​​Souvenir

A friend said happy birthday to me and he told me he got something for me.

 

It turned out to be chocolate from his hometown. It’s chocolate with ground pepper. The flavor is very special and it’s the first time that I taste this type of chocolate.

 

A few days ago, some friends went to Harbin, China for holidays. They bought some chocolates as souvenirs for me. I looked at those chocolates. Actually, some looked like they were from Russia. Indeed, Russian culture has an impact on Harbin and I wasn’t surprised to see my friends find something related to Russian culture there.

 

Checking souvenirs is one thing that helps you understand the local culture. Nowadays, in a global community, you can see impacts from different cultures. While seeing the souvenirs, I was just thinking about a city that I went to previously. I went to Dalian, China several years ago. I saw some Russian-style buildings there. Nevertheless, it was a business trip and I didn’t have too much time searching for souvenirs. Otherwise, I guess I might prepare some souvenirs related to Russian culture.

 

However, sometimes, if you prepare some souvenirs with a fusion of different cultures, you might have to explain a little bit to your friends. Otherwise, they might be confused. Nevertheless, if you explain things clearly, it will probably become a good start of a conversation. You and your friend might be able to share thoughts on the impacts of different cultures. Preparing souvenirs could be something interesting. Firstly, you have to look at what's special in that city or in that region. Additionally, you need to understand the expectations of your family or friends. Thirdly, you need to balance those 2 and choose something as souvenirs. Sometimes, it’s not easy work. Nevertheless, an important thing is that you are sharing memories.