Skylab

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” — Lao Tzu

Everything has been completely random in Chengdu. Someone in Xi’an said there was pandas in Chengdu so I decided to check it out (Don’t you love how I pick the places I want to go? LOL). As soon as I got in, I found at least 3 other travelers I knew from Xi’an that came to Chengdu Mix Hostel as well. Small world! Chris and I have been just going to random places from whatever people tell us to check out.

Hotpot

Hotpots are extremely popular in Chengdu and not having one of their hotpots is a sin when visiting Chengdu. Bunch of my buddies from the hostel and I decided to check one out. Steve had said it can be pretty difficult to order a hotpot if they don’t speak English and he was right. After a huge confusion, it all worked out and we got our food. I’ve been told numorous times to prepare the stomach the next day after having a hotpot. The boiling red sauce didn’t seem so bad and I’m ready to start dipping the random plates of food into it. I fish for the food from the bowl and take my first bite; FIRE!

Hotpot in Chengdu

Not even kidding… Picture the cartoons when fire came out of mouth, noes, ears, eyes, and everything from the character cause that’s what happened to me. It was most definitely the spiciest food I’ve ever had in my life. The food was delicious though and addicting so I continued to eat away. After many sweats, heart racing, and turning red; it was well worth it. I don’t think I’ll be eating another hotpot anytime soon but I’m glad I got the experience of a Chinese Chengdu hotpot.

Hotpot in Chengdu

Panada’s

Chengdu is known for it’s Panda’s so I just had to go. They were pretty cute and the young ones were so playful and active.

The young ones being playful

Red Panda

This Panda was a total pig. Eating away his bamboo for ages.

DJ’ing in China!

I did it! Very random and SOOO happy I did it. Here’s the story… I’m looking through a Chengdu magazine which happens to be in English from the hostel. There was a featured article about a DJ Studio in Chengdu. It had the full address of the place so I just HAD to check this out. I expected either I wasn’t going to be able to find the place or no one will be able to speak English there. I didn’t really think there was much of a DJ scene here either. I got a taxi to take me there showing him the address and a map. After finally finding the building, I walk into heaven. You have to understand, It’s been ages since I’ve touched music. Selling all my equipment a few months ago was emotional! I resisted the urge to be like a 5 year old in a McDonald’s play-pen. Luckily the guys there spoke English very well. Wu invited me in and to hang out for awhile. They have an equal passion for music as I do and even have some of the same taste in music! I had my iPod with me and showed them what NYC has been playing lately and they LOVED it instantly. So they asked me if I wanted to play that same night at a club called Xiong Mao. Of course I accepted! The club had a real underground look to it. Very basement type feel to it perfect for underground type parties.  I got on and just put in my 200%. Surprisingly I did pretty good for not DJ’ing in awhile! I did my thing and everyone loved it. Happiest man in the world!

I also met Braedon that same night who’s real cool. After the club, we went to Cafe Panam which is a french owned bar/lounge. Really nice place. We had a little group going and we all chilled for awhile. Perfect night.

Next day I call up Braedon and he introduces me to this ridicules Japanese food. It’s all you can eat Japanese food. I’m pretty sure I ate an entire school of fish. A bit pricey for China (160Yuan) but crazy cheap to the US dollar. We abused the hell out of it eating and ordering as much as possible. By far THE best Japanese food I’ve had in my life. Another perfect night. Right when I think I’m at my happiest, it just gets better.

I’ll be in Chengdu for 2 more nights till tomorrow (messed up my days) then heading to Kunming then ?? Thailand or Laos?

Just gotta keep on dancing

Mike