No hamburgers, no hot dogs. Just summer fun.

I was reminded twice this last weekend that one of the remaining defining characteristics of a culture is its food. My company hosted a large (2000 people) summer party last Friday, and the next day I went to a co-worker's "little lake place" south of Berlin for a barbecue and basic summer frolicking, including kayaks.

I had a ton of fun at both. Who knew that one of my team members is a seriously kick ass acoustic bass player, R&B style??? Or that another co-workers dog could destroy a frisbee (which I bought that day just in case someone else wanted to do something frolicky that I can actually do) in one bite?

Back on topic, I also ate a lot of sausage, chicken, and pasta/potato salad. But at both archetypical summer events, there wasn't a single burger, hot dog or potato chip to be found.(There was cotton candy at the company party...Counterbalanced by a long line for fried mushrooms. And the sausage at Marco's was much better than an Oscar Meyer. Bracing myself for odd search requests.) On the other hand, Marco's dad made an incredibly lekker stew over an open fire.

Which got me to thinking...what do Europeans think when they are in the States? Do they politely taste the green jello, while desperately craving a real joghurt dessert? I already confirmed that our 300 pound stainless steel barbecues seem a bit over the top :)

It's certainly not a new observation, but as the world gets "flatter" -- thanks to communications, the internet, and general sensibilities -- it seems pretty clear that this food thing is going to be one of the more inertially challenged elements.

For which I am so thankful. Without the differences, where would the fun be?

And, Marco? You found a wonderful place: thank you!