Many falls, lots of smiles

EDITOR's Note: "Home & Away" is a section about the life experiences of expats living outside of the major metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai. If you are such an expat and have an interesting story to share, please send an e-mail to expat@chinadaily.com.cn.

Argentinian Italian Alejandra Conconi says Heilongjiang province's frigid capital Harbin is perhaps one of the world's coldest melting pots.

The 27-year-old is fascinated by the historical legacy of the city that was in "geographical limbo" a century ago, when refugees from Russia, Jews, ethnic Han and nomadic minorities co-existed on this frosty patch of land near Siberia. And she's also intrigued by the modern culture's unique local character.