I am a very lucky, very privileged person in many ways. After all, I spend much of my time eating and writing, two favorite pursuits for which I never dreamed I’d be paid. In the realm of travel, another passion of mine, I’ve been equally lucky and over the years have toured the States, Central America, Europe and most recently– as many readers of the column know — China.

The circumstances of this adventure were unique. An international friend once working in the States was moved to China several years ago, where he met and fell in love with Chinese woman, slight of build and big of heart and spirit. Along with many of their friends and family, we undertook the long (14-hour-time-difference long) journey to attend and celebrate their wedding.

The trip was a cross-cultural adventure in every way. In fact, my husband and I were the only Americans in a wedding party that represented 12 other countries from around the world. For me, though, China was also a cross-interest adventure, mixing my love of travel with my love of food.

For the most part, our journey took place in Xinjiang, China’s largest and most diverse province, which borders eight other countries. Russia, India, Mongolia and five countries ending in “stan.” After the wedding, the party then took a quick but intensely beautiful trip to Tibet. Along the way, I shared my photos and impressions about my eating experiences on Facebook and Twitter.

A trip of this scale, however, cannot be conveyed only in such a condensed way. Now that I’m back, let me share with those who are interested a few more in-depth thoughts and lessons learned during my Oriental odyssey.

The memories of friends, historic sites, beautiful scenery, Chinese culture and Chinese food from such a once-in-a-lifetime trip will stay with me forever. And I hope sharing a small part of that trip has been an interesting journey for readers, as well. I also hope that everyone someday has the luck in travel that I’ve been privileged to experience.

That said, can someone out there please fall in love in another foreign place and invite me to the wedding? New Zealand or Australia would be excellent choices. Or, I’ve heard Peruvians are quite attractive…

Family-style dining is the norm in China, where food is often served on a large, glass Lazy Susan. Photo by Kate Jonuska

If the soup looks like dirty dishwasher, you might want to munch on safer snacks instead. Photo by Kate Jonuska

Tibet’s Lhasa beer (“Made on the Roof of the World”) may be exotic but is also pale, thin and less than 4 percent ABV. Photo by Kate Jonuska