Meal by meal, spice by spice, sip by sip, nothing is so satisfying as exploring a country through your taste buds.
From the exotic spice markets of the Middle East and Asia to the bustling cafes of Paris, sampling the authentic regional cuisine brings you closer to the cultures of people around the world in a way that only food can.
Memorable experiences begin with the breaking of bread – and what an array of breads there are on this planet. Almost every country lays claim to a bread they call their own.
Who hasn’t sunk their teeth into a crisp baguette, a chewy pretzel, or a warm pita and found their mind soaring across the sea to a destination where you first savoured it. A corner bakery, a bazaar, a market stall perhaps.
As I’ve crisscrossed Europe and the Middle East, one of the most satisfying ways to experience a country has been through its foods. Sensual and satisfying, food has a way of delighting the palate as it fills the hungry stomach.
The communal nature of food turns enemies into friends. Some cultures have made food their peace offering. It is believed by many cultures that you cannot break bread with someone and stay their enemy. There’s something about the sharing of sustenance that crosses great divides.
Tour companies have discovered that food fosters friendship, and so you will often find culinary experiences built into the trip’s itinerary. Along with home-hosted meals, interactive cooking classes with regional top-flight chefs, and unique dining experiences off the beaten path in extraordinary surroundings like the side of a volcano – each mouthful is a delight to the soul. Not only is it satisfying in the moment, but the memory stays with you for a lifetime.
Those who are passionate about their food, and about sharing it with friend, family and even enemies, bring a savoury truce to a world that longs for better things. When words fall short, as they often do, food can flavour our perception of others and pave the way to peace in a way nothing else can.
May your journeys through this world be blessed with great food experiences. And may all your enemies become friends – as you taste your way across our beautiful and bountiful planet.
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