[Terry's Tale] Get a Doggie Bag, Your Dog Will Smile

Have you ever seen the eccentric, bittersweet movie “Everything is Illuminated” that stars Elijah Wood in the title role.  The theme of the movie is from a book that I understand is loosely based upon the life of its author (who, by the way, provides a brief cameo in the film). Wood portrays a young man who, upon the death of his adored grandfather goes to the Ukraine from where his grandfather had emigrated in 1941 in search of a better understanding of the life of his grandfather. During the course of his search for his grandfather’s roots, Wood’s character along with his guides spend a night in rural Ukrainian lodgings that offer both food and bed accommodations.

During the course of ordering their dinners, Wood’s character, a vegetarian, is hit by questions about his diet.  I do not remember exactly what the questions were, but as this experience seems to be ubiquitous in countries where meat is considered a staple, the questions generally run, “Is anything wrong with you?” (no), “Are you ok?” (yes), “Are you a Buddhist?” (whether I am or not is not important here, just the food to be eaten).  Out of concern some people even will say “You should eat meat”, and/or “try it you might like it”.  The questions and comments came as often from people I little knew as well as from people with whom I had some longer association.

This happened to me in the US with reasonable frequency and I would not get bothered or unhappy because I knew that the people asking the questions or making the comments were well meaning people, and in more than a few instances they were curious wanted to simply know more about the matter.

And, interestingly, this is one of the first situations I encountered here in Korea as well.  Are Koreans significantly different than Americans . . . in some ways not at all.  Anyway, the consequences that befell Wood’s character due to his vegetarianism were quite humorous and this reminds me of an amusing incident that happened to me in the US.

The situation occurred several years ago after my former martial arts instructor, Master Eun, had been instrumental in successfully arranging a sister cities agreement between the city of Yesan, South Korea, and Knoxville, Tennessee.  On this occasion in Knoxville, the visiting dignitaries from Yesan, Master Eun, and myself were invited to a special dinner at a local eatery known for its ‘ribs’ meals.  Sitting there across from Master Eun as the plate was set before me, I looked up at Master Eun and he replied, “Get a doggie bag.  Your dog will smile.”  And, smile my dog did that day, all afternoon.

​​Here is a wonderful family meal prepared at the Min Deul Le Restaurant.

Here I am preparing to eat a wonderful vegetarian fare at the Nirvana restaurant.  Such restaurants do exist!