Return To Chinatown

Spring is blooming around us, and so our class took another trip to Chinatown in Chicago. This time, since there was no parade, there weren't any unbearable crowds. It was also a bit warmer, although not exactly summer weather just yet! This time we took a guided tour through the more historical parts of Chinatown, whereas last time all we really got to see were the tourist gift shops and the flashy parade. This time we got to delve a little deeper into the Chinese culture of the Windy City, starting with our replica of the Nine-Dragon Wall that welcomes all visitors upon entering Chinatown. This wall shows nine dragons each playing with a pearl with many tiny dragons bordering the wall. This wall is bright and colorful to look at, but what may not be known is the true history behind it. Well, in Chinese lore, the Chinese Dragon had nine sons, and so this wall is meant to honor each of them. The wall was built for luck and prosperity, since both the number nine and dragons bring good fortune in Chinese culture. This wall in Chicago is just a replica (one of three outside of China) of the real walls built in the cities of Beijing, Forbidden City and Datong. All the tiles and smaller dragons add up to lucky numbers in some way, shape, or form too. After viewing the Nine-Dragon Wall and hearing its history, we continued on our tour.

We were able to see many historical buildings that are famous, or infamous for interesting reasons. This includes the church that Al Capone's mother attended, and a building depicting a love story with a depressing end. We also got to see what a typical courtyard in China would look like. I loved the archway because we don't really have anything like that usually in America. I also loved the peace and serenity of the place. As we walked in a bird was singing, the trees were blooming, and the general atmosphere was one of peacefulness. While walking around the area, I saw many things that made me think we were in China already: the bright colors, the dragons on street signs, and lets not forget the random Asian men walking around muttering in Mandarin! Although the buildings of Chicago can be seen from Cermak, you feel like you're on the other side of the world already.

After this, we went a few blocks over to Chinatown Square. I particularly liked the mural depicting the arrival of Chinese immigrants that stands in front of the square. Below this mural, almost humble in its appearance, was a song. I took a photo of the sheet music, but have yet to figure out the melody. Within the Square are twelve statues, one for each animal in the Chinese Zodiac. As the legend goes, the animals fought over who would head the Chinese cycle of years, and so they had a race across a river. The rat, being small, jumped on the oxes back and hopped off right before the finish line. After hearing this story, we each took photos in front of our respective zodiacs, Shelby and I posing in front of the statue of the dog. A person born in the Year of the Dog is said to be honest, quiet, intelligent, generous, stubborn, loyal, and faithful to those they love. They tend to be introverted listeners, but can also be cynical and find fault easily. Despite this, they are born to be successful. I believe this description fits me well. I am known for being a good listener as well as a dry sense of humor. The problem that I have with horoscopes is that they say general statements about people that almost anyone could believe to be true. Who doesn't think of themselves as honest, generous or loyal?

Afterwards we went to Cantonesia for the highlight of this experience: the food. Megan, Shelby and I agreed to share all of our dishes in order to try as much new food as possible. I ordered a hand shredded pancake, which was hashed yet whipped until almost fluffy. It had an interesting texture that I really enjoyed. Megan's Crab Rangoon, a fallback platter if everything else tasted horrid, was also delicious. Her sweet and sour chicken was also good, although I did not care for Shelby's pot stickers which was weird since I usually enjoy pot stickers. My main dish, a vegetarian dish made of potatoes, eggplant and other vegetables was okay. The potatoes were amazing, but I did not care for the texture of the eggplant nor its seemingly bland flavor. Overall I enjoyed talking and eating at the restaurant. It was pretty funny seeing the boys at our table attempt to eat a meal for four with only three people. The teachers behind us, while choking/laughing (I'm still not sure which...) were pretty comical too.

All in all, this mini-trip has sparked my anticipation to even greater heights. I have felt my excitement build up over these past few months and so I have taken up some new hobbies. I am fascinated with Chinese cuisine, and try to make new and interesting dishes for my family whenever I can. Inspired by an older blog post, I did my English argumentative speech project on the One-Child Policy and it effects. This let me delve deeper into the modern history of China. I am also currently reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan," which is an insightful novel on the lives of past females in China, describing the painful process of foot binding, special groups such as sworn sisters, laotong (old sames/kindred spirits), and the secret handwriting of women called nu shu. I know that foot binding is real, and that after binding feet were meant to be seven centimeters long, about three inches, but what I really want to know is if this secret handwriting is real.

Thats all for now,

Natalie W.