WDK Watch: "I Am From the Land of Tequila, Tacos, and Chocolate"
In this Wudaokou Watch column, we'll profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital.
What is your name and where do you come from?
My name is Bertha Banuet and I am from the land of tequila, tacos, and chocolate. We also have one of the new seventh wonders of the world: Chichen Itza. Yeah, I am from Mexico City!
Why did you come to Beijing?
I visited Beijing for the first time when I was eight years old. Then in 2014, I came for holidays, and last year I came back to study my master's degree in Beijing Language & Culture University (BLCU).
How is life in Beijing different from your home country?
The biggest difference is the culture. Here I need to be careful with the way I approach people; in my country it is very common to make friends everywhere, even on public transport, unlike here.
Beijing is also very technological! I remember the first time I paid with WeChat, I was surprised to see how convenient it was and to be honest I cannot remember the last time I paid for anything using coins.
What are the biggest challenges for you here?
The language. Even in touristic places they only talk with you in Chinese. Mexico City is also always warm, so winter plus the pollution in Beijing is difficult to handle.
What are your three favorite hangouts here?
I am a rather simple person and I enjoy audio-visual arts, so I love going to 798 Art Zone to hang around and look at various exhibitions.
My friends know I love exploring new places to eat, which have made me earn the name of 吃货 chīhuò (foodie). We often recommend trendy places to eat to each other and since Lelecha opened its branch in Wudaokou, I have been a huge fan of its exquisite matcha and avocado bread. It is a nice place to chill out after finishing classes.
The last but not the least is Sanlitun, there are many international restaurants and bars to grab a drink with friends.
What do you do when you are feeling homesick?
I am surprised at the number of Mexican restaurants opening this year in Beijing, so when I am feeling homesick I just go to any of those restaurants. What is more, the Mexican community in Beijing is big so it is easy to come across fellow Mexicans.
What do you love most about Beijing?
The technological side is incredible. The efficiency that it brings to every aspect of my daily life is amazing! I can order food, pay at any convenience store, share locations, and buy clothes with my phone in just a few taps.
What is your most memorable Beijing experience?
Last year during the autumn season, my friends and I decided to go to Fragrant Hills, a great place to see the leaves turn. We had hiked for many hours and started to look for the bus to take us back when we finally arrived at the bus stop and what a surprise! I had never seen many people waiting for a bus before. Five to ten minutes later, the bus pulled up right in front of us. We were so lucky.
How has life in Beijing impacted you?
Beijing has helped me to change in many aspects, not only as a professional but also as a human being. For instance, I am more aware of global warming and have started working with a number of agencies and initiatives in order to do my part.
What inspires you and what are your future plans?
The facts speak for themselves: China is achieving many of its plans, and to not take part in them would be pointless. I plan to finish my master studies next year and start working here.
READ: Moji Mexican Restaurant Brings a Splash of Color and Homemade Taco Charm to Topwin Center
Are you a student in Beijing? Let us profile you and your unique experiences here. Drop us a line at editor@thebeijinger.com and we’ll get back to you to schedule an interview.
Photos courtesy of Berthe Banuet
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