A Canadian's reflections on 20 years in China

It's been a while since I've written for China Daily, but I thought I would today as I start a new school year. Having completed my 20th year in China this past spring, I thought I'd share a photo of one of my proudest moments: Rubbing elbows with Ambassador Jennifer May at the embassy a couple of years ago on Canada Day.

When I first moved here in 2002, never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I'd get to live the life I have in this incredible country. I have seen so much and I've witnessed first-hand the truly remarkable progress China has made since that first year. Over the years, I've had my share of supporters who have championed and cheered me on, and also detractors who have criticized this country and my life simply because they couldn't understand it. It hasn't always been rosy, and was quite lonely at times — especially when I was young and on my own.

But now, after 20 years, I am most content with my current station in life, and I consider myself as someone who has persevered, survived, and is now thriving more than ever. Some of the people, friends, and mentors I met during those early days are not with me anymore and have passed on. I guess it's all been a learning experience whether I realized it or not, and I like to think that now I've come out somewhere on top.

From having traveled to almost every province and region in Chinese mainland, to getting married and having my children born here, volunteering for the 2008 Olympics, writing for China Daily, having lunch with the head of Global Affairs Canada, to now being a doctoral student at a top-50 global university, it's been quite a ride, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I feel lucky and grateful.

To wit — I took a chance and bet my life and career on China when I was 23 years old and it's paid off in spades. It might have been the best decision a young Canadian could have made heading out in the world and into the 21st century.

Just remember kids, fortune favors the bold.

谢谢中国, 我爱你!

Top-20 list for living a happy life in China

20. Appreciate wai mai (food delivery) convenience, but don't go crazy. Too much wai mai is just not good.

19. Be very careful riding electric scooters and e-bikes. Also, be mindful while opening car doors on busy streets with scooters zooming by.

18. Think about adopting a pet. I have two kittens now and I love coming home to them!

17. Have a social life outside of work colleagues.

16. Take advantage of the amazing opportunities that will arise — incredible opportunities you never imagined!

15. Be aware of Chinese face culture / losing face. This actually means something in China compared to the West.

14. Learn how to speak and communicate. Writing? Meh, not so much.

13. Don't drink too much; this can be a slippery slope.

12. Make Chinese friends too! Like Monty Python once sang, "I Love Chinese!"

11. Pick up some Chinese habits. No, not squatting with your phone, something like walking after a meal is good and even occasionally drinking hot water, for instance.

10. Learn to adapt and be patient. I'm talking superhuman patience at times. Also, go to banks at lunchtime to avoid the long wait times.

9. Don't think about back 'home' too much. Leave the past in the past. Don't worry about old friends you've lost touch with. This is the 21st century and China's a very good place to be living in the world.

8. Experience nature, not just the megacities. China has so much natural beauty, even just outside Beijing!

7. Be careful of 'healers', gurus, and life coach scams. Meditation is good and tai chi, but I've started to see more and more of these foreigners who are also 'healers' nowadays and prey on homesick foreigners who feel lost.

6. Go outside of your comfort zone. Don't sit home binge watching Western TV shows or playing video games. Get out and about!

5. Be respectful and courteous. No need to bow, but you are still a guest, at least, that's how you're perceived, even old China hands like me.

4. Embrace the culture. Calligraphy, traditional music, meditating, tea, its endless.

3. Food, glorious Chinese food! I'll try almost anything, but still don't like stinky tofu!

2. Travel, travel, travel. China is second only to Italy for World Heritage sites. I only have three more provinces to go!

1. Take it all with a grain of rice. You're not going to understand everything. Chinese don't even understand Chinese sometimes. One day you'll look back and be kind of amazed at the life you lived in China. I promise.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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