The Struggle of Eating While Abroad

I arrived in Madrid almost two days ago, my new home for the next year. I feel like I’ve already accomplished a lot; I’ve visited some of my favorite spots, navigated the Metro, and even procured an apartment in record time (hallelujah). There is, however, one thing I’m definitely not succeeding at – feeding myself. Why is it so hard to eat while abroad?

Now, my family and friends probably aren’t surprised by this (since in the past few months especially I became increasingly reliant on others to feed me, out of pure laziness for the most part). But let’s put that aside for a minute. I actually realized this during my trip to Asia last year, and to Mexico a few months ago. Feeding yourself while abroad is surprisingly difficult, especially when you’re traveling solo.

As I write this, I’m in a café with a croissant that I don’t really want, and a café con leche that I don’t really need (I already had one this morning). I’m here because a quick Google search told me there was WiFi, and because yesterday I didn’t eat much more than a Kit Kat bar and a small can of Pringles that were gratis in my hotel room. And suddenly I remembered I’d always intended to write about this very topic, but I never did.

So let’s talk about some of those reasons why eating is difficult while traveling abroad, especially alone.

1. Language barrier

*Studies menu* Embudito con cortido? Mollete? If you don’t speak the language of the country you’re visiting, you might have a hard time figuring out what the heck you’re ordering. And even if you do speak the language – or enough of it, like me in Spain – you may not know specific food vocabulary. Last time I was in Spain, there were many times that I ordered something from the menu and had no idea what was going to end up on my plate.

Even in more simple situations, like at a café, I know how to order what I want, but what if the worker asks follow up questions? Am I prepared to answer those, and at the same time give away my status as a Spanish non-native to those around me?

2. Cultural experience

Food, and the rituals associated with it, is a very important part of many cultures. It’s generally a very social affair, from what I can tell. In Spain, friends get together in the evening for tapas and beer. In Sweden, they gather in the afternoon for fika, to drink coffee and have pastries. Being alone makes you feel like everyone is staring at you and wondering why you’re alone.

Also, are you eating the “right” way? In Thailand, I remember how stressed out I felt when I finally worked up the courage to go into a restaurant on my first day. I was starving after walking 10 miles that day and not having eaten anything. I ordered what I considered to be a “safe” food – green curry – but my stress levels rose once again when I realized I didn’t know the proper protocol for eating. Was I supposed to pour the curry over the rice? Dump the rice into the curry? It was a small family-owned establishment, and I was the only one in the restaurant. I didn’t have to imagine that everyone was staring at me – they were.

In a situation like this, it’s sometimes easier to be with a friend. Then, at least if you’re doing things wrong, they’re doing it wrong with you.

3. Too many options

There are restaurants everywhere, street vendors on every corner. I once read about a study in which psychologists gave some participants 3 choices, and other participants were given 20 choices. Those who only had to decide between 3 options reported much higher levels of satisfaction with their choice than those who had to decide between 20 options. When you have so many choices, how can you know you’re making the right one?

Something else that sometimes happens to me as a result of too many food options is that I put off my hunger for “later.” I know I’m surrounded by food, so I assume that I can always get something later if I want it. And when I’m by myself, there’s no one else’s needs I need to attune to. So most of the time in this situation, I just end up forgetting to eat.

I’m trying to be better in Spain, I really am! Hopefully my confidence will keep growing when it comes to #1. 😊

 

Have you ever experienced difficulties with food while traveling? Let me know in the comments!

-Cathy

Originally Published on September 9, 2018.