Food is the easiest, and often fastest, way to understand culture. In the diverse world in which we live, it is important to find commonalities that will allow us to bridge cultural differences. That’s a driving factor in my work as a sociologist and study abroad administrator. This is also a driving factor behind my work as a Local Guide. This is especially the case for food. What better vector for us to learn about a local culture or even learn about a different culture without having to travel there? I’m passionate about finding and reviewing restaurants in the location where I travel that speak to the culture where they are located. I am also passionate about finding restaurants that help expose homogenous populations to the breadth of diversity that exist throughout the world. This is particularly the case for areas, such as mid-Michigan, where diversity is limited and opportunities to develop a sense of global awareness are limited. What better way to cross those divides and to educate people than a shared meal in an authentic Laotian restaurant?
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