CHINA
Country Overview:
"A land of contrasts, where ancient traditions meet rapid modernization, and delectable cuisine coexists with complex political realities."
My seven-year journey in China, from May 2013 to August 2020, was a whirlwind of experiences. I taught English, pursued my Master's in Politics & Foreign Policy at the prestigious Tsinghua University, and immersed myself in the media landscape at China Today and Xinhua News Agency. Beijing was my home base, but my travels painted a vibrant tapestry of China's diverse landscapes and cultures: the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, the historic city of Xi'an, the tropical paradise of Sanya, the unique blend of East and West in Macau and Hong Kong, and countless other destinations in between. From savoring the exquisite flavors of regional cuisines to navigating the intricacies of daily life under a distinct political system, China left an indelible mark on me.
Happy Dragon Boat Festival!
So this is called "Zongzi" and it's a traditional Chinese food eaten during the Duanwu (Dragon Boat) festival here in China. They come in a variety of flavors, but are most often categorized as either salty or sweet. They are made out of a sticky rice, with different ingredients mixed in depending on where you live in China.
Personally, I think they are super gross and I will never try a Zongzi again. For some reason, most of China's traditional holiday foods, except for dumplings, are not so good. Even some Chinese people don't like them. I have a theory that because it's gone on for so long, everyone just pretends they like them and fake smiles in between bites of this atrocious holiday snack.
端午节安康～