Today we went to Chinatown in Philadelphia. During the first half of the day we visited Chinese Culture & Arts and learned about the history of instruments and the different types of music that helped shape Chinese culture. Our tour guides gave tutorials on how to play and allowed the class to play traditional Chinese instruments. This was an amazing hands-on experience where we were able to physically engage in learning Chinese culture.
Then we stopped at an acupuncture facility to learn about the healing properties of different herbs, as well as the ways they can be consumed to feel the effects. Some of the herbs can be inhaled or digested to feel the effects. While leaving we learned a little bit of Cantonese. Then we ate lunch at a restaurant across the street, followed by a visit to my favorite Boba Tea Shop, Gong cha, where I purchased my typical Taro Bubble tea. It was quite frothy and sweet. Next we went to the rolled ice cream shop down the street, where I bought cookies and cream rolled ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. My friend group then went to the local Tiger Sugar Boba tea shop. After that we went to the local Chinese market. After roaming and searching we returned to Gong Cha, where I ordered another treat, this time the creme brûlée brown sugar boba tea.