"Asian Elements in Everyday Life" Walk

The walk, titled “Asian Elements in Everyday Life,” relates to the location chosen through its interaction with four major landmarks along the walk’s path. While the concept of the walk is applicable to almost any other area in New York City, this specific concept was influenced by the venues along the streets connected to 5th Ave. “Asian Elements in Everyday Life” interfaces with the venues through a tour-guide like structure. Participants are introduced to common Asian elements by “dining” on dim sum at CafeTasia on 8th Street, learning about drinking traditions (and sipping tea) in front Warehouse Wine & Spirits on Broadway, participating in basic tai chi stretches in Washington Square Park, and learning about religion and certain Asian legends outside a church on 5th Avenue. The majority of the walk is done through the guides sharing brief blurbs of the culture and traditions found in Asian nations. Some participation will be required in that walkers get the opportunity to dine on rangoons, have some tea, and also do some tai-chi - they will leave with a fuller stomach, a more awakened state, and an opportunity to quench possible thirst.. They will also be transformed with a greater knowledge of the everyday Asian elements that can be easily experienced even in a setting such as NYC.

Classmates enjoying that yummy rangoon "dim sum" - of course, they had to eat them using chopsticks or none for them!

       Although the walk does not specifically address any issues, it can be interpreted as means of gaining a better understanding of Asian culture in daily life. Western society has often looked upon Asians as just one mass consensus and this walk will allow participants the opportunity to distinguish some of the varying elements among the Chinese, Korean, Indonesian, and other Asian cultures. The art in the walk focuses more on the interpretation of Asian culture than the actual art. For example, the process to crafting a crab rangoon is art in a culinary sense. Like an artist selecting his medium and colors, a chef must choose his ingredients and culinary tools. Both are looking to emulate something in their work. Likewise, the art in tai chi is in its patience and movement; the poses and stretches bring a grace and fluidity that is almost performative.

Tai chi stretches to help reinvigorate our tired selves. 

Initially, the group had trouble coming up with a solid concept since we all had such a wide array of interests. When our first plan of trying to integrate all the interests together did not work out, we knew we had to go in another direction. Luckily, our new concept has a common ground that makes the task all the more easier to accomplish.The walk is also adaptable for group members who may not feel as comfortable working in the spotlight. A group member can be a part of the team or work from the sidelines when groupmates are introducing an activity or explaining an element of Asian culture in daily life. For example, while one or two of us are talking about the traditions behind drinking, a group member can be prepping the tea and passing it out to the walk participants. While this group member won’t be in the direct spotlight, he or she will still be greatly integral just through handling the items involved in the walk. For all we know, this person could have greatly contributed during the planning and prepping stages.