Sam Blog

     "Dad Tea" in Hainan is more than just a beverage; it's a cultural phenomenon that blends the simplicity of Chinese tea with the communal aspect of Western coffee shops. Originating in the late Qing Dynasty, Dad Tea has become an integral part of daily life in Hainan, reflecting the island's unique lifestyle and values.      During my visit to Longqiao town, a friend took me to a local Dad Tea house, a popular spot among villagers. The setup was simple: square tables, plastic stools, and a menu featuring tea, coffee, Hainan-style pastries, and steamers akin to Cantonese morning tea. The affordability was striking – a pot of tea for just 3 yuan, and fried dough sticks for 2, and the priciest item, a rib dish, at 16 yuan.      Longqiao Town alone boasts 15 Dad Tea shops, each a hub for the community. Here, middle-aged and elderly residents gather early in the morning to chat about everything from lottery numbers to family stories. The...

   The international community, including the United Nations and various nongovernmental organizations, has been involved in trying to mediate and provide humanitarian assistance, sending doctors and nurses to Gaza.      Gaza is an area adjacent to Israel that belongs to Palestine, and Palestine has been in turmoil since its creation, because the British divided the same country of Palestine into two states, which are now Israel and Palestine, like South Korea and North Korea, originally belonging to the same ethnicity and culture.        Since Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip, the two sides have become hostile, and Egypt has imposed a blockade on Gaza, which many believe is the main cause of the conflict with Israel.      Gaza has always been a less developed country. The people of Gaza live in bad conditions; the unemployment rate is very high, and the residents living here are at risk due to the lack of water and electri...

     Graduating high school is a monumental step, often marked by a celebratory trip. For me, this rite of passage was a journey to Tibet - a place I've always revered as sacred. Initially planning a brief ten-day trip in June 2021, I found myself so captivated by the region that I extended my stay to a full month.       My adventure was enriched by my classmate Yachi Wang and his family. Staying at their homestay in Lhasa, I was treated to authentic Tibetan cuisine and culture. In exchange, I assisted with managing their front desk. His family showed immense warmth, and their cooking was so delightful that I gained five kilograms!     Lhasa's nightlife, vibrant till the early hours, was a new experience for me. My initial evenings were spent exploring the bustling Barkhor Street and the iconic Potala Palace Square. Gradually, I ventured further, discovering local favourites like Fairy Foot Island, Zang You Tan City, and the lively Tianhai ...