Would you like to experience something new without leaving town? Well, why don't you take a look at the chinatown in your state? I am pretty sure that every state has something to show us when it comes the time to meet different cultures...
The Year of the Ox begins Jan. 26 and stores all over Chinatown are selling bright red decorations to mark the new year. But while it's easy to pick up cheap souvenirs at shops around the neighborhood, it's also worth spending a day seeking out the unfamiliar. You can sample new dishes, listen to a two-stringed fiddle called an erhu, or even visit a Buddhist temple.
Michael Moi, spokesman for the Chinatown Partnership, which was formed after the Sept. 11th attacks to promote the area and preserve local culture, encourages visitors to "open themselves up when it comes to Chinatown, and disregard preconceived notions. People recognize that Chinatown is good for good food and shopping, but there's a lot more to it. We're a cultural center, and people should bring a sense of adventure when they visit."
