Virtual China
June 22, 2008 on 7:47 pm | In General | 1 CommentWhile it may not have been possible for me to physically be in China this week, I saw no point in depriving myself of a little Chinese fun-so I opted for a virtual Chinese experience instead. How did I go about this amazing feat you’re probably asking yourselves….well, I can’t give away all my secrets…but my first stop didn’t even involve leaving the coziness of my kneeling Yoga-Chair.
The fascinating world of E-Bay transported me all the way to the sights and sounds of the tempting Shanghai Silk Marketplace where I learned all about momme weight-(the official measuring system for a fabric so fine) as well as the many varieties and lusters to choose from. I found, what I believe, will make a most luxurious silk filled comforter topped with a 19 momme Charmeuse duvet cover. I am ecstatically and impatiently awaiting it’s arrival.
To make my Chinese trip even more authentic, I found an Asian Market in Tucson, called Grant Stone. There were enough varieties of tea to fill a whole aisle. I’m experimenting with two kinds I’ve never had before-one is called Gohyah tea which comes from a bitter melon. The information that came with it is mostly in Chinese, but it states that it is good for the liver, bile, and digestion among other things. I gave Chris some the day after he’d had a few beers and wasn’t feeling so hot. He didn’t like the taste too much, but it seemed to make him feel better. I kind of liked it, it’s an unusual taste, unlike any other herb I’ve tried.
I’m also trying Hawthorn tea for the first time. It has a nice mildly sweet berry flavor, and according to my herb book, Hawthorn tea has been taken as a heart tonic and to enhance circulation. I also found an old favorite, a box of Gunpowder tea, also from Shanghai. I’m going to attempt to make my own version of a boba tea (bubble tea) drink with it.
Add to that list some yummy hot and sour soup and it wasn’t half bad for a virtual trip! Now if I could just get a massage… 
Thanks for post. Nice to see such good ideas.