Banqueting

I've become quite proficient in the art of attending a Chinese banquet, where huge amounts of food are placed on a rotating turntable, and you grab it with your chopsticks. All manner of food is piled on your plate. You must sample everything but are not required to finish anything. There is way too much.The aim is to do what's required. You don't really enjoy a meal when people throw that much food at you.The goal is keeping track of what's happening and doing what is expected. Hosts and guests make multiple toasts to each other's health and to the success of the business and academic projects on which they are working

Pictured above: I am a guest at a banquet, along with James Zhang, who many of you remember.

Below: The elaborately decorated and well-stocked table.