A bucket of rice. Yes, that’s what most restaurants serve here. I don’t know if rice is so abundant that they dish out so much! The other picture is one of my MOST favorite dishes. It’s called Mapo Doufu (maa-pu d0-foo). It’s silken soft tofu mixed in a hotbed of spices including ginger, chili oil and...

And discounts means happy customers! China’s retail market is booming, especially over the internet. No empty shops, with idle attendants here.

Lots of discounts and special prices on all food items.

Had gone to Carrefour. They are all over Chengdu. This is the grocery and food floor in Carrefour but it is pretty  much the same as in any other big supermarket in China. Rows and rows of vegetables and fruits. Anything related to food, you name it and it’s there.

On Sunday, 20th February, when I went to Tianfu Square I had no idea about why there were police and military men swarming all over the place with menacing sniffer dogs. And the policemen in China look tough and mean business, you wouldn’t want to mess with them. The next day I read about the...

Sweet potato vendors are also quite popular. Having this hot, steaming snack in freezing weather is a great feeling. And for me, a vegetarian, there is nothing better than this.

These are mobile food vendors who can be found around practically every corner. They make some delicious noodles and snacks.

A market just outside the monastery sports dry fruits like dates, raisins, walnuts and longan.

There is a popular teahouse inside the monastery, which serves varieties of green tea and a few snacks. Appeared to be quite a favorite among visitors.

I had just quit my job to come to China and learn Chinese. My mind was an amalgam of worry at the prospect of not having a steady salary for the next few months and happiness as well at being free from the shackles of a job for the time being. Seeing these prayer tags...