There are twelve overweight people in Laos. This is an anecdotal study, of course, but I'm pretty sure I counted them all. And it's not that they're obese, it's just that everyone else is so slender they're easy to spot. It seems clear: 1) There is a definite disadvantage to lugging extra weight around in oppressive heat; 2) It's important to be agile and light on your feet if you're going to have to work hard and long to survive, and 3) It's simply not culturally acceptable to carry extra weight. (Po's secretary, upon seeing my picture book from home that Fred prepared for me, said straightforwardly and with no malice, "Oh, you were fat then.")
There are smacks and slurps as Lao folk obviously enjoy their meals, they just eat to live rather than the other way around. Sparingly.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Laotians would be stunned to look at a stadium full of Angel fans. I dare not say more. Hint: there is more than a little fat involved.
ReplyDeleteAnd isn't that the way we should enjoy our meals here too...? That would not be on the food channel.
ReplyDeleteI guess maybe it's what we eat. You probably don't have Frozen Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie there, do you? Boy, do I feel guilty. I just ate a piece and it was decadent and delicious, but it contributes to my slippery slide into American obesity.
ReplyDelete