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We appeased our vegetarian friends last time in bridging the gap, and warned them that things could get a little bloody this time.
Well, we've spared you the bloodshed, but this is definitely a meat-eaters newsletter. So read on with care if you're a bit squeamish about eating things like frogs, guinea pigs, and just about anything else with meat, skin and bones!
From South Africa to Cambodia, we've assembled some meaty stories, including a top 5 list of Carnivorous countries...enjoy!
Red Hunt, Editor,
bridging the gap
(Currently on the road in Bolivia and Brazil!)
Crunchy Cambodia
One of my most memorable meals has to be from a roadside stand on the outskirts of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
It was my last day in the country, after living there for a month, and my good local friend Mao Lada, or "Da", insisted he take me for some real food. I knew it would be something different, as the other authentic Khmer and Cambodian experiences he put me through were anything but "normal" to a westerner.
Luckily, I was not alone on this jaunt, as my friend Sarah had just arrived and was to join me for my farewell dinner. The three of us headed out towards the airport, pulling off the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. As the sun began to set and we enjoyed some fermented palm juice, my local friend couldn't keep the secret any longer...we were going to enjoy a meal of frogs and toad legs!
We sat there on a rickety wooden table as the appetizers arrived. This consisted of a bit of soy-type sauce, and unripe bananas, conveniently sliced up for us, with the green peels still on.
The bananas were as dry as sawdust, and the peels were not the tastiest, so we quickly learned to wash them down with copious amounts of fermented palm juice, which was beginning to have some strange effects. (Apparently it contains around 5% alcohol).
We were anxious for the main course, and soon enough it came. At first we simply stared at these huge, fried, meaty chunks on the table. Da took the lead, picked his up with his hands and began munching away. They were just toad legs after all. So, following his lead, I grabbed mine and ate some toad. It was tasty, and had a bit of flavour to it. My friend Sarah was taking it a bit more gingerly, picking at the meat and pulling off the good pieces. I began to get into it, and when I realized that Da wasn't just eating the meat, but the entire leg, bone and all, I went for it! The ends were no problem, as the crunchy bones crushed easily and added a bit of extra flavour. But when I reached the knee joint, and crunched down, my teeth couldn't take it. It seemed I didn't have what it takes to eat toad knees, so I abandoned my bone crunching ways and picked off the rest of the meat.
Now, as fun as that was, we weren't done yet. My friend Da had ordered an extra surprise for us. Fried frogs were next. But these little guys weren't your typical high-society frog legs. These were about the size of an adult finger, and quite skinny. Plus it wasn't just legs we were eating, it was the whole thing - skulls, spines, legs and all!
Since they were so small and crunchy, the little frogs had very little taste except for a greasy, fried flavour. They were, however, all in strange poses as if they had been fried alive during "mid-leap". We ate plenty of these tasty treats, only skipping a few that had some strange white discolourations near the bottom of their backsides.
With another jug of fermented palm juice to wash the whole frogs down, my final meal in Cambodia came to an end and I was off to the airport.
Next time I head to Cambodia I think I'll skip the toad legs, and go straight for the tasty frogs. Thanks for the good times Da!
Try your own crispy critters in Cambodia on one of these G.A.P Adventures trips:
Essential Cambodia and Vietnam
Cambodia Experience Eastbound
Cambodia Experience Westbound
Indochina Encompassed
G.A.P Top 5: Carnivorous Countries
How do you decide between mouth-watering steaks, meaty ribs or tasty chunks of chicken? For the meat lover, there are a few special occasions where you don't have to choose, you can have it all! Of course fine meats can get pricey, but if you're a traveller, you know some countries can serve up a feast without taking a big bite from your wallet. Here are our favourite Carnivorous countries!
#5 USA - If we were talking about per-capita consumption then the USA would be #1, and if we were talking overall volume of meat consumption, then China would be #1. But, this list factors in quality and variety, and you have to admit that the Americans know how to offer up some big feasts. From the frequent BBQ cook offs and tail gate parties to the plentiful all-u-can-eat buffets, meat is everywhere! But if you want some quality meats, there are plenty of upscale steakhouse chains and restaurants that serve up delicious dishes.
#4 South Africa - Most African nations consume little meat, but South Africa is the land of biltong (dried meat, similar to jerky) and boerewors (a special type of sausage). These alone don't put South Africa on the list, but when you add in unique options like Ostrich and other African game meats, it can be a carnivore's dream. The famous "Carnivore" restaurant from Nairobi can also be found in Johannesburg, South Africa, serving up everything from Zebra and Giraffe to Crocodile and Impala.
#3 Brazil - One of the fastest growing countries by meat consumption, Brazil makes the list largely because of the churrasqueira. Influenced by the Portuguese, the Brazilian style of churrasqueira involves numerous varieties of meat being cooked on skewers over a fire. A typical way to serve the meat is called Rodizio, where waiters will go around and slide chunks of meat off the skewers and onto your plate until you can't eat anymore.
#2 Germany - A European selection to the list is not easy, as many countries have their specialities, but "beer and bratwurst" is synonymous with Germany. In actuality, there are well over 1000 German sausage varieties! Hearty servings are the norm for the Germans, where you'll find it difficult to walk away from any meal still hungry.
#1 Argentina - Number one on the list. Argentina offers up some of the best beef anywhere in the world. The fact that you can eat the best steak ever for a ridiculously low price is what makes Argentina special. Per capita consumption of beef is higher in Buenos Aires than anywhere else in Latin America. Add in some chorizo sausage and you're in meat heaven. For those that work up an appetite hiking around in Patagonia, beef is everywhere, but so is lamb! For only a handful of dollars you can enjoy as much lamb, beef and other meats as you want, just look for a parrilla sign at any town in Argentina, and your carnivorous dreams will come true.
Where in the World?
Who was the big winner from our last newsletter? Congratulations go to Mary Machnacky from Guelph, Ontario, who was drawn randomly from all the correct entries!
You knew both images from our last newsletter and correctly guessed our first image was from Ethiopia and our second image was from the Sacred Valley, Peru!
Try this issue's "Where in the World" for a chance to win a cool FlareSafe Personal Safety Device that consists of a combination smoke detector, distress alarm and LED torch, plus a G.A.P discount voucher. Just guess where these images were taken! Don't forget to include your mailing address along with your submission, or you won't get your prizes!
Last Minute Departures - 20% off
This promotion is valid for new bookings only, and is not valid in conjunction
with any other offer. To qualify for the discount, please quote
Promo #LM070216. Valid until March 2, 2006. Bookings must be made online at www.gapadventures.com or through your travel agent. A listing of preferred travel agents can be found on our website.
South America
Highlights of Peru Mar 5 to Mar 29
Inca Empire (La Paz - Lima) Mar 2 to Mar 16
Southern Highlights (Rio - Buenos Aires) Mar 24 to Mar 31
Inland and Amazon Mar 24 to Apr 8
Central America
Panama Experience (San Jose - Panama City) Mar 13 to Mar 27
Asia
Northern Thailand Discovery Mar 3 to Mar 11 or Mar 24 to Apr 1
Bangkok to Hanoi Adventure Mar 12 to Mar 25
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