Bizarre Foods

So Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern often shows him in countries where Peace Corps serves, which makes those some of my favorite episodes since I tend to think: "I wonder how many PCVs have tried that!"  I really enjoy watching that show, as well as the show Taboo  from National Geographic.  They both are really eye opening for me in that they help me to realize certain things aren't weird or gross, just different from what I am used to which makes me, and most Americans, think: "Eww! That is weird and gross!"  I try my best not to have this reaction so much anymore and actually tend not to.  I think it is because I have grown to become more fascinated with cultural differences, rather than weirded out by them.  Basically, I recommend watching these shows (especially Bizarre Foods) just to see a taste of what you may be getting into.  Call it mental preparation :)

Let it be said though, trying to eat jellied meat or fish and salo (salted (or occasionally raw) unrendered pork fat lard) will be incredibly hard for me to try and eat, but I have committed to myself that I will try pretty much any food that is offered to me while in Ukraine.