Something stinky this way comes!

One great experience we had was eating with a local family.  After dinner we went to someone's house where they broke out a fruit that is a favorite in SE Asia.  It's called durian and it has a very distinct aroma.  Only once had Craig come close to trying it (an ice cream sample) but this night there was no getting around it.  Its actually so strong its not allowed in our hotel at all.

The word "enjoyment" just can't convey it!  Its actually not so bad if you can get it in your mouth quick enough.  The stuff smells like a person sauteed garlic and onions ... then put it in a garbage can.  Out in the sun.  For a month.  Check out Uncle's eyes.  He is TOTALLY digging it. "MMMMMMmmmmmmMMMMMmmmm, now THAT is good!"

Caleb even tried it!

The hardest sell, though, was Angie. We ALMOST had to resort to the "Eat it! Eat it! Eat it!" chant.  But in the end cultural expectations won out and she shoved it in and got it down! YEAH!!  Notice Hudson's reaction to his proximity.  Like his Daddy his face rarely hides his feelings.

Our friend said the problem for most people was the fruit's texture.  Angie disagreed.  She said it was the taste and the smell that made it so bad.  What a trooper.  Some other shots of the evening:

Incredibly awesome folks who know a lot more about hospitality than we do, (they couldn't believe we were staying at a hotel and not with them).  Man what a great opportunity we are having to do stuff we never dreamed of doing!