It’s rare nowadays that we see people living in a completely different cultural society. Being cosmopolitan is the way of life in this century. However, if we set aside patronizing the liberated modern world, we can see ultimately unique people still existing amongst themselves.

Well, I caught a glimpse of ethnic minority in China. Surprisingly, challenging my ignorance on this subject, I was able to experience first hand on some traditions of these people. I’m not quite sure though what’s the name of their group because I’ve googled this and according to China Culture:

As one of the largest provinces, Sichuan has more than 15 minority groups living with the Han people. Among these are the Yi, Hui, Tibetan and Miao peoples. Each of these minorities has its own charm, ethnic style and folk custom.

I was amazed on how they preserve their culture. They also look quite different than Chinese people in the city. I guess having a long history before has influence mixed breeding. In my opinion, some women here are really pretty. They have bigger eyes than the usual almond eyes Chinese (me included).
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Chinese New Year Celebration is based on the start of the Lunar Year. As the year starts, there are a lot of activities Chinese practice to welcome the year with ,luck, fortune and prosperity.
Back in China, there were a lot of temple fairs and fireworks during Chinese New Year’s Eve. Scheduled huge fireworks were anticipated especially in the central area of Beijing. We had our own celebration in a traditional Chinese restaurant called Hua Jia Yu Yuan. It was a feast literally as we devour ala carte orders that was a set for Chinese New Year.

In Beijing, the streets are almost empty as a lot of people who came from different provinces went back to their home to celebrate this holiday. It was expensive to rent a van this time of year as they would not wait for you until the wee hours since the drivers will also celebrate with their families.

Back in the Philippines, we celebrated Chinese New Year but not so much as Christmas or New Year. We had our usual tikoy (sticky rice) and other round fruits for offering. We would usually spend the eve with our relatives and just eat and talk/gossip.
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Tea is more popular drink in China rather than coffee. They have too many kinds of tea leaves I never get to memorize. The famous ones are Jasmine, Oolong Tea, Green Tea.

I’m not really a tea addict, we usually order those free ones (house tea) in Chinese Restaurants. I prefer coffee’s caffiene! Anyway, I saw an interesting act while I was in China. When we were in Shanghai, we went to a facinating restaurant called 1212 which is very hard to find. From the outside, it looks like an ordinary building but when you get in, you’ll be amazed how ironic the setting is.

For the first time, I was able to watch some guy waiter doing some Kung Fu Tea (Gong fu) Serving. When I saw him, I thought he would be showing some moves, but it was just pouring. I heard in Beijing, there’s this place, a traditional tea house where they showcase this famous Gongfu Pouring. I should have watched one! I would have been much more amazed.

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Houhai is one of Beijing’s bar hot spots. It is located near Behai. Though in the morning, it looks like an ordinary restaurant strip, at night, it will look livelier. I visited this place only twice. Once when my friend Jessica toured us back in 2005, and we got lost looking for Hutong Pizza. The second time, when I was studying and my friends and I went to eat at Hutong pizza after touring BeHai.

The lake looks serene day and night. But at night, the bars around the area will be the highlight. It’s famous getaway for expats. During winter, the lake will freeze thus you can skate! (more…)

Once, before school began last school year, we went to some show in Red Theater.

It was supposed to be about shaolin monks, like a play about kungfu. Didn’t quite understand what the story was but the moral story seems to be about love, honor, etc! It was quite interesting, took a few shots eventhough we were not allowed to take pictures!
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