An Appetite for Adventure

From [09.07.04] Return to the US and 4th of July

After 14 hours aboard various China Eastern flights that were a lot less painful than I had anticipated — with the exception of some epically disgusting “chicken” and noodles — we touched down in our homeland once again. The only mild panic I experienced crept up when we were singled out for agricultural inspection. Normally, this isn’t a problem as I don’t make a habit of traveling with raw meats and fish from far-flung locales. However, as a special treat for some gourmand friends, I smuggled back in quite a number of bags of Sichuan peppercorns, the numbing, metallic-tasting spice native to the central region of China. These tongue-tickling spheres harbor a citrus canker that can threaten US citrus crops, not being native to North America. Therefore, import of the peppercorns is banned unless they have been heated above 160 degrees F. I’m pretty sure the peppers I’m packing are simply dried and not roasted, so I sweat it out as my bags went through the scanner. Luckily, we were either not found out or within import laws and we stepped into the States happy to be home.

We spent the next week in the Los Angeles area with Sean’s family, taking time out to enjoy a massive BBQ dinner in downtown LA with a few friends. By Friday, we were traveling again, this time driving to the Bay Area to visit with friends and family. We had a lovely time seeing friends Reina and Alex along with their new son, Cameron, and spent considerable time eating, laughing and enjoying the company of Brendan and Sunny, soon to be parents. Finally, we were able to see my Uncle Bob and Sean’s Grandpa Frank, who I met for the firs time. Grandpa Frank is a serious sports fisherman, and a 6-foot sailfish gleams down on all visitors to his house. The next week, I relaxed poolside with my own grandfather and great aunt, enjoying the lack of internet and the sunshine.

This is the life.

[09.07.04] Return to the US and 4th of July