a curious thing I’ve realized traveling alone in Thailand…eating has become purely utilitarian for me in the Philippines.  most meals I have last approximately 10 minutes.  I eat because I’m hungry, and then I go back to work.  actually, a lot of the time I’m eating while I’m still working.

now I am in a place where delicious food abounds, but I’m still having these 10 minute meals…because there’s no one to share them with.  besides myself, of course.  and while I’ve gotten so much more comfortable in my own company over the past few years (I dreaded going to eat by myself in college - I couldn’t have imagined going on a vacation for a week with only me!), the truth is, I like peope.  I am charged by being with people.  I find myself wanting to talk with strangers because I’m not getting a lot of connections with people these days.  and this feels most present when I’m sitting down to a plate of cashew chicken, or standing on the street at a rotee stand, and there’s no one to even say “isn’t this delicious?” to…

eating can be such a pleasurable experience in and of itself, but for me, the joy of good food is exponentially increased by enjoying it with others…