Chinese New Year 2015 through my ears

Updated: 2015-03-06 16:18

I’m told by friends I’m more patriotic about China than I am Britain, and I suppose I am, and I do enjoy teasing them with the truth as I see it, having lived both sides of the fence - that they are more free as Chinese than Westerners are. I personally feel more liberty here, that people are allowed to be themselves. One of the first things I witnessed while trying to understand the ‘traffic system’ was Baba on the bike, son holding the mirrors, daughter behind Baba, Mama behind her, and they’re all eating, using the phone or making plastic spaceships. And they’re going the wrong way up the street, at night, with no lights, and the dog’s on there with them too. And I’m shaking my head in wonder, ‘Man, now that’s freedom…’ (and yes, I know what some of you may be thinking, but I see far less accidents here than I ever did in Britain).

Some of my most heart warming moments have, of course, been with my students, so loving, hard working, open and happy, despite how hard they have to work. I know that these moments will continue to be among the happiest. I have sat simply playing guitar in some public space and looked up to find myself surrounded by smiling, happy people. I can simply watch and enjoy Chinese people going about their days, and find wonder in all of it. Every day I find myself exclaiming aloud, 'I love China!'

I’m sure I’ll never lose my sense of wonder at this dynamic and fascinating country. I find wonder on every street, and every day I am lucky enough to enjoy the breathtaking landscape of Guilin. I have experienced but a tiny tip of a vast, colorful volcano of experiences, with, I know, many, many more to come, and I can only say that I love China more each day that passes. I’m looking forward to staying here in China for the foreseeable future, I see China as my home now. I’m happy here and most grateful to have had this wonderful chance!

Some of my new students asked me today if I liked China; ‘No.’ I replied. They looked puzzled, and then ran off to play, smiling happily when I told them, ‘I love China!’