Chopsticks are
made from a variety of materials ranging
from plain wood, lacquered wood, bamboo,
and ebony to ivory, and they have been
used in China for thousands of years.
They are used to either grasp food or
push it from the plate to the mouth and
are considered sufficient for all purposes
except soups or ice cream, for which spoons
are provided. Chopsticks are normally
used in China, but you need not hesitate
to ask for a knife or fork if you are
embarrassed about your ability to use
them. However, your hosts will show indefinite
patience with your attempts to master
their use, and you will be surprised at
how quickly you make the progress.
