My Little Asian Corner

Gwangju City  Pavilion, Denman Estates Park, 
San Antonio, Texas

A few posts ago, a reader expressed her frustration about living in Central America. She said: "I live in the wrong side of the world". Apparently, the immersion in the Asian culture is not promoted or not accessible for her.  She wanted to socialize with Asians and participate in cultural activities. Sadly, besides dramas and TV programs, she had no other options.

In spite of this limitation, it really doesn't matter where you live. Nowadays there are many intercultural opportunities regardless of your location. It is also very interesting to learn a culture from different perspectives. My passion!

Painting by: Teodoro Kuan
(1994)

Now, one thing's for sure, before immersing in other cultures, I embrace my Puerto Rican heritage. Appreciation for my background, and to know all about my roots is vital. It is this cultural self-appreciation that makes me more sensible and receptive towards diversity. And a better Puerto Rican to display to the world.

As Miguel Rodrigo Alsina, Professor of Communication Theories at the Pompeu Fabra University (Barcelona) and author of "Teorias de la Comunicación" (Communicatin Theory) stated: "a culture evolves through the contact with other cultures".

Evidently, the curiosity and interest is mutual! Asians want to know about us, too. New friendships are based on this mutual cultural interest. I'm lucky to count among my friends: a Taiwanese passionate about Latin music, Salsa dancing and creator of beautiful paintings with Spanish influence; an enthusiastic social networking manager -also Taiwanese- that encourages interracial relationships through his groups; and then, far away: there's a Korean Tango dance instructor and a Filipino Arquitect living in China. 

Not only they are friendly, but eager to share their culture. This interest creates an interesting interaction where we mutually enrich our cultural knowledge and, share our passion for diversity.

My little Asian corner... 

Even more, altough meeting people is great, learning through other means is as enticing as well. History and art are great sources. So, here's a suggestion to my reader: look for a little Asian corner wherever you are. Whether via the internet; library or favorite bookstore; world associations; the embassy in your city or cultural centers. There are many options that are economical, if not free.


Recently, I became a member of Sister City International. A non-profit program that empowers alliances among cities of the world with the USA. It was through this association that I learned about the alliance between San Antonio, Texas and Gwangju Metropolitan City in Korea (other cities as well). There's even a beautiful symbol of this alliance, a Korean pavilion that I visited recently (see more details of the pavilion here).

This trip, to be honest, was not a passionate excerpt of a K-drama, where a gorgeous Joseon dynasty warrior emerged from the lake allured by my Latin charm (HA! I wish!, I mean, the charm part)... It simply was an educational and inspiring experience. Which taught me about this architectural historical art. Visiting the pavilion gave me a closer appreciation of this invaluable donation to our city. Yet, the best part of the experience was to find my little Asian corner in the very heart of Texas.