May 26, 2023
Mandarin Immersion (Part 12)
By Simon J. Lau
I arrived in Chongqing! This is the largest inland city in China (urban population of 18 million vs. NYC’s urban population of 8 million, both circa 2021, for comparison) and its cityscape is defined by its mountains, bridges, and rivers. I learned of Chongqing through a Chinese rap video. It made the city look so amazing, I had to visit!
First thing on my bucket list was street food! Unlike other places, this area was far more commercialized. The vendors were packed inside of a large food court, but this made it more convenient to go from one vendor to another. More importantly, there was ample seating!
Afterward, I visited a bar near my hotel called Mr. Tipsy. The bartender and another patron were eager to chat with an American. We spent the night comparing American and Chinese lifestyles, and discussing our preferences in hard liquor and cocktails.
One notable observation is that due to its proximity to Sichuan, locals here speak with a thick Sichuanese accent. It’s akin to English spoken with a Southern drawl. While understandable, it’s certainly not standard Mandarin. My listening comprehension will surely be put to the test. 😅
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