June brings lovers of world's most exotic, spiky fruit from far and wide to Penang Island, especially to the farm stands along the west coast. We had two sets of overseas visitors recently, giving us the perfect opportunity, nay obligation, to show them this treasure of Penang: the durian.
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| delerious for durian |
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| durian swoon |
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| courageous effort |
Alas, among us, a hater. To his credit he bravely accepted a tender morsel from his mate. Then he declared the rest was for us.
There are many varieties of durian, "Kampung," or "village" durian being the least desirable. We chose better ones, which cost around US$15 for a small to medium size fruit. The spikes are so sharp that it is painful to carry them. Handlers wear thick gloves. Once purchased, the fruit is scored with a machete in a few places, allowing the experienced or brave to push the spikes apart to reveal three large seeds, covered in the delicious goo that is the edible bit. It is very hard to describe the complex taste. The taste bears no resemblance to the smell, which many find unpleasant.
We hear that durian-flavored condoms are now available in Thailand...presumably it is the former smell the producer was trying to emulate.
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The day before school finished K checked into the hospital to have foot surgery. Bye bye bunion, AKA hallux valgus. All went well and the pain was not nearly as bad as feared. She had two nights in the hospital, emerging with two incisions, twenty-some stitches, two titanium pins, and an extra large "boot" designed to protect the toes and allowing her to walk the very next day. Completing the ensemble was a pair of stylish elbow crutches, made in--wait for it--La France.
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