Chinese Southern Belle - Intro

I started documenting, writing and sharing my Chinese family’s history and journey, in China, Taiwan and the Deep South with the hope that it would add an entertaining and enriching cross-cultural dimension to the tapestry of Atlanta’s history. It was a journey marked by a constant juxtaposition of cultures and customs, from egg rolls and Big Macs to Taoism and Dow Jones.

Asian American culture has come a long way since my parents landed in Houston, Texas then Atlanta, Georgia in the early 1960's. We were the only Asian family in the neighborhood and tofu and soy sauce were unheard of in the local grocery stores. Now, of course, Asian food and culture, in all its diversity, is accessible and very popular. Many of my friends have traveled to China and now teach me about the nuances of taichi, karate or Indian yoga. The cooking class my mother taught in 1988 stretched culinary boundaries with Hot and Sour Soup. In 2009, our new course will cover sushi, bibimbap, pad thai and a tour of an Asian market the size of Wal-Mart.

While the motivation was personal, I also hope that these stories will help create a stronger, shared sense of community across our differences and similarities through an appreciation and remembrance of one family's immigrant experience. Perhaps, we will find insight and inspiration in the commonality of the American experience.

May we all enjoy more cross-cultural friendships, potlucks and eggrolls n’ sweet tea!

Happy Winter Soulstice!