Page 13 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (95)

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CITY LIFE | 城事

coming and warm-hearted locals and breathtaking natural
surroundings, creates an unlikely but undeniable parallel to
his memories of France. Xiaosong finds a profound sense
of belonging in Dali, considering it a second home.
Following his relocation to Dali, Xiaosong has estab-
lished a daily writing routine. On occasion, he delights in
Some people may argue that Xiaosong is an “unconven- showcasing his culinary skills by preparing delectable dish-
tional” chef. His restaurant operates without a fixed menu es to be shared among friends. Encouraged by a friend’s
and only serves customers on a limited basis, no more than suggestion, Xiaosong opened a private restaurant. His cu-
twice a week. Despite these unconventional practices, his linary prowess shines as he infuses Western cooking tech-
ability to infuse local ingredients into his Western cuisine niques with locally-sourced ingredients.
creates an exceptionally exquisite and mouthwatering din- The vegetable farmers in the market have grown accus-
ing experience. This culinary excellence draws diners from tomed to the presence of this charming foreigner, and their
far and wide, willing to travel thousands of miles to savor interactions are filled with warm greetings. Xiaosong, fluent
his creations. in the art of bargaining, often engages with the local farm-
When Xiaosong was just a young child, his mother left ers in Chinese, embellishing his words with a delightful
the bustling city life behind and settled in a tranquil town French accent: “Can you make it cheaper? Can you make it
beneath the majestic Alps. She instilled in him the belief cheaper?” A mischievous grin graces his face whenever he
that one should dedicate their life to pursuing their dreams, successfully secures a rice pudding valued at three yuan for
a philosophy that resonated deeply within Xiaosong. Her only two yuan.
values became an enduring influence on his journey. “Every dish I create is inspired by my writing and the
In 1991, Xiaosong stepped away from the confines of surrounding environment,” Xiaosong said. Among his
the university campus to pursue a career as a journalist. culinary innovations is a delightful creation he fondly
Traveling to destinations such as Palestine, Turkey, Leba- dubs “Panqu Sushi”, a dairy cake adorned with roasted
non, Syria, and more, he embraced the life of a backpacker, bell peppers. Another masterpiece he has developed is the
capturing his experiences through both the written word Dali-style croque-monsieur, an imaginative twist on the tra-
and his camera lens. After years of ceaseless exploration, he ditional French dish. In this rendition, a rice pudding takes
eventually felt the need for a respite and established a tem- center stage, encased delicately within a milk fan, replacing
porary home base in Beijing, China. the customary baguettes and cheese.
In 2014, Xiaosong bid farewell to Beijing and opened a Xiaosong and the local villagers often gather around a
new chapter of his life in Yunnan. Settling into a charming crackling fire, savoring roasted tea and exchanging stories
stone-built yard within Panqu Village in Dali, he instantly of their lives. With a genuine sense of kinship, Xiaosong
felt a sense of belonging. On his very first day in his new fondly said, “During the festival season, I find myself visit-
abode, the landlord’s daughter offered him a taste of the ing the homes of the villagers, for in this close-knit commu-
locally grown citron. As he savored the fruit’s subtly tangy nity, we are family.”
flavor and delightful sweetness, it sparked a nostalgic rec- Xiaosong finds immense contentment in his present life,
ollection of the citron he had once enjoyed during his youth fueling his desire to weave the stories of local villagers into
in France. his novels. Reflecting on his past experiences, he said, “Over
In his moments of leisure, Xiaosong often stands in his the past two decades, I’ve travelled all over the world,
yard, gazing towards the magnificent Cangshan Mountain. accompanied by transient friendships that left me feeling
As he surveys the grandeur before him, he can’t help but somewhat adrift. But Dali, in stark contrast, instills within
experience a deep sense of connection, reminiscent of his me a profound sense of belonging. It is not just a crossroads
childhood spent at the foot of the Alps. Dali, with its wel- but rather a place where I can truly put down roots.”