Call Me a Foodie

Over MEA I went to Orlando and Disney World (a.k.a. the happiest and most magical place on Earth). Despite the tortures of waking up at 3 a.m. to catch our flight and going to bed at 2 a.m. last night, it was one of the best trips I have ever been on and one that I will remember for a very long time (leading and marching in a parade at Magic Kingdom at night heading towards the glowing purple castle = awesome).

The best part by FAR was going to Epcot for a day. The Epcot International Food and Wine Festival conveniently was happening during our stay. Major scores in the pleasing Meredith's taste buds category. There were kiosks set up all over the park serving food from all over the world. Countries from Brazil to Poland, South Africa to South Korea, Belgium to Morocco were all represented by little appetizers worth 3 or so dollars. I was in heaven.

I vowed to eat at or buy things from as many countries as possible in my time there and I believe I succeeded in doing so. Morocco: check. France: check. China: check. Hawaii: check (even though it's not a country). Let me break down for you my culinary adventures of the day:

• Morocco: Couscous with chicken and grilled vegetables (this was a full meal for lunch)
• France: Almond croissant (which I ordered in French, no big deal or anything)
• Germany: Marzipan chocolates and what looks like a chocolate hazelnut wafer sandwich
• Italy: Amaretto and coffee truffles
• Japan: Kiwi gummies
• China: Caramel ginger ice cream
• Mexico: Nachoes and goat's milk candies (those are all for my dad)
• Hawaii: Pulled pork sandwich with pineapple and red pepper chutney

The highlights of my day were by far Morocco, China, and Hawaii. The couscous at Morocco was very good but it seemed amazing because it was the first meal I had in 8 meals that was not fast food. It felt so good to eat good. The ice cream in China was just freaking fantastic. It had actual hunks of caramelized ginger and caramel in it which enhanced the flavor by at least 30%. It was delicious but I couldn't finish it because the ginger started burning my throat. The little plum-sized sandwich I ate in Hawaii was the tastiest thing I had all day. It's pretty self-explanatory but the way the flavors meshed together and the contrast between the tender pork and the harder pineapple was fabulous.

Good thing we walked around the park for 12 hours. Otherwise, I would have gained 5 pounds alone that day.

There's a tidbit for ya.