Eric Demay

I’ve been dreaming profusely lately each night, hitting the pillow with enough momentum to last till sun rise, sleeping 9h straight without a peep. No matter the dream, the best part is waking up and realising that you’re still in China.

It took me a few days to reconcile myself with the fact that I’m here for 2 months. Partly (or mainly) because feeling very ill on day two (don’t worry, 18h of sleep cures anything), thus being sickeded by any odd and unusual smell my nose came across: a plague to any new, smell-aware and somewhat sick traveller. Initially disgusted, the olfactive experience is now getting richer by exposure, subltle nuances in the tones let you distinguish the smells and I’m now taking joy in appreciating its spectrum.

Food is definitely tying this trip around as I’m now anxiously awaiting every corner for a new gustative experience. My appetite is being rewarded with ingenious meals that are miles away from the western hues. Street food is high on the list as it is traditionnal, local and very impromptu: the sponteineity of grabbing a bite full of flavor, freshness and flavor, topped with inexpensiveness (one can easily feast for a few dollars a day) is embraced every time, even when you’re not looking for something to eat. Breakfast is always a fun hunt as morning cravings aren’t always the most easy to please. But after tasting many different in Xi’an, the current first place title holder is jian bing guo zi, a hot, folded pancake/omellette with onions and ham.

Currently in Chengdu, Sichuan, land of spicy food and ironic climate dispositions: Hey, its warm here! 10 degres outside! Hurray! But wait, it’s cold! 10 degrees inside! Gawd.