Emily and the Lost City of Urgup (12 page)

“That’s not very specific, young lady. China is a very ancient country with a history that goes back more than five thousand years. Did you know that the Chinese invented gun powder? Maybe you should just start with a dinner at Chin Chow’s downtown and ask the Chows,” she joked.

Emily’s parents rarely ate out. How could she get them to the Chows, she pondered.

“Well, pumpkin,” her father asked that evening. “ what did you learn in school today?”

“We discussed foods from around the world,” Emily made up. “Do they sound better than home cooking?” added her mother as she entered the room. “I don’t know, I’ve never tasted foreign food, answered Emily.

“Well, we can change that,” said her father. “Why don’t we all go to dinner tomorrow night at Chin Chow’s downtown, I’ve heard that children like Chinese food as much as adults,” he went on.’’

“It is time for Seth to improve his table manners,” her mother added. Her younger brother was notorious for his sloppy table habits, like not unfolding his napkin or eating his vegetables and spilling his milk.

“That’s settled, a Chinese dinner it all be,” announced her father.