The Bridge to China A local from Detroit on why China's Harbin feels like home
Jan 16, 2024
Ben Watson, an American in China, shares his experiences as a foreign-local in Harbin. He talks about the Ice Festival, local cuisine, and the similarities between Harbin and Detroit. The discussion also touches on the differences in dressing styles, winter delicacies, climate, and missing American food chains in China.
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Festival Demographics
- The Harbin Ice Festival primarily attracts tourists of all ages, families, though elderly attendance might be limited.
- Children aren't the main target demographic for this winter wonderland, but visitors of all ages attend.
Year of the Dragon
- Ben, born in the year of the dragon, considers it a lucky zodiac sign, especially significant in the current dragon year.
- He'll wear red socks for the festival but not all year round, unlike his wife's practice for her snake year.
Reverse Culture Shock
- Ben experiences reverse culture shock returning to the US, missing community sounds and facing car dependency.
- He misses sounds like women dancing in the square and vendors' calls.