WDK Watch: "I Have Found Love in This Country"

Original Peter M. theBeijinger

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Welcome to Wudaokou Watch, where we profile a different Beijing-based student from abroad each week to hear about their life in China's capital. The first Wudaokou Watch interview was published in October 2018, and we eventually aim to feature a student from every country in the world.

My name is Kopano Motsoeneng, I am from South Africa. I'm studying Chinese at Beijing Language and Culture University (BLCU) for business and personal reasons.

The best thing about South Africa is the nature and climate, and the best parties happen in Soweto.

I've learned that not every human being has the same understanding of personal space and privacy. People feel that they can just take photos of you, and touch you and think that it's okay. They tend to forget that what is on my phone is for me to see and not for them. My hair and skin color are normal and won't change, but people also touch my skin and expect to see the color on their fingers.

If I could become a Chinese citizen, I would. I have found love in this country. The transportation systems and levels of technology are amazing and convenient. I feel safe walking down the street at 2.30am. The people of China are proud and they look after their city. There is an understanding of the community amongst them. Also, the government looks after its people and country.

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Everyone should experience the Great Wall in summer, eating stinky tofu in the hutongs, and being in Beijing during the national holidays. These three things are the most epic for me.

A custom in China that I admire is taking care of the elder generation, including having to pay a certain amount to your parents when they get to a certain age.

China could benefit from having more access to information about other countries and races and their customs.

I'll never leave the house without doing a number two. The public toilets are not so user-friendly to us foreigners and there is nothing worse than walking into an open toilet where you can see everyone doing their business.

If my home was on fire and I could only grab three things, they would be my boyfriend, my phone, and my favorite sweater.

Five years from now, I would like to be settled in Beijing with my bistro or clothing shop. I love cooking and as a fashion designer it would be great to establish a brand here.

Some advice? Be patient with people and how they think. Not everyone is ready for a different person so you must know that you are a whole new experience for them. Don't take everything personally.