As young and audacious college students, many of us dream of exploring the world. We long to hear the chatter of unfamiliar language, taste foods we never knew existed, and experience the richness of cultures far removed from our own. Sometimes, you don’t even need a plane ticket to fulfill these dreams; Chicago’s very own Chinatown is like stepping into another world.
Image Credit: Pixabay
On Jan. 31, the Center for Chicago Programs offered a free trip to Chinatown for a group of 15 students, including myself, and led by Sydnie Bivens ‘17. This town of 65,000 individuals bustled with energy as people shuffled in and out of shops. As I sipped on boba tea, I couldn’t help feeling like a tourist. I walked through some candy shops and bookstores, past acupuncture centers and medicine shops. I couldn’t read half of the buildings or any labels, but I relished in the novelty of it all.
Image Credit: Pixabay
We spent most of our afternoon at Hing Kee Restaurant where we learned to make traditional Chinese wontons. I’ve always loved Chinese cuisine, but in Chinatown it’s different, everything tastes more authentic. Our wontons proved successful, and we feasted on a traditional family style Chinese fare, courtesy of the CCP.
To experience the Chinese culture at its peak, attend Chinatown’s New Year parade on Feb. 22nd. Celebrating the “Year of the Sheep” on the Chinese lunar calendar, this year’s parade will include marching bands, floats, lion teams, and a 100-foot-long Mystical Dragon.
