Chinese Bridge: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience
by Karen Robinson
For me, Chinese Bridge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it is a memory I will cherish forever.
I met friends from all over the world. We often communicated in Chinese and deepened our understanding of the Chinese culture. Language acted as a bridge, turning strangers into companions sharing the same journey.
My journey began in Beijing. Hand in hand, we climbed the Great Wall, shouting along the way, “He who has never climbed the Great Wall is not a true hero!” When I stepped into the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, I felt as if I had walked straight into the world of “Empresses in the Palace”. I also had hotpot for the first time at Haidilao and experienced Sichuan opera face-changing performance. This remains a spicy, surprising, and unforgettable experience.
The adventure continued from Beijing to Fuzhou, and then onward to Pingtan. There, I attended a football match for the first time and experienced the passion, cheers, and energy of Chinese fans. After returning to Fuzhou, I experienced Chinese tea culture — hand-picking tea leaves, brewing tea and savouring every sip. In that moment, I truly understood that tea is an inseparable part of everyday’s Chinese life.
In Minnan, I put on traditional Chinese clothing and wandered through the old streets and alleys. For a moment, it felt as if I had stepped into a Chinese historical drama, becoming a young lady living in an ancient palace.
Because of Chinese Bridge, my Chinese has improved significantly, I broadened my horizons and encountered so many warm and kind people. This journey has also renewed my determination to continue learning Chinese. Now, I look forward to discovering what future stories will unfold between me and the Chinese language.
Happy 25th birthday, Chinese Bridge!
Thank you for helping me encounter warmth and discover myself.
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