Pumpkin pies, turkeys and a nation's gratitude.

Byline: Paddy Bowie

I THOUGHT, at my age, there would be no virgin experiences left. I was wrong.

The other day, I had my first pumpkin pie. Thursday was Thanksgiving in the United States -- the great annual holiday held on the last Thursday of November, commemorating the Pilgrim Fathers of the Plymouth Colony that started America.

Thanksgiving is primarily a religious observance, thanking God for helping those early colonists survive. But it would not be one without the traditional fare of pumpkin pies and turkey.

Great festivals the world over come up with special food for the occasion. Christmas will be here shortly -- more turkey. This time, with plum pudding and mince pies. Then Yee Sang at Chinese New Year; rendang, …