Haseeb Fatmi

Age: 17

Birthday: January 25, 1988

Favorite Part of the Experience: My family took me to dinner one night at a rather unique restaurant. All the food is served raw, and each person has a boiling pot of water to cook whatever he or she wants to eat. My family and I met with Andrew and his host family, and we dined together in a private room. First we were served small dishes like clams and snails; then they brought on the slugs. I remember looking at the plate of slugs, each the size of my fist. I took one and put it in my pot. As it cooked, Donglei kept telling me that it is very difficult to eat. I didn’t really understand what he meant until I tried. I think I spent about ten minutes chewing that thing; Andrew timed me. Dongeli turned to me and said if I keep trying I would be there all night, so I gave up. Then the waitress brought the crayfish. I reached in and pulled one out to cook. Before I could put it in my pot, it jumped out at Andrew who flinched back. I had to catch it and quickly close my pot after I put the little guy in. I never knew how difficult it is to eat in China.

Favorite Subjects: English, math

Future Plans: superhero