Fruits of SE Asia

Sorry it took me so long to publish. The internet has been scarce in Laos. And no, they really don't have any ATMs. Here is a random thought and an excuse to put up some pictures.

Who knew that there were over 50 types of bananas? Some taste like chalk, others like mushy honey. SE Asia is teeming with fruits that I've never heard of. The leechy is one of my favorites. It looks like a koosh ball (you children of the 80's know what I mean!), with a red and green dye. Inside is a gelatinous sweet fruit with a seed--a lot like a clear slug with a crunchy middle.

The most noteworthy fruit is certainly the durian. From 25 feet away, you begin to smell the durian--essence of rotten meat is the best description. They smell so bad they are forbidden on subways in Singapore with a $1000 fine if disobeyed (yay for the Nanny state). The outside is reminiscient of the ball and chain used in medieval times as a weapon--sharp spikes protrude from all sides. The inside is not much better. The actual fruit has the consistency of stringy custard and tastes like putrid eggs with sugar. In most parts of SE Asia the fruit is considered a delicacy...go figure. Carmen's face was so humorously awful upon trying the durian that the family with whom we were staying made her have another bite in order to capture the look on film (actually, it was me...but it's easier to blame the family).