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.
Cantonese Food in Beijing, China
So my buddy says he knows a good Cantonese restaurant and to clarify, this place was beyond good. We get seated and they plop down a menu that’s about as big as a wallpaper binder that interior designers have you flip through. If that wasn’t enough, there was a lady with a cart full of food that came by every so often asking if we wanted anything.
After tearing through the encyclopedia sized menu, we finally order: “Sichuan style dumplings, steamed pork buns, spicy pork hot-pot style, dumplings with pork broth inside, fried shrimp in a buttery soy sauce, and a side dish of noodles”.
How would I describe this dinner? It was fucking delicious. Really tasty, flavorful, so many different textures, cold beer to wash down the Sichuan spice; it was the perfect meal for a windy December night in Beijing.