On the Value of Breaking Routines

Routine: we're all guilty of it. It serves it purpose, to be sure, but it also has a sinister side, for routines can often lead to ruts. That's one of the great things about travel--it gets you out of your routine and into a whole world of new experiences. Of course culinary experiences are high on that list. How much fun is it to eat something you've never eaten in a place you've never been? Lots of fun!

Even when traveling (or living abroad, in the case of expats), however, it's easy to fall into routines and opt for familiarity over expanding horizons. This list of "5 Dishes Every Expat Over-Orders" from City Weekend Shanghai is a good reminder that there is a lot out there beyond the comforts of...well, comfort food. Read it for fun or to remember the value of breaking routine. Full disclosure: when I lived in China, the only one of these I was guilty of over-ordering was the 西红柿炒鸡蛋 (stir-fried tomato and egg). What can I say? It was (and is) reliably delicious.

Mmmmmmmmmm.....