GUARD AGAINST ALLERGIES DURING YOUR TRAVELS

A buffet is a variety of dishes presented in a line, from which diners in a restaurant serve themselves, usually at a fixed price regardless of how much one eats. The lavish all-you-can-eat buffet delivers a feast of salads, curries, pasta dishes, meats and sumptuous desserts.

This kind of feast, however, predisposes one to food allergies. An allergy occurs when a person reacts to substances in the environment, in this instance, foods that are harmless to most people. A dish, if not originally containing allergens such as eggs, dairy products or seafood, may be innocent, but harm may be such a meal taste enhancer—the essence of enticement. Therefore, travellers must exercise caution when choosing their vacation meals, particularly when in new environments.

In 2019, I visited our neighbour’s exquisite town of Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. During that period of ecstatic indulgence, after energy-sapping activities like dune climbing and fuddling, we craved some spicy, salted grilled meat—not just meat but beef. I guess the town is not a beef town, or maybe it was not our ‘beef’ day at that time, as we happened to embark on a beef hunt at every food-selling outlet, finding nothing. We had to compromise, wary of ingesting anything that would spoil our joy, let alone the holiday. Remember, we were by the Atlantic Ocean shore; seafood is a regular, so we found refuge in pork or chicken and the sweet marinade. Not entirely what taste buds craved, but for custom’s sake and energy reserves, we played it safe.

Although it may appear impolite and provocative to enquire about the ingredients of something, where not necessary, take it upon yourself to assess the delicatessen so as to avoid what is unusual for you. The world is considered a global village; the menu certainly will cater to something familiar. Remember what an allergy is; what is usual to others may not necessarily treat you likewise. Simply avoid the unusual to prevent the unusual.
A vacation camera needs battery power, and a vacationer needs food power. Eat selectively and hydrate liberally, for you need energy for your excursion.