Any conversation about the global economy today is bound to include a discussion of China. Economists and pundits frequently refer to China as “the world’s fastest growing economy.” Or “the world’s second biggest economy.” The unspoken intimation in this choice of language is that we in the United States better look out – China is catching up to us. The truth is, the United States has been around for two hundred and some years. China, on the other hand, traces its history back between three and four thousand years.

Chinese influence on the West, and on the U.S. in particular, can be measured in all kinds of ways, economic and cultural. Take, for example, acupuncture. In the U.S. we regard acupuncture as “alternative medicine.” In China it’s regarded as traditional medicine.

Here in Acadiana, Anne Huval is an acupuncturist. Anne has been practicing acupuncture since 2007, in her private practice, the Spirit of Life Acupuncture clinic in Lafayette.

Phil Devey might seem like an unlikely champion of Chinese culture. Phil is the owner of Frontline Real Estate Group, an Acadiana real estate company that deals in residential and commercial property sales and rentals. Phil is also co-owner of Chopsticks, a traditional Chinese restaurant, in Lafayette. Chopsticks’ head chef came here from China and brought his authentic recipes with him. All the dishes at Chopsticks are created from these traditional recipes, using fresh local ingredients.

More and more, we’re seeing people who could live anywhere choose to live here in Acadiana, and we see their skills, talents, tastes, and occupations flourish here with them, whether it’s specialized acupuncture or fine Chinese dining.

Photos at Cafe Vermilionville by Lucius Fontenot.