Chopsticks in Shanghai

        For those of you who have never seen me eat with chopsticks, I am perfectly capable of using them. However, I have what I suppose are the equivalent of terrible manners when it comes to their use. I hold them in a funny manner, and generally speaking don't use them correctly. I am also perfectly aware of this, and despite my best efforts to train myself in their proper use my muscle memory won't allow me too.

        My first day in Shanghai, I ventured out alone to walk around and get an experience of the city. I also wanted to find a place to eat lunch. I settled on this little hole in the wall place along one street which looked very good. They pulled out a translated menu, and I ordered. Soon enough the food was brought to the table, and I began eating. As soon as I began eating everyone working in the restaurant burst out laughing (I was their sole patron). Within a few seconds, I had several Chinese women attempting to teach me how to use chopsticks properly, much to my embarrassment. They showed me, they tried to positioning my hands, they did everything, but were unable to teach me how to do it properly.

        Ultimately, they tried to bring out a fork for me to use, but my poor bruised ego wouldn't allow it, and I ate the rest of my meal in my sloppy ill-formed manner.