Ants for Breakfast: Archaeological Adventures among the Kalinga Review

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(More customer reviews)Food For Thought
"Ants For Breakfast" is an easy read, yet a curiosity-piquing one for us archaeologist-wannabes.Author Dr. James Skibo skillfully mixes fact, humor, and his own experience with the Kalingaof the Philippines to show the reader that life as Americans know it, isnot the only way to live.On one level, our modern conveniences seemunnecessary and wasteful and yet after reading his account of the 4 monthshe spent living in the mountains with the Kalinga, one has to be gratefulfor life's simpler and more basic conveniences [running water, electricity,modern restroom facilities].
His description of a Kalinga funeral and hiscomparision with our funeral traditions, makes one wonder why is it thatfunerals have become a somber event that is dreaded and struggled through,when it could be a celebration of life as Dr. Skibo observed in theCordillera mountains of the Philippines.
As a registered nurse, thestories of their healthcare practices I found especially interesting.As awoman, I tried to imagine myself in his wife, Becky's place.An incrediblybrave, resourceful woman in her own right, Mrs. Skibo is an example towoman everywhere.A followup book from her perspective would be aedge-of-the-seat page-turner as this one is!
Dr. Skibo's explanations ofdietary differences do not diminish his message.Rather, they add to thereader's understanding that dietary habits are cultural, a learnedbehavior.Foods we see as repulsive to eat may be a delicacy elsewhere,and vice versa.
Openness and acceptance of those different than us isthe food for thought that Dr Skibo offers us in this most interesting book. And just for the record, I think I'll have some of those black 'blueberry'bugs with my bowl!

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