When U.S. filmmaker Bobby Mosser packed his bags for Chengdu years ago, he didn’t expect to leave a piece of his heart in Sichuan Province. Studying Chinese at Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Bobby fell hard for the country’s “bustling and peaceful” rhythms—and its legendary spicy hotpot 🌶️.
In an interview, Bobby reminisced about cozy family-run restaurants, spontaneous friendships forged during train travels, and the “human touch” that defined his time there. “I brought back souvenirs, but the real treasures are the memories,” he told CGTN, describing handwritten letters and gifts from friends as reminders of cross-cultural bonds.
Now stateside, Bobby admits to craving more than just mapo tofu. “There’s this nostalgia—for the laughter, the history lessons, even the language struggles,” he shared. His story isn’t just about dumplings 🥟 (though he dreams about those too). It’s a reminder that connection thrives where curiosity leads—whether in Chengdu’s teahouses or late-night study sessions.
