One aspect of American life that is relatively unique in this world is that we truly are a blended society. We are, after all, a country of immigrants, with almost all of us able to trace our roots to an ancestor that made their way across one pond or another to land on these shores.

Today the wave of immigration continues and provides us with a diverse array of ethnic neighborhoods that we either live in or near. Getting out and discovering some of these gems is not only an enjoyable pastime, but also rather addictive once your taste buds get involved.

Everyone has heard of New York City’s famous Chinatown where you must go for a weekend dim sum experience and perhaps even a little shopping for a new purse or pair of sunglasses. In Boston we have our very own Chinatown, as do many other cities nationwide. But it is not just large cities that host foreign communities in their midst.

Now that you’re in a new neighborhood ask around and I’m sure you’ll find your own treasure of new cultures minutes away from your local grocery store. Get out there and explore with a friend or family member.

I live in an area that seems to attract Brazilians. Lucky for us, even the local grocery store recognizes their influence and stocks Goya products and guarana. But even luckier for us, Brazilians seem to be very entrepreneurial. Within five miles of my home there are at least a dozen Brazilian restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores. Once I tasted churrasco, the national Brazilian fare of barbequed meat, I couldn’t bring myself to ever go to Bugaboo Creek again.

Another fun activity that will truly expand your horizons is stepping into an Asian, Greek, or Indian market. There is no doubt that this can be an overwhelming experience with endless rows of foods that look and smell different, and labels that are illegible.

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