those GI bugs can be rough! I'm glad a Starbucks was nearby, always helps to have something of home.
Love you all and can't wait to see you again..
Posted by: Jon B | September 28, 2009 at 04:24 PM
That sounds like a "fun" experience! Unfortunately bad fod is served in many great tourist spots so you must be aware at all times, I am glad to hear you enjoyed the ride though! Some times it is so much more important then what you eat- they say we eat with our eyes hehe
Posted by: Cruise deals | November 29, 2009 at 07:56 AM