Ryan G's Essay

My Junior Urban Adventure essential question is, “Will eating Middle Eastern food help Americans better understand their culture, while mending the apparent disparity of the two races?” .
In Boston, our group reached many different restaurants, markets, and shops of numerous races and people. While eating and shopping, my job was to pay attention to the small things between our group and the servers of the location where we were. I needed to get a sense of the interaction among the group and the waiter, cashier, etc. Any hostility or anger, any awkwardness or uncomfortable moments, any benevolence or kindness is what I watched for.
Our first stop was in Harvard Square where the group was hungry for breakfast after a long bus ride from the New Hampton campus. After walking by some Dunkin’ Donuts and a couple Starbucks, our leader pointed out a small neat Mexican breakfast eatery tucked away under large majestic, ivy-covered brick buildings either used for student housing or classrooms. As we entered through a clear windowed door, a burning orange mix with a bright burgundy paint jumped off the walls and engulfed us as an oversized menu grabbed our attention walking through a skinny path to the counter. The cashier greeted us with a wide smile as each member of the group gave our order. The employees were of a Latino looking skin color and were of pleasant service to our group.
The second restaurant for our group, near Copley Square, was an Irish lunch. It had the group thinking of corned beef and cabbage, however the group was pleasantly surprised as there was a wide variety of dishes to choose from. Our waitress used a thick Irish/Scottish accent, however I had the feeling it was misleading for I have close relatives who are descendents from Cork, a few miles away from Dublin. She was very methodical in her movements, taking our drink orders, and quietly placing our meals in front of us. Asking for a simple favor like a certain sauce or extra napkins is a clear hassle for her, and it took longer than it should have.
Finally, our group settled for dinner in Coolidge Corner at another Mexican restaurant, famously known for its tacos and burritos. On a chilly Thursday night in Boston, this restaurant was a bustling spot, bursting with loud noise of meal orders and laughter above a delightful Mexican melody. The employees behind the greasy glass counter lined with past patron’s finger tips were urgent and almost violent with their manor, as they needed to be for there was a long line of people waiting for their turn to order. Once the order was in, the meal passed through all of the cooks in a line all adding their own touch, similar to an assembly line. My order of quesadillas were tastefully delicious.
On our way back to the hostel I stopped in a tiny shop, underneath a giant five-story apartment building, the shop was filled with many goods from the Middle East -including intricate rugs and shiny silks, along with tall sand-filled glass vases. As I crept around the store peering meticulously at every item, I could feel the eyes of the lady behind the counter upon me. I picked up a male figure close to the size of a salt shaker with a snake around his neck and turned to ask where it was made. The woman told me it was crafted in Egypt. She then proceeded to tell me she owned the store and everything was handmade. We proceeded to talk about various items in the store and I ended up buying the figurine. She was polite and courteous and I enjoyed our conversation.
I have concluded to answer my essential question as yes, I believe eating and intermingling with the Arabic Americans will further the knowledge amid both cultures and help to create, maybe not a friendship, but a respectful understanding between the two races.