Taiwan. (Photo by: Mu-Hsien)
There is some kind of magic that envelops January... It's the start of the new year and it's impossible not to feel just a little bit like this year ANYTHING is truly possible. So many interesting and exciting adventures await! Ahhhh....
Ok, did you finish giving yourself a hug and twirling around the room with eyes closed? Guess what, those interesting and exciting adventures will not just fall in your lap (well they might if you're lucky) but are you willing to leave it up to chance to have "the best year of your life?" Why not actively pursue those exciting and interesting adventures instead of just waiting for them to happen? That's right, inspiration drill sargent Alla is here! Now drop down and give me 20...and on your knuckles!
That's the magic of travel, it puts us right in the path of adventures. Whether it's because we have our eyes open for them or simply because we're immersed in a new atmosphere of another culture, we find excitement all around. But this magic does not have to END when we touch town at our home airport. Let's review the first concept of our mission shall we?
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Foster a curiosity for the world and celebrate our differences.
Well that's why we travel right? We want to soak up a new language, discover amazing food you won't get elsewhere or shop in the quaint streets of a charming town... even to see what it feels like to live like a local. The life-long student in us, feels alive with the stimulation of new experiences and learnings. We borrow from other cultures and traditions to enrich our own personalized approach.
So what are we going to do about all this?
How about just 3 SIMPLE THINGS?!!!
1 - Choose ONE holiday celebration from another culture to celebrate this year.
Is there one you've always been curious about? Maybe you've seen your neighbors celebrate and it looked like a good time? Maybe your city or a cultural house organizes a celebration. Challenge yourself this year to join in on the party!
2 - Choose a cuisine that you've never cooked before... and learn to cook ONE dish!
Perhaps a friend can teach you? Or how about a cooking workshop? Why not get in touch with a food blogger and ask them for advice.
and the 3rd... EASY!
3 - Follow a global neighbor on Instagram from a country/culture that you're curious about.
Choose someone who likes to share views of their country and everyday lives (and their eats!). Ask them questions if you see something you're not familiar with!
You might be thinking, ok maybe I will take your challenge...
but are YOU guys going to do this too?
Of course!
I'm very infatuated with Asia in general lately and Chinese New Year celebration in particular. My curiosity was peeked through friends that have taken me by the hand and introduced me to this holiday over the years. Amazingly enough a French friend took me to China town in NYC for Chinese New Year to hear the drums and see the dancing dragon collecting money from shop owners. A Panamanian friend introduced me to one of her Chinese New Year traditions of going out for a dim-sum brunch. Both these friends are not Chinese, they just fell in love with the holiday and decided to make it part of their traditions!
So I in turn would like to introduce my little family to the fun of Chinese New Year and create a CNY tradition in our house! To help me, our very own Mu-Hsien will share a glimpse of a special way to celebrate from her home town and a global neighbor Amy, who writes a delightful cooking blog, will guide me with getting started with Chinese cooking! I'm beyond excited! Of course we are sharing it all with you in case Chinese New Year is on your list of holidays to 'try on'.
• • • LESSONS LEARNED • • •
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