Addie's Blog

The first leg of our journey began in Thailand's capital, Bangkok. After a relatively easy trek on a couple 2-hour flights from Xi'an, we arrived in Bangkok on the night of January 10th. 

Walking around Xi’an, I often have to stop and think, “Am I in New York City?” Monstrously high buildings tower over me, flashy billboards line the horizon, and street vendors line up on nearly every corner, hoping to sell a cellphone case or a roasted sausage on a stick. Busses zoom by with little to no regard for pedestrians, cars weave from lane to lane, taxi drivers never seem to stop pressing on their horns. The smells of a city of 9 million contrast with the aromas of freshly steamed dumplings and spicy grilled meats— your nose is constantly flipping from misery to ecstasy, and back again.

Food is the essence of culture. It defines a generation, it becomes a talking point after a trip somewhere new, it simply brings people together. The food in Xi’an is just this, and more. Xi’an’s rich (and long) culinary history, paired with the influence of the Islamic culture make for an eclectic ride for your taste buds.

The origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) began in ancient times when emperors offered sacrifices to the sun in springtime and to the moon in autumn. It wasn't until the Ming (1368 to 1644) and Qing (1644 to 1912) Dynasties when the celebrations became widely popular in Chinese culture. What I find most interesting are the legends that emerged from these time periods— one of my favorites being about the Moon Goddess, Chang'e.