So I'm going through my Big Book of Stuff and notice March 31 has been proclaimed National 'Clams on the Half Shell Day.' That, in turn, got me remembering back to a trip I took with some friends a few years ago down to New Orleans. We went down there for a radio morning show boot camp.

Having never been there before, everyone kept telling me, "You have to try oysters on the half shell; they're great." Not knowing exactly what they were, I would say, "OK, I will." And then I got there and saw an oyster on the half shell up close - YUK! How could anyone enjoy eating something so slimy - surrounded by muddy oyster jelly nonetheless?

But, of course, remembering the old saying, "While in Rome," I decided to give it a try. Not before I downed 'a few' beers however- or as the locals call it "courage juice.' And then came the time of judgement - and I have to say, it was just as disgusting as I expected! - to the point where I started to gag. Thank goodness our waiter was right there telling me to drink more 'courage juice.'

After I was done making faces and convulsing, and all the laughing stopped, that's when the waiter told me I was suppose to put a little Tabasco Sauce on top first - really?!? So, being the dumb German that I am, I said, "Well then, let's give it another go." Second time -  no different, still disgusting!

So those of you who can slurp an oyster (or clam) out of a half shell, I salute you. You're a better person than I am. Maybe next time (if there is a next time) I need to consume more 'courage juice' before walking into an oyster bar.

On a related topic, remind me sometime to tell you the story of how many days it took before someone in New Orleans stepped in and told me the proper way to eat a soft shell crab - haven't been back to the city since - the wound (and embarrassment) is still too fresh!!!

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