Inktober/Blogtober: Day 6

 Today's Inktober prompt word is "drooling" and therefore, it feels like a good day to confess something to you all: I am one of the greediest people I know.

Yes, as shameful as it might seem, the way to my heart is definitely through my stomach.  I'm someone who sees food as one of life's greatest pleasures, rather than merely as fuel to get me through the day.  If I'm going away somewhere, I find myself getting excited about the new foods I might discover on my travels.  Closer to home, I love stumbling across a great restaurant or cafe that's new to me.  And yes, I'm one of those people who sometimes just reads restaurant menus online.  For fun.  Don't judge me.

Experiencing new flavour combinations and trying dishes from around the world feels like a privilege and there are few things I enjoy more.  My sister and sister-in-law have become used to my regular answer, when asked what I'd like to do whilst visiting them in London, of: "Let's go somewhere where I can try foods that I don't get to eat down in Cornwall."

Whilst I know several people who openly admit to being very picky about food, I've never really been particularly fussy, myself.  I don't like olives (my Greek Cypriot relatives will disown me for admitting that...) and I loathe mushrooms, but otherwise, I'll try most things, within reason.  I tell the children I work with: "Always try what's on your plate; it's okay to say you don't like it after you've had some, but how do you know you do like something, unless you try it?"

Being something of a foodie means I also love to cook.  There's something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from scratch, turning raw ingredients into a delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner.  I wouldn't ever claim to be a master chef, but I can knock up a tasty meal and I'm pretty confident in the kitchen.  Cooking is one of those life skills, the importance of which I don't think can be underestimated.

And of course, whether you're eating in or going out to a restaurant, food is something we can share with others.  Whilst eating alone, curled up on the sofa with a bowl on your knee can be a rather decadent enjoyment, I absolutely love eating with family and friends.  Mealtimes are a great chance to catch up; everyone is seated, nourished and can take a while to relax and enjoy a break from the stresses of life.

All this talk of food has made me hungry, so it's probably a good job that I've got to go and get ready for a meal out, now.    I really am drooling at the thought.

As long as they don't serve me any unexpected mushrooms...