His journey began at a quintessentially Californian landmark: In-N-Out Burger in Irvine. Renowned for its minimalist menu and cult-like following across the American West, the burger chain provided an ideal setting for a small but telling cross-cultural exchange. Ryan, openly curious, introduced himself to staff as a visitor from China. The warm reception and easy conversation that followed—even playful jokes about bringing the franchise to China—highlighted how readily connection forms around shared, uncomplicated pleasures.
That theme of cultural exchange continued along Hollywood Boulevard, where Ryan pointed out a striking newcomer to the American streetscape: Mixue. The hugely popular Chinese tea and ice cream brand, having recently entered the U.S. market, was already drawing a steady line of customers. Watching the bustling storefront, Ryan noted with quiet pride its role as a local employer and as a visible example of Chinese consumer brands gaining traction—and affection—overseas.
No exploration of contemporary American life would be complete without sports. Ryan found this at the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers. Attending a high-energy matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, he captured the charged atmosphere of the arena. Cheering alongside local fans, he joined fully in the collective rhythm of the game, bonding over shared excitement far from home.
A particularly resonant moment unfolded at the TCL Chinese Theatre, where Eastern architectural motifs meet Hollywood history. Here, the exchange turned unexpectedly personal when a security guard recognized Ryan—a small but meaningful acknowledgment of his international reach. Friendly photo requests followed, including from Canadian tourists who expressed genuine warmth toward China, reinforcing a sense of mutual curiosity and respect.
The visit concluded with a lighthearted, culturally themed street challenge initiated by Ryan, where humor and goodwill proved more than sufficient to bridge differences. Woven together—casual conversations, shared meals, major league sports, and spontaneous smiles—the experience illustrated how person-to-person encounters create real understanding.
Through Ryan’s lens, a burger, a basketball game, and a smile on the sidewalk became more than passing moments. They formed part of a larger story: one of curiosity, openness, and a growing, human-scale dialogue between cultures.