I was so proud of myself today for pushing through my fear (and gagging reflexes) to experience something new. I wouldn't consider myself a picky eater. But, I do have major issues with some textures like fat, gristle and chewy rubber.
Above are the 3 snakes (about $50 US dollar worth) that the factory boss picked from the cages below.
How nice of him! We were also fortunate enough to be sitting quite close to the cages and I had a perfect view of them cutting the heads off each snake, with scissors, before weighing them.
Snake flesh waiting to go into the pot of boiling snake bones.
If this doesn't look appetizing... UGH! Did I mention that I did run 5.5 miles this morning and I am now starving! Wishing that I had dropped a bar in my bag before leaving this morning.
This is what snake looks like all cooked up.
I ATE it! I ate like 7 pieces! There was NOTHING else to eat! It was a bit chewy with not a lot of taste.
think calamari, think calamari
And lucky us, with 3 snakes comes 3 SNAKE GALL BLADDERS! Supposedly SGB's are good for your eyes and stomach. These are fresh out of the snakes, soaking in some sort of alcohol. The factory boss proceeded to add more alcohol and squeeze the green fluid out of each SGB.
Yep, then he poured us each a mini glass. OH BOY! This is NOT a good lunch!!
The alcohol was so strong I couldn't taste anything else, thankfully. I did pass on the whole SGB when those were being passed around at the end. I had had enough adventure for one lunch!
YUCK!!! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!
Posted by: Jenni Haynes | May 29, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Woah!!! Ok, so maybe I won't be joining you in China. You have earned my utmost respect in the category of "most brave world traveler"
Posted by: Tammy | May 29, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Wow! Don't forget the bar tomorrow just in case!
Posted by: Molly | May 29, 2009 at 05:40 PM
You are one BRAVE soul. There no way jose'! uh eh....NO way I'd do it. That's like stuff you see on what's that t.v. show....Survivor!
I'd be writing a post it note and sticking it on your alarm clock for tomorrow..."DONT FORGET TO PACK A BAR!!!" ;-)
Posted by: BabyLuxDesign | May 29, 2009 at 06:30 PM
WOW! I don't think I could do it ... I like snakes! You must have been hungry ... and brave! I'm enjoying your commentary -- even if you aren't. Way to run!
Posted by: Snap | May 29, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Wow~! I detest snakes, can't imagine eating one....I've had eel which has been the biggest yuck I've ever tasted. I thihk I would have truly hurled though with the SGB.
Posted by: Kate | May 29, 2009 at 09:08 PM
Ohhh Michelllleee!!!!! You're killin me!! You poor thing!! And it's day 4, and you're a starvin' runnin' woman... oh mann.. you need to find a local little store that has tons of CRACKERS and BREAD or NOODLES - stock up on the carbs!!! LOLOLOL
um yah.. the live snakes.. i would have been runnin the other direction...and i fear trying not to insult your hosts... no amount trying would have kept me from losing what little of the snake soup I ate, at the sight of the SGB!!! HUGE KUDOS to you!! xo Bren
Posted by: Brenis Thompson | May 29, 2009 at 09:33 PM
there is no way I could have eaten that!
you are brave!
Posted by: Trish | May 30, 2009 at 12:47 AM
I take my hat off, and bow my head in respect. I think I would have the used allergies as an excuse to avoid the situation, to be honest. The only way I enjoy snakes, is by using their skin as a material...
Posted by: Janne Robberstad | May 30, 2009 at 01:24 AM
OK, so you have to get me that recipe. I have been trying snake in all kinds of forms but that looks like it takes the cake. That would be such a great addition to my weekly family meals. Oh, and that super yummy looking green juice, I have to have that one too.
Posted by: kim | May 30, 2009 at 06:00 AM
ewwww.....you are a brave woman!
Posted by: melanie | May 30, 2009 at 06:25 AM
OK, you have just catapulted yourself into a whole new hero category of mine. I bet they lay awake at night thinking of new lunches for you to try, ha, ha!
Posted by: Teri Leigh | May 30, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Ohhhhhhhh - no way! I think you have given me the key to weight loss. I will just have a bowl of snake soup for dinner every night :)
Posted by: Traci | May 31, 2009 at 05:10 AM
Oiisshh! You're soo brave! I'm not so sure if I could do it :S I'm not a picky eater.. but that??? hmmmm...
Posted by: Valentina | May 31, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Oh my gosh... you are brave! Great photos, it is so interesting to 'be traveling' with you. Thank you for sharing!!
Posted by: Jennifer | June 01, 2009 at 09:35 AM
oh my goodness gracious sakes alive. It was bad when you were showing us the snakes and soup...then the gallbladders and fluid stuff?! Ummm, no. no. no. and no again. Couldn't handle it. Not a chance.
Posted by: julie | June 06, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Wasn't that snake a rubber snake? It looked like the ones I have bought for the boys.
Posted by: Amy Hurt | June 07, 2009 at 05:19 PM
I think you are ready to go on Survivor!!!!
Posted by: Amy Hurt | June 07, 2009 at 05:21 PM
Your lunch would have been my biggest nightmare! I have a horrible snake phobia...you are one gutsy lady Michelle!
Posted by: Anne Leuck Feldhaus | June 11, 2009 at 11:51 AM
That is gross and inhumane. Snake isnt something you eat, they're so unique, interesting, and cute. It would be wayyy better for u to have one as a pet to observe and do research on than eat one. Because of ppl like you the snake population is decreasing rapidly. Save the snakes, dont eat them.
Posted by: Julia | September 08, 2009 at 06:58 PM
ewwwwwwwww
Posted by: 0231245 | July 14, 2010 at 09:31 PM