This past month I’ve been privileged to teach two English
classes on the Cal Lutheran
University campus. It’s part of a program
called Upward Bound, which helps high school students, from various parts of Los
Angeles, needing that extra leg up. The kids are
terrific and it’s been an extremely rewarding experience.
Yesterday,
my teaching assistant and I were permitted to “tag along” as our students, who
are also taking a class in Chinese culture, were brought to Chinatown
by their two instructors.
I haven’t
been to L.A.’s Chinatown
in ages and going by bus rather than having to drive was a particular treat for
me. (I’ve always enjoyed bus and train rides --- allows one time to space out).
When we
arrived, we went immediately to a temple. Here, we approached the alter (laden
with offerings such as meat and fresh fruit) and partook in a custom involving
sticks, stones, and luck. Fortunately,
the number I chose was a lucky one (at least that’s the interpretation I
received).
From there
we did some shopping at a nearby plaza and visited a local grocery store. There
were an assortment of teas, dried shrimp, and just about anything you’d expect
to find at an Asian market.
We dined at
a restaurant called Empress Pavilion where apparently President Clinton and
President Bush both dined (at different times I’m assuming).
The food
was ordered for us by our knowledgeable teachers, Christina and Debbie, and it
was a feast: numerous appetizers, main courses, and side dishes (noodles, dim sum, lemon chicken, shrimp etc.)
We shopped a little more and then it was time to return to
our ‘normal lives’.
As I looked
around at women walking by, carrying
umbrellas to shield them from the sun, I was reminded how diverse Los
Angeles is.
Have a great weekend, and thanks for joining me on Rhodes Less Traveled.
Vivian
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