🌐 From noodles to nostalgia: Merna, the Jordanian storyteller racing against the clock to master Kashi’s cultural secrets, just leveled up her journey in Episode 5! This week, she stepped into the homes and hearts of locals in Xinjiang’s historic gem, discovering how food binds communities together.
🍜 Hand-pulled hospitality: Imagine sitting cross-legged on a vibrant rug, sharing steaming bowls of laghman (hand-pulled noodles) with a Uygur family. Merna didn’t just taste the dish—she learned its stories. 'Every stretch of the noodle carries generations of skill,' the matriarch grinned, teaching Merna (who nearly tied her fingers in knots) the art of dough-twirling.
🍯 Sweet revelations: Later, at a buzzy pastry shop, Merna nibbled on nut-filled baklava and honey-drenched desserts. 'Food here isn’t just fuel—it’s a language,' she realized, scribbling notes for her future tour group. Could a cooking demo be the perfect way to showcase Kashi’s soul?
⏳ The clock is ticking: With her 100-hour deadline looming, Merna’s balancing Uygur craftsmanship deep-dives (remember Ep. 4’s pottery workshop?) and cultural gems. Will her itinerary capture Kashi’s essence? 'I need to make travelers feel like they’re coming home,' she muses.
📺 Why we’re hooked: This isn’t just a travel show—it’s a masterclass in human connection. As one fan tweeted: 'Merna’s journey makes me want to book a flight AND bake bread.' 🥖
👉 Catch Episode 5 now and stay tuned for her final challenge!
Reference(s):
cgtn.com