The beginning of my journey from Germany to China was both exhausting and thrilling. It was my first time traveling alone to such a distant country. After nearly 16 hours of travel, I finally arrived in Wuhan, and all the fatigue disappeared the moment I was greeted by my volunteer, who welcomed me with a warm smile. The volunteers were incredibly supportive, guiding us safely to the university and making us feel right at home.
I quickly made new friends, and together, we tackled every challenge as a team. During our free time, we explored the campus, marveling at how everything operated, and were especially excited to discover mobile payment systems, which proved to be incredibly convenient. The locals were equally welcoming, always taking the time to assist us, and they never left until our problems were resolved.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my friend Kyrite, a Chinese student, who helped me move to a new dorm. He carried my bags and communicated with the dorm manager on my behalf. I am also deeply grateful to my dorm neighbor from Namibia, who showed me how to do laundry and helped me to clean, and even lent me his scooter on several occasions.
Together with my new friends, we ventured into the campus canteens, where we learned to use chopsticks and tried out traditional Chinese dishes. I especially enjoyed the noodles and the fruits here, particularly the watermelon, which is incredibly sweet and refreshing. In the evenings, we played basketball on the sports field we had discovered earlier. These moments not only allowed us to bond but also strengthened our friendships. We also made new Chinese friends, with whom we enjoyed many fun games of basketball.
As the days passed and we became more familiar with the campus, we began exploring the city. One of our first stops was a mall, and we were in awe of its size compared to those back home. We wandered the streets, sampling various local foods and drinks. What stood out to me the most, however, was the warmth of the Chinese people. Everywhere we went, we were met with smiles, friendly conversations, and a genuine interest in getting to know us. They made us feel exceptionally welcome and special in China.
During the weekend, we took a trip to East Lake, where we were captivated by its beauty and the breathtaking view of the city. We also witnessed numerous newlywed couples, and we took a moment to wish them well, sharing in their joy. Time seemed to fly by as we explored, and before we knew it, it had grown dark. Although we hadn’t seen everything we wanted to, we made plans to return to East Lake in the coming days, this time cycling around the area to take in more of its charm.
In conclusion, my time in China has been nothing short of amazing. It’s a beautiful country filled with kind-hearted people. I’ve gained invaluable experiences and made lasting friendships, and I’m eagerly looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead.
