Food is more than just survival, it may started out to be that way, but as we progress it becomes part of our identity, part of our culture, it became multi dimensional. I use to see food just as food, the enlightenment came for me, when travel and living channel was putting on Anthony Bourdain's show in the early 2000s, that's when it really strike me to see what's behind the food, I started reading about him, his books and all his shows. He really change how I think about food.
Being human, we are constantly trying to conform to the societal norms and the mass is constantly trying to tell you what it meant to be successful, what's the next big thing that you should be getting. One can always find comfort in food. Food can be honest and plain like a porridge but still heals your soul. It can be a means for healing, or a portal to a new culture.
Being back in Vietnam, it reminds me of what Anthony Bourdain said.. ' It grabs you and doesn't let go. Once you love it, you love it forever.'
Walking on the streets of Vung Tau, I see individual, families, group of friends enjoying a meal on the side of the street, seating on a plastic stool and table, I can't read or speak Vietnamese, but the smell and the sound of the unknown food that are being cooked, and the joy on the face of those people eating it, damn I want some too..
Vietnam I will be back, not for work but as a tourist and I will be doing my homework before I come next. I hope the culture has not gone extinct with the change of pace in the Vietnamese walk of life.
And to Anthony Bourdain, may you rest in peace.
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