This past weekend we went down to Chinatown in Chicago for the annual Dragonboat Races. This was the first time we’ve been to this event and we had a lot of fun. We came a night early and stayed at a hotel that had an indoor waterpark for Savannah. She loved it!
This year Dragonboat festival fell on June 19, but the races in Chicago were on the 21st of July. Chinatown was a-buzz with lots of different things to do and see because of the races. There were lots of vendors with samples, performers and art booths. One booth for Saint Alp Teahouse gave out free samples of their tea creations. The green tea and milk drink was so good we went and visited their store on Archer to get a small cup to go–so refreshing. The shop was so cool. Very hip and modern, just like their drink ideas–combining the awesome tea of China with the idea of mixed coffee type drinks of America. This was a fun new find for us.
The races were fun to watch and cheer for. I’ve posted some pictures to the website of the races.
Of course, we ate at our favorite restaurant Lao Sze Chuan for lunch which was a special treat. And we stocked up on tea again for the year. It was a beautiful day in the windy city–not too hot and some lovely wind. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Unless we are out of town next year (crossed fingers that we will be in China) we will surely not miss this event in Chinatown next year.