No place I would rather be

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While most of my colleagues flitted off to more foreign lands during Spring Festival, I chose to stay behind in Chengdu, the city known as the "Heavenly State" and explore the rich sites in the land that had become my home just four months ago.

The skies were clear, the streets less congested with traffic and it seemed as if the sun emerged from the clouds to smile directly on me. Despite the calmness, I found myself engaged in an abundance of culturally rich and historically fascinating activities during my two week holiday. But there was even time to experience day to day life without the pressure of work.

My first outing was to the Anjing Silk Brocade Museum followed by the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Although I have never been savvy with a needle and thread, I found the intricate detail and beauty of the Shu brocade breathtaking. The museum houses picturesque silk embroidery displays, some double sided that seemed life-like. There were images of pandas frolicking, tigers lazing in the grass, scenic views of nature, and even Marilyn Monroe. I later got a chance to try my hand at embroidery with the aid of one of the master embroiderers who seemed impressed with my novice ability…as I was. Later, the small group I was travelling with ventured to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum which gave us a taste of Sichuan cooking from its development throughout history to the process of the famed numbing hot Sichuan pepper. Most rewarding was the opportunity to prepare first hand, authentic Sichuan cuisine in a private kitchen. I left with the ability to cook mapo tofu, Kung Pao chicken and steamed buns and dined among my cohorts at a lavishly adorned table with our cooking creations.

Then, there was my trek to the Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a reconstructed shrine to commemorate the life of Du Fu, a celebrated Chinese poet from the Tang Dynasty. It was a tranquil trip through quiet gardens, flowing streams and bridges and structures that depicted a classic architectural Chinese style. As a lover of all things literary, I was inspired to pen my own verses of poetry but settled with a purchase of one of Du Fu’s books written in Chinese--a subtle motivation to learn to read and speak the language in order to fully embrace the beauty of his written word.

A visit to Chengdu would not be complete without a trip to see the infamous pandas and it was apparent that the hundreds of people that gathered there that day felt likewise. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is more than just a day trip. But even a few minutes to see live pandas nestled in a tree, chewing bamboo and embodying the epitome of cuteness is worth every second. During this solo mission, I discovered the convenience and ease of traveling to the panda base from my home and made a note to self to visit again and again.

Aside from the other tourist attractions I embarked upon, there were simple routine outings that my arduous schedule often prevents. Like travelling aimlessly on the buses to familiarize myself with routes I often frequent by cab. I rode the subway for the first time on multiple occasions and wondered why the New York City transit system was not as advanced. I strolled Tai Koo Li and had brunch, a pastime that my weekend schedule does not allow. I also obtained my own card to shop at Metro, a superstore similar to Sam’s Club or Costco in the United States that for me is a haven of shopping pleasure from fresh meat, fruits and vegetables, appliances and household wares. It is a relief I live rather far because I easily spend 1000 yuan ($ 153.57) on items I barely need, just for the adrenalin rush.

For me, Spring Festival in Chengdu was a season to meet new friends, try new adventures and confirm that my decision to venture abroad was the best choice I made in 2015.

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