Why I Love China: FOOD!

I was contemplating whether to make this a multi-post segment on why China has stole a piece of my heart. Indeed, the topic of “Food” encompasses so much that it actually overwhelms me. I’m still not sure where to even begin…

First, let it be known that I am a fat kid. I eat nearly everything. More importantly, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and in terms of feeding on delicious, authentic cuisine from all around the world… there’s literally no other place on earth that compares, so I’ve been spoiled nearly my entire life.

Consequently, I’m actually not blown away by food in China because its “Chinese.” In fact, a lot of the more well-known dishes I’ve tried in China are actually less-good than what I’ve had in California. The soup dumplings (小笼包) I had in Shanghai aren’t as good as Shanghai 626 in Milpitas, CA. Even the Beijing Duck in Beijing didn’t quite meet my expectations. Surprisingly, the best Beijing Duck I’ve had is actually right here in Dalian. Lastly, moon cakes… sorry, Chinese bakeries in Oakland and San Francisco still have the upper hand. Anyway, my point is… I don’t love food in China because I love Chinese food, although the latter statement is still true.

Turns out the foods I appreciate the most in China are not actually the traditional specialties, but rather the most-random, super-cheap comfort foods that you really can’t get in the US for the same value. For example, one of my first meals in China this summer was actually Beef Noodle Soup from Mr. Lee (李先生), a Chinese fast food chain. Although Mr. Lee appears to be falsifying his claim to being “California Beef Noodle King,” as there are no Mr. Lee establishments in CA nor is beef noodle soup that popular there, he still serves up a mean bowl of beef noodle for 11 RMB (1.62 USD) I literally wake up and start craving for it. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner –can eat it anytime.

Next, and this is going to sound bizarre, but there’s this bakery called Tasty that makes these phenomenal tuna sandwiches. I pretty much live off tuna sandwiches when I’m at school (woe to Brown dining services!), so its a big deal to me to say there exists a tuna sandwich that I hold in high esteem. First, the geniuses at Tasty bakery don’t drench the tuna in mayo, but rather lightly spread it on one side with toasted almonds. Then, they add the tuna with cucumber on a light, fluffy sesame bread. Total cost = 12 RMB (1.77 USD). Absolutely fabulous!

On a related note, I’m also obsessed with pastries and desserts here, a lot of which I also buy from Tasty. Asian bakeries in general make really good cakes and such, but the ones in CA are a lot more expensive and don’t have as much of a variety. Here, there are cases and cases of different desserts and they all look delicious and adorable. From tiramisu, to mango mousse, to green tea cake, to fruit tarts… practically dessert heaven, and I love and admire good baking so its a perfect match.

Lastly, Chinese snacks… can’t get enough. Crackers to candies to cookies to chips. I have a suitcase dedicated to just bringing snacks back to my dorm. Plus, there’s so much more food I can talk about it, and yes some of it actually is real Chinese food, ha ha. Thus, food will probably a large part of why I’ll miss China. When I get back to the United States, I know I will never to get an awesome, fulfilling meal for under $5. Stick me back in Providence, and I will be weeping for Chinese food or any food that is remotely authentic Asian. I’ll be back to settling for Cantonese Dry Noodle at Apsara, but not without a pang in my heart reminding me of the place in Dalian that I get the same dish, cooked 10 times better, for one-third of the price.

Sigh… well, less than two days left here to enjoy these culinary delights! Until next time, 再见！

Why I Love China: My $3 Dress

A perfect tie-in with my last post, it just so happens that I scored a lovely shopping deal while taking my post-lunch stroll (and yes, I take walks through shopping centers in addition to parks and squares). Behold, a dainty little drape dress I got for 20 RMB, which dividing by 6.8 estimates to about $3 USD. I didn’t even have to bargain!

It didn’t come without a few disclaimers though. First, the shopkeeper wouldn’t let me try it on. I ended up taking the risk, and it fortunately turned out great when I put it on at home. On a related note, thank heavens I lost weight this year (30 lbs and counting!). Otherwise I would literally not fit into anything here. Probably one of the reasons why I look more Hispanic than Asian… big hips run in the family.

Second disclaimer… quality, not so great. I always check hems and seams before I buy clothes, so the dress as of now is fairly well done. However, I don’t think it’ll have a long lifespan. I’d give it a year tops, since its more of a special occasion dress rather than a dress I’d wear every week. Altogether, I buy clothes so often that I rarely wear items for longer that period of time anyway. At school, I would probably say that 50% of my self-earned income generally goes towards apparel, 30% to Starbucks, and 20% goes to other “necessities.” There also the benefit of being the spoiled, youngest child… can’t leave that factor out. I try to be self-sufficient at school, but at home for the summer, that’s a whole other story.

Overall, there a many a shopping deals to be had in Dalian, and I’m going to miss being able to find clothes for less than $10 when I go back to the US. Providence Place Mall ain’t got nothing on the shopping centers here! I do look forward to spending the weekend in New York when I get back and doing some damage there. I’m going to need make room in my tiny dorm closet…

Until next time, 再见!

Not that I claim to be an expert fashionista, but I do love clothes and make an effort to look presentable most of the time. So I must take a moment to provide commentary on China’s fashion. This probably relates more to just the Dalian population, but I’ve made similar observations in the other cities I’ve been in.

Critique #1: Why must every item of clothing have sequins or some kind of wild embellishment? Less is more, people, less is more.

Critique #2: This actually comes from my mom, but why do people always dress as if they’re attending a night party when its broad daylight and they’re only going to grocery store? There’s such thing as casual wear, and there’s a reason why it exists.

Critique #3: Matching shoes! …even when I see someone and say to myself, “Hey, that outfit’s cute!” I then looked down, and 95% of the time the shoes make me change my mind.

It is possible that I’m just being culturally insensitive again… but still, just have to get it out of my system. On the positive side, I do love shopping in China. There’s a lot of good items of clothing to be found (for cheap too!). You just need to know how to put it all together, and in my opinion such knowledge appears to be severely lacking here.

That’s all. I’m done being snotty. Until next time, 再见！

After a fiasco trying to book my flight early to the US, I’m now back at square one with my initial plans to stay in China barely altered. It’s a long, twisted story that I prefer to not dwell on at the moment. My mom’s now in California, and I’m now here with only my Dad who works most of the week –that’s the main difference. Consequently, ever so apparent now and much to my dismay and embarrassment, I have no friends here to hang out. Honestly, there was never a need for them when Ma’s around. Not sure if I should now make an effort to find some, or where I would start looking, or whether I even have time at this point.

Either way, I’m still exploring the city. I pretty much have the driver to myself now with the exception of when he drops off and picks up my dad at work. In an effort to better document my China experience, I’ve decided to compile my explorations, both past and present, in a series entitled “Why I Love China.” So without further ado…

Why I Love China: Wandering through Parks & Squares

I’m big on taking walks. It’s actually something that developed by living at Brown (not much of that in ‘burbs where I grew up), and there’s nothing like a good stroll through pretty scenery to clear your mind or take in the sunshine. In all the cities I’ve visited in China, I’ve probably run down three pairs of flats just walking.  In Dalian, I’ve spent a lot of time at Binhai Road (滨海路), Xinghai Square (星海广场), and Labor Park (劳动公园). I also very much enjoyed a stroll through People’s Park (人民公园) in Shanghai. Beijing’s palaces were also gorgeous spots, Summer Palace especially, although somewhat more tiring due to the tourist factor.

Parks here are huge and have a lot more to offer than just playgrounds and greenery. Instead they contain flower gardens, fishing ponds, mini zoos, museums, performers, rides, flea markets, and an array of other attractions that I’m sure I have yet to discover. All in one space! …a very giant space, but still! Go a park, and you won’t be bored, at least, if you’re me. Yesterday, I have a very pleasant picnic in Labor Park, which is across the street from the Starbucks I frequent to do work. Best idea I’ve had all week!

Squares are similar, but perhaps with less attractions. Nevertheless, they’re still happening places. Xinghai Square is right next to where I live and has carnival rides, a marina, restaurants, as well as a center that frequently holds festivals (most recent being the International Beerfest, haha). There’s a ride called “Taga Disco” that fascinates me. It’s a contraption that spins and jumbles around where people are in the inside, usually just sitting, but sometimes they stand and try to break dance in the middle. Usually, there’s a large crowd around the ride and just watching. There’s even tables set up right in front of it. On TOP of that awesomeness, the worker controlling the ride someones makes fun on people riding on the loud mic… too bad I can’t really understand.

Overall, China has satisfied the wanderer inside of me. Always new places to stumble upon because everything’s so huge. At the moment, I’m planning my next excursion for tomorrow. So until next time… 再见！

‘Tis a running joke and well-known fact in my family that I am the most domesticated. Thus, it was only a matter of time before I would pick up how to cook, having always been more a baker, and for which, as it turns out, I have a real gift (as for modesty, I have none when it comes to such topics).

Exhibit A: Beef Curry. Family-staple and fairly straight-forward to cook, but oh soooo good.

Exhibit B: Cinnamon Apple & Blueberry Crepe. An interesting experiment as there was only peanut-flavored milk in the refrigerator, which I didn’t even know existed. Topped with yogurt, it actually turned out pretty awesome.

Not that I’m abandoning my baker roots. In fact, I have a jar of unsweetened Ghiradelli cocoa (that’s high quality!), waiting to be transformed into sweet, tasty goodness. The problem lies in my difficulty finding other necessary ingredients, specifically vanilla extract and baking powder. I forgot to bring my shopping list translated into Chinese at the grocery store today, bah! The oven in the apartment is also unconventional, but according to a fellow Intel expat works fine. We’ll see… still miss my kitchen in California, complete with a full set of bakingware and my beloved Kitchenaid standmixer, sigh.

I’m looking to add more recipes to my repertoire in the next weeks. I don’t really have any other obligations nowadays anyway, haha…

Until next time, 再见！

According to information from Intel-hired psychologists as well as personal research, there are four phases of cultural shock:

1. Wonder  – Feeling awed by the new environment in which you are placed.
2. Anger – Constant frustration and irritation caused by unfamiliar practices, inability to communicate, and feelings of helplessness.
3. Depression – Dissatisfaction with surroundings and longing for home.
4. Acceptance/Burn Out – Learning to adapt to surroundings and assimilation OR extreme dissatisfaction leading to removal from the place.

My trip to Wuhan and Shanghai with the Ivy Council has seen me fluctuate crazily across and back all phases: from being amazed at the new cities and historical sites I’ve explored, to hating the never-ending rain in Wuhan and hot weather in Shanghai, to missing my girl friends (the result of traveling with all boys), to feeling extremely grateful for the opportunity to make new friends, to getting pissed off and yelling at Chinese punk liars, to longing for the cleanliness and comfort of the good ol’ USA, to having some of the most fun, bizarre, memorable, crazy nights I’ve ever had.

I can’t even begin to articulate a detailed description of the trip without feeling like I’m committing injustice to it. Too many stories and experiences that  I’ll probably be reciting for quite some time. What’s important, really, is that I’ve emerged from the trip with a changed attitude and new-found appreciation for China. My whining and complaining seem to be subtly transforming into a drive to adapt, to learn, and to accept.

I arrived in Dalian with the realization that I’m quite spoiled here. I’ve taken for granted the fact that people drive me around, open my doors, clean my room, carry my shopping bags, and even translate for me –a lifestyle quite different from my own in the US. Although these are all blessings I’m thankful for, I’ve become so reliant on others that my desire to gain anything meaningful from the opportunity to live abroad has deteriorated into mere laziness and haughtiness. Being removed from such an environment over the past two weeks has helped me discover that I gain the most benefit from learning to take care of myself in unfamiliar situations despite the discomfort and potential embarrassment. In reality, it is this sense of independence I miss most about home in the United States.

Altogether, I move forward with new goals and expectations for the rest of this month. Improving my Chinese-language skills is at the top of the list, which leads to developing the ability to function in China independently. Additionally, a lot of my bitterness arose from the fact I have no job or internship for this summer, which I had little control over since my parents wanted me to stay in Dalian. So, I’m in the midst of applying for a fall internships with a Rhode Island senator or the RI Supreme Court. Lastly, I intend to just relax and enjoy the rest of the time I have here. I’ve come to the point where I realize there are certain circumstances I cannot control, and I’ve learned to say, “Ok, I’m fine with that. I’ll just move on and find another method of making the most of what I have.”

So we’ll see how this last month unravels! …this post has become a lot deeper than expected, but I’m been undergoing a lot of self-reflection nowadays.

Anyhow, until next time! 再见!

Back from Beijing! The most profound learning experience I’ve received from the trip revolves around not basing my opinion of China on the city of Dalian and its inhabitants. Much to my surprise, there are normal people in China with things to do and places to be. The excursion came about at the right time… I was starting to become bitter.

Not that I completely dislike Dalian. In fact, Dalian is very intriguing specimen for social observation (in fact, I’m reconsidering that double-major in Sociology now!). Women are flashy and overbearing, while Men are flabby and completely whipped. The young people walk around as if they’re the hottest thing since sliced bread, which I suppose is because of the one-child policy. What irks me the most is the cross-section of the population who seem to have loads expendable cash and  have nothing to do but walk around the mall in obscene, sequined get-ups or t-shirts that say “Spicy” or “It’s All About Me,” all with a Who the Hell are You? type of attitude towards others. Where’s the class, man?

Apparently, it’s in Beijing. I must say I very much enjoyed my stay there. Witnessing the historical landmarks like Tian’anmen Square, the Great Wall, and the Forbidden City was amazing. My favorite site was actually the Summer Palace. Gorgeous place to have a picnic, and it’s a shame we only spent a half day there. I ate camel hump for the first time, which was disgusting but a fun, new experience nevertheless. The Beijing duck was a wee bit of a let down though… I’ve had better Beijing duck in the Bay Area. I also really enjoyed staying in the hotel. Unlimited complimentary hand-crafted cappuccinos during breakfast and happy hour in a lounge always brings a smile to my face, especially since China isn’t as fond of coffee.

Did I mention our family drove there? 10-hours in a mini-van. The making of my parents, who happen to just looove road trips as impractical as they may be. I didn’t consider the drive bad at all though. It’s shorter than the drive from Northern California to Arizona, which I frequented last summer, and this time there were no dogs in the car. Just a wee bit scary in the beginning, considering we’re not in America, and there’s are no fast food places or very clean restrooms along the way.

I hope to visit Beijing again. I actually felt like I barely explored the city. We didn’t even have time to visit all the Olympic structures. Probably not this summer, but eventually. I also bought a bunch of postcards that I’ve made progress writing to friends, but the process has been verrry slow.

Anyway, Wuhan and Shanghai starting next Saturday! Also… I’ve once again attained only child status (fitting for China). My two sisters left yesterday and this morning. I bawled like a little baby. I miss them already! =(

Until next time, 再见！

P.S. How completely backwards of me to forget to wish a HAPPY BELATED INDEPENDENCE DAY to the best nation on Earth the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA !! Today at the Dalian airport, as I was dropping off my eldest sister, I heard “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver play on the speakers (domestic terminal too!) …made me all choked up and nostalgic.

I’ve nearly reached the one month mark. Assimilation into Chinese society has slowly come along though not without some regretful outcomes. I find myself becoming pushy, a little rude, and extremely distrusting of people. The other day I felt a little pang in my conscience when I almost cut in front of an old man trying to weigh his fruit in order to get a price sticker. I stepped aside and let him go before me… then two young people cut in front of me, quickly shoving their produce on the scale before I could even blink.

I’m also still diseased. Don’t know whether I just haven’t been able to recover from the cold I got in Connecticut or whether the pollution here is perpetuating this horrid coughing. Fortunately, I am the baby of the family, which means more people spoil me, especially when I’m sick. My sister just made me tea after hearing me cough up a lung and said she’d rub my back before I go to sleep. One of the perks that comes with staying home. =)

There have been a few other developments in my life. My guitar skills have been steadily improving, and I can now play two songs, which I’m sure the household is tired of listening to by now. Additionally, I’ve started, I suppose, Chinese lessons with a tutor. Now if I could only motivate myself to want to study Chinese… that’s the real problem. Otherwise, my learning is pretty stagnant.

Lastly, my plans to travel are now actually existent. (See, playing it by ear works!*) Next up… the Nemesio family takes on Beijing! Tomorrow! I just booked the hotel this morning at 1am. Should be an adventure that will not disappoint. We’re a kooky bunch. Also, I’m traveling to Wuhan and Shanghai in July courtesy of the The Ivy Council and a good ol’ pal who pulled some strings to let me tag along the trip last minute. Who said you need to plan these things in advance? hahahaha

Anyhow, I should finish laundry and pack now. Until next time…

再见！

* Refer back to “Journeying from JFK” posted May 30, 2010

Recently, I’ve developed a new love for Korean food. I never particularly cared for it before, but also never dislike it. I was probably more indifferent. I can’t pinpoint exactly what has caused this change in taste. Maybe it’s the being in Asia thing. I haven’t been in Korea except for the airport, but since Dalian is so close to Korea, there’s numerous Korean shops and restaurants scattered about the city.

So this evening, after my sister and I were picked up from the Intercontinental, we decided to go to this Korean restaurant for dinner with our mom and our driver Sun. It’s a great restaurant that we’ve been to before. The owner nicely greets you as you enter and the food is tasty. Once we’re settled and eating, we suddenly hear a sharp squeal in the background.

“What’s that?!” my mom exclaims.

Then Sun chuckles and replies, “Oh… you know. Maybe. They take the dog,” making hand gestures to illustrate chopping on a chopping board.

Well, the comment turned out to be the wrong move, as the sudden vision of slaughtered dogs freaked my mom out. She started solemnly talking about our dog Chubby, who we had for 15 years that passed away a few years back (RIP!), and how she mourned for him for 3 months. Then she got all teary-eyed and told us about when she was a kid, and someone killed her dog for food in Philippines.

Poor Sun didn’t realize and apologized. Meanwhile, I’m cracking up in the corner into my spicy tofu soup. Finally, my mom concluded that the squeal did indeed come from a murdered dog and stated that she never wanted to eat at the restaurant again. My sister and I jokingly blamed Sun for causing our favorite Korean restaurant to be banned. We said, “Shame on you!” which is a new English phrase we taught him. He laughed and said he’d take us to another Korean restaurant.

All turned out fine… my mom snapped out of it, and everyone was joking again. Finally, we finished eating and had a lot of leftovers so my mom asked Sun if he wanted to take home these cold noodles we ordered.

Sun replied, “I can’t… there’s ice in there.”

Except, instead of pronouncing ice, what came out sounded more like ass. My mom, sister, and I paused for a moment, then finally were like.. what? He repeated a few times, but it still sounded like ass. Finally, we understood and told him, “Oh! You mean ICE!” Sun doesn’t eat or drink cold things. That’s when we all busted out laughing uncontrollably. We told Sun what we thought he said, and he started laughing too.

We joke around with Sun a lot. He really is like an older brother. Altogether, it was quite an entertaining dinner. Maybe there was something in the kimchi that made everyone funnier. Who knows?

Anyway, until next time… 再见!

Well, it’s been nearly a week here, I think. I’m still not really on track when it comes to the days. Jetlag, perhaps, or maybe it’s because it doesn’t really matter right now. I’m on vacation! HA!

One week has allowed time to sink into a daily routine, which is very much orchestrated by my mother. Basically, my day could be summed up into two activities: eating and working out. Food in Dalian is abundant, delicious, and dirt cheap. I can buy a bowl of beef noodle soup (牛肉面）for less than $2 USD， and it’s awesome. I’ve missed Asian food so much!

Fortunately, I’ve balanced out the excessive eating with good exercise. My mom takes my sister and I to walk at Binhai Road (滨海路） every morning, which is near our home. The she takes us to the Intercontinental Hotel where we have a gym membership, and we literally stay there for three hours. I won’t even want to work out… but I’m forced to or else I’ll be bored out of my mind.

So the first day I go to the gym, I run a few miles and go use the strength training machines. As I’m trying to work my quads, this hotel assistant in a blue track suit comes up to me and says to me in Mandarin, “Go slower! SLOWER!”  …so I nicely respond, “Hao,” and go slower. Still, she grasps my leg and says, “SLOWER!!” So now I’m already thinking in my head, “OK, look lady, I know what I’m doing! Leave me alone already.” But the woman had a serious look in her eye, and I knew I couldn’t mess with her.

…so again, I slow down to the point where I think my muscles are going to bust. Meanwhile, she watches me intently and nods her head with approval. Then, after a minute she finally walks away, but still paces around, keeping an eye on the people in the room. My sister told me she had a similar experience, except the worker told her to move faster on the step machine. Now every time I work out, I’m must be mindful of the blue-uniformed gym Nazis…

Besides my frightening experiences at the gym, the week has been pleasantly eventful. Yesterday, we had a picnic at Labor Park (劳动公园） with our driver, who has essentially become like an older brother and goes out almost everywhere with  us. Today we went to church, which was awesome, but I’ll save that for another post maybe next week. I also have a lot of pictures I took, which I’ll try to find an efficiently method of posting on here.

Anyway, that’s all for now. Gonna go enjoy being a homebody because I’ve been playing outside too much. =)

再见！

EDIT // New theme, which is actually representative of the blog’s… theme. Also, I just realized I use the same two fonts in every graphic design project I do. Oh well…