Durian. The world’s smelliest fruit and to be avoided at all times, so, I thought. At Kor Por Market, I walked past these fruits three or four times, eyeing them closely. For the past 13 years, I have been harboring some curiosity for these fruits. I have asked around about why they are not allowed on the buses, hotel rooms, or just about any place. They stink. I was also told by an American who tried said fruit that it smells and tastes like a dirty sock. I have never tasted a dirty sock but I have smelled a few in my lifetime and that comment made me avoid these.

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And so, when Thita asked if I wanted to try it. I said, no. Then I saw the lady slice off a fresh piece for me. I told, Thita’s husband he needs to eat it first as I wanted to see his face. He says, Durian isn’t that bad. I take that also saying it isn’t that good. So, he takes a chunk and pops it in his mouth. He smiles and it is gone. I then quickly take a piece and pop it in my mouth. I hold my breath and try not to smell the fruit as the semi-firm slimy strange texture touches my lips and tongue. I chew and it isn’t that bad, neither is it good. It is just different. I can’t really explain it but I don’t think it is as bad as people say it is.

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I have been thinking far too much these 4 months AND  I thought this situation could serve as a peace building lesson. We have all these external forces explaining about x, y, and z and before we can try something or meet someone, these perceptions often cloud or make things clearer to what the reality might be. I am not saying that Durian could be a bridge to peace to everything. What I am saying is, today go out and try something new, you may change your mind and perception on how you see things.

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