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.