Turtle with Bamboo- Graham-Greenlee Tucson, AZ

I was gifted this plant as a graduation present and told that when combined, the turtle and bamboo will bring me good luck and fortune. In many Asian cultures bamboo serves as a symbol of humanity. In Japan bamboo is usually found around the shrines dedicated to Shinto practices as a barrier against evil. In Vietnam bamboo symbolizes the spirit of Vietnamese martial arts and therefore standing as a symbol of strength. There is even a Philippine legend that states that the first man and woman to live derived from a bamboo stem. After hearing all of these things. bamboo to me stands as a symbol of strength. Whenever I look at this gift I am given the courage to keep on going.

Japanese Tote Bags- The Chocolate Iguana Tucson, AZ

Today I went to 4th Avenue with my mom for a coffee date. At The Chocolate Iguana, the cutest little shop, I saw these tote bags on the wall. After talking to my roommate about them I found out that they resemble Kawaii products, meaning the cute and lovable aspects of Japanese culture. Kawaii products are usually geared towards fans of anime and manga. Even though I am not a fan of anime, I still find these products to be intriguing because of the colors and way the characters are drawn. I guess that is the artistic side of me coming out.

Yin-yang Bowl- World Market Tucson, AZ

I happened across this bowl while at the World Market, a store that contains a wide variety of foods and objects from different cultures, on Broadway. The Yin-yang, introducing during the Taoism era, stands as a symbol of contrary forces in the Chinese culture. Rather than forces that are opposing and fighting against one another, I (along with many others) like to believe that these two forces serve as compliments to each other. The yin and the yang (much like the light and the dark or the sun and the moon) serve to coexist and show the beauty that each holds.

Chinese New Year Door Decorations- University Villas Apartments Tucson, AZ

While visiting a friend at University Villas this past weekend, I ran into a door that had Chinese New Year decorations on it. Not wanting to risk the apartment tenant coming outside while I was taking the picture, I decided to find one online. The door that I saw had red paper at the top and on the two side of the door, there was nothing on the actual door itself. Chinese New Year, which happened on January 31st this year, is usually affiliated with an animal, the horse this year. The reason these decorations were still up is because the Chinese believe they will bring good luck and fortune for the year to come. The red paper symbolizes joy and virtue while the gold writing symbolizes wealth.
(Image above found at http://haudenschild-com.blogspot.com/2012/01/origin-of-chinese-new-year-spring.html )

Pei Wei Asian Diner- Broadway Boulevard Tucson, AZ

The Food

Yes the atmosphere is what grabs the attention of people, but the food here is great. On this visit to Pei Wei I ordered Sesame chicken with white rice, vegetable spring rolls, and edamame. Edamame, a bean, has been dated back to the year 1275 when a Japanese monk was gifted the bean pod at his temple. Since then it has appeared in Japanese, Chinese and even American cuisines. The spring roll is usually found in Chinese cuisines. Made up of thinly sliced vegetables and a rice wrapper, this dish is a light and refreshing choice. The sesame chicken is full of flavor and I would recommend it to anyone! If you are in the mood for Asian cuisine then Pei Wei is one of your best bets!

Pei Wei Asian Diner- Broadway Boulevard Tucson, AZ

The Atmosphere

 Upon walking into this Asian diner, I was immediately surrounded by wonderful smells. Pei Wei's website states "We strive to keep culture, art and diversity alive and well in our communities, particular for our children in hopes that they will make the world a more colorful place" and they do just that. For me the red color brought to mind fortune and happiness, which they have clearly accomplished. The atmosphere of the restaurant gives off a comfy feeling due to the art work around and the images hanging on the walls. They even have the Japanese maneki-neko (the cat that waves) which serves as a lucky charm.

Tucson Chinese Cultural Center- 1288 West River Road Tucson, AZ 85704

The Tucson Chinese Cultural Center was created in order to give the residents of Tucson the knowledge of Chinese heritage and cultural. This non-profit organization has been putting on performances ranging from traditional dance and music to festivals for the Chinese New Year (recently held on February 1st to big in the year of the horse). Though I have not yet had a visit to the center itself, I would love to take a trip to experience this lively atmosphere and gain a better knowledge of the Chinese Culture. Fingers crossed!
(Images collected from http://www.tucsonchinese.org/index.php )

Koi Fish Tattoo- Fourth Avenue Tucson, AZ

While spending a day on Fourth Avenue, the place where I spent a good majority of my childhood, I ran into a man with this koi fish tattoo. This caught my eye mostly because I have been yearning for a tattoo myself. I was curious as to what the tattoo meant to him so I stopped and asked. He told me that in the Japanese culture, a koi fish stands as a symbol of determination and courage. It was said that if a koi fish could get to the top of the waters, against the current, the fish would then turn into a dragon.

“Samurai on Horse” by local artist Soto- Tucson, AZ

This all ink drawing was done by my uncle, a local artist in Tucson, who goes by "Soto". Although this is not the traditional art that is seen when Asian culture is brought up, I believe it serves as an eye opener for many people. This piece was created with ball-point pen only. If you look closely you can see each and every stroke of the pen, just like the paintings done traditionally. This piece done by Soto causes his audience to use their brains in such a way that they see what he imagined, the red and purple centered in middle is the Samurai riding his horse depicted in black.

Saigon Pho Round Two- University Boulevard Tucson, AZ

My first experience at Saigon Pho was so great that I had to go back. Upon entering the restaurant, my mouth began to water instantly knowing that the wondrous taste of pho was coming. Although I knew I would find comfort with ordering the pho again I decided to go with fried rice and BBQ chicken, which was a great idea as it was just a delicious as the soup. While waiting, I looked at the walls which were covered in what looked like traditional Vietnamese art work. Above the fish tank in a corner was a huge painting that I could not stop admiring. 

Fuku Sushi- University Boulevard Tucson, AZ

 I also found this restaurant on University Boulevard. This restaurant takes a more modern approach to this Asian cuisine. The red color of the sign and the seating, which originally signified good fortune and happiness in the Chinese culture, is what caught my eye when passing by. Here I ordered tempura chicken and a caterpillar roll. I thought the food has an okay attempt at trying to achieve an authentic pass at the Asian culture. However, I was not impressed with the visit as a whole.

Saigon Pho- University Boulevard Tucson, AZ

I happened to come across this Vietnamese restaurant while walking down University Boulevard. Since then I have been back multiple times. Pho, a popular street food in Vietnam, is referred to as “soup for the soul” by the restaurant. Here it contains thinly cut slices of beef and brisket, meatballs, noodles, bean sprouts, jalapenos, green onions and cilantro. The kind service brings your meal to the table on a red tray with a smile. This tasty soup will keep you full and feeling refreshed, ready to take on the rest of your day.