Once, in Lisbon, I tried my best to work the phone book in…
![“Once, in Lisbon, I tried my best to work the phone book in a way that would assuage a longing [Alice and I] had for certain Chinese dishes . . . .” quote by Calvin Trillin](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/b37/calvin-trillin-4656_book_once-in-lisbon-i-tried-my-best-to-work-t_2582675.png)
“Once, in Lisbon, I tried my best to work the phone book in a way that would assuage a longing [Alice and I] had for certain Chinese dishes . . . .”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The narrator attempts to soothe a craving for Chinese food by consulting a phone book, highlighting cultural longing and the effort to satisfy it.
In simple terms: Trying to satisfy a craving by searching a phone book.
Key Takeaway
Use resources to meet cultural cravings.
Themes
culture
food
longing
effort
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
Type
personal
cultural
When to use this quote
- travel
- family meals
- expat life
- food cravings
Key Concepts
culinary nostalgia
search behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you cope with food cravings when abroad?
- What does this say about cultural connection through food?
A Different Perspective
May not actually fulfill the craving; practical limitations of phone books.