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The World Is Embracing Sichuan Culture

March 16, 2018 By Admin Leave a Comment

(Image Credit: Z & Y Restaurant, San Franicisco)

With the increase in globalization, people from many parts of the world are getting to enjoy and experience a wide range of other cultures. This includes the Sichuan culture from China. Two of the most beloved facets of this culture include the wonderful, spicy cuisine, along with their unique form of opera, which incorporates the unique art of face changing.

Those who enjoy Chinese food are probably quite familiar with the spicy flavor that Sichuan cuisine offers thanks to the peppers often used in preparing the dishes. While the cuisine might be known for using peppers in their food today, it was likely the last province in China to start using them regularly. Still, most people today think of the intense and spicy flavor of chili peppers when they are craving Sichuan fare.

Food is just one of the ways that Sichuan culture is starting to envelop many parts of the globe, though, as you will see with Sichuan opera.

A Brief History of the Sichuan Opera and Face Changing

At the end of the Ming Dynasty and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty in China, around 1644, Sichuan opera was created. It began as the result of immigration to Sichuan, where a range of dramas were weaved into Sichuan forms of art and entertainment including dance and folk music.

Over time, the art of Sichuan opera grew and increased in popularity, in part thanks to the use of face changing. This added facet separates it from other types of Chinese opera. Properly known as Bian Lian, is an art that seems magical when you watch adept performers on stage.

The techniques and nuances of this ancient art are kept hidden and secret and watching them perform is akin to watching a well-practiced magician. The performers utilize beautiful, colorful silk masks with different expressions and emotions on them, which they can change at an unbelievable speed.

While the face changing is certainly one of the draws that bring in audiences, the songs, dancing, and the stories told in Sichuan opera keep them entranced for the entire performance. Even those who do not speak the language can enjoy the performances because they can understand the emotions of the characters and what they are going through in the story.

Sichuan Opera Comes to Los Angeles

While traditionally an art performed in China, many have begun performing Sichuan operas with face changing in other parts of the world, including Los Angeles. Chen Qiaoru, two-time winner of the Plumb Blossom Award, performed at the Huntington Library and Museum of Los Angeles recently. She performed Striking the Gods to a very receptive audience. She’s also performed at the Hammer Museum, and will be starting a road show in Seattle, WA.

With more people learning about Sichuan opera and the wonderful stories it can tell, along with the beautiful costumes and the impressive art of face changing, it is sure to help this art form survive and even thrive.

Filed Under: Asia Tagged With: adventure, Asia, China, culture, Sichuan culture, travel

5 Reasons to Head to Bangkok in 2018

December 22, 2017 By Admin Leave a Comment

There is a reason why the amount of people, who travel from India to Thailand, and particularly Bangkok, has spiked in the recent years. The tickets come cheaper and so do awesome hotels, the experience is almost exotic, its not far off and not too close, and there is the amazing fine-dining scene, a rocking nightlife and beautiful architecture.

For those of you instantly trying to figure out how far is this tourist destination – here is the information. It only takes a little over four hours to travel to Bangkok from Mumbai via plane. The flight covers a distance of 1883 km. Did you know that you could also do a road trip to Bangkok – that’s almost 5000 kms away through the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway!

So let’s come back to the main question – why head to Bangkok this year? Apart from the fact that Mumbai to Bangkok flights booking, if done well in advance, are extremely affordable; here are five other reasons to visit this amazing city!

An exotic shopping experience

If you love shopping, there is no better place to be. Bangkok is definitely one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world in terms of variety and price. While the collection of modern malls is ever growing, the night markets are equally exciting for experiencing the night life as well as bargain marketing. From vintage fashion to cheap eats to designer rip offs and the latest in entertainment, you get practically everything here. Shopping in the moonlight is definitely worth it. Next, check out the floating markets in Bangkok. A sight to behold, these markets, usually only found in South East Asian countries, will be unlike anything you have ever seen before. The ideal way to explore the market is to take a boat tour with a guide and navigate the crowded waterway. The vendor boats are stocked with the freshest fruits and vegetables, so you might be tempted to do a little shopping too.

Also, don’t forget the vibrant street markets which are proving to be a huge hit in the Thai capital. Discover everything from clothes to homewares to gadgets to antique pieces at really affordable prices. When all the walking gets to you, kill the tiredness by downing a beer or indulging in street food.

The rich culture

Thailand is known for the majestic temples that exude calm and serenity and Bangkok has its fair shares of cultural symbols in the form of beautiful architecture. If you love buildings and culture, you can spend an entire day visiting different temples and count the differences between how the old ones and new ones are built. Most of these sites are located within the city so they are easily accessible by public transportation. Do pay a visit to Wat Arun, located opposite the Grand Palace on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. The palace looks beautiful when lit up and night. And if you fancy a view of the skyline, you can climb the highest spire in the temple.

The nightlife

If you are a night owl, Bangkok has something for you. Uber swanky bars, drinking holes, skybars, this city has an immense night life. Some tourists opt to explore local bars to experience the local nightlife. Yet others prefer to visit rooftop bars and sip on cocktails on a terrace overlooking the fantastic and brightly lit Bangkok skyline. You will definitely not be disappointed with your nighttime experience on the streets of Bangkok. The beautiful rooftop bars are peppered throughout the city, so you have the perfect place to observe the hustle bustle of the city from above. There are so many options to party and have fun in the city that we guarantee that you won’t ever visit the same nightclub twice even if you stay in the city for a week.

Experience new cuisine

While in Bangkok, you will be swamped with options about what to eat for your next meal. By the time its night, pop-up dining spaces mushroom all over the footpaths. Street vendors whip up tasty delights and sometimes unimaginable combinations (fried insects for instance) that is a gastronomic delight. While exploring the city, if you chance upon a street food vendor, definitely give their dish a try. Apart from the street food, Bangkok has every imaginable cuisine. So, whether you want some authentic Thai food or want to try some seafood, there is a street stall for everything.

Other things to do

If you are in Bangkok, do not come back with visiting a massage parlour and trying a Thai foot massage atleast. The masseurs know exactly how to soothe your stress in minutes through a mastery of strokes.

Take a long boat excursion on the Chao Phraya River that winds through the city alleys and gives you a peek into the local life as you pass villages and houses.

You can visit the many lush green parks spread across the city, or visit the various museums. Of particular note are the Museum of Death, a medical museum, and the airplane graveyard, which is home to old airplanes that cannot be used anymore. You might also want to opt for a traditional Thai massage to relax after a day full of sightseeing and exploring the city.

Excited to travel to Bangkok? Then what are you waiting for, check out flight bookings from Mumbai to Bangkok and plan your next trip.

Filed Under: Asia, Travel Tips Tagged With: Asia, Bangkok, Destinations, holiday, Thailand, travel, vacation

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