A Fish for Dinner on Valentine's Day

Thursday was Valentine's day.  I received a gold and jade dragon necklace, and gave Vicky a necklace and ring with hearts and diamonds.

Late in the morning we started out to Mango's other house which is about 15km from the city center.  

Now, for this next part, you should know that I was feeling a bit queasy before we started out... 

We arrived at Mango & Fei's other home which is a type of homesteading property.  They had to qualify and apply to the government and then entered a lottery.  They ended up winning a home at low cost.  It was a wonderful space on the top floor of their building with several bedrooms, a nice kitchen and a wonderful view from their balcony.

From there we went out for a fish dinner.  That didn't sound too bad to me, but... well... it turned out a fish was dinner (for all of us).  We sat around a table with this big heater in the center and after a bit of time, a waiter brought out this huge platter with a 2 to 3 foot long fish that was split in half and set among vegetables.  Head, eyes, fins and all.  

Vicky promptly stabbed it with chopsticks and pulled out a hunk of fish for me.  I've seen her family pick at a fish before so it wasn't too bad.  I was seated between Damin and Vicky with Fei right next to her.  I was aware of a bit of competition over some sort of white blob, and later learned that it was the fish's stomach and was considered a choice part.  Vicky evidently won and I got to watch my beloved chomp down a fish stomach right before my eyes.

Did I tell you I was feeling queasy?  Well surely the worst was over...

Maybe not... I saw Fei stand up and start digging around the head and suddenly come up with the fish's brain.  That went to the guest of honor and THANK GOD that was Vicky's father who was the ranking person at the feast.  

Did I tell you I was feeling queasy?  Well surely the worst was over...

Maybe not... I then watched Fei as he started digging around the carcass and suddenly placed the largest remaining part of the fish in his bowl and STARTED CHOMPING ON THE SPINE!  (I was fast enough with the camera for that one.).

Did I tell you I was feeling queasy?  Well now surely the worst was over...

And it was.  We finished shortly afterward... said our goodbyes and returned to Agile Gardens to begin packing.

Did I tell you they sell Hershey bars in China?