August marks one year since I arrived in Beijing, immersing myself in the rhythm of the city.
A Year of Banquets
From the very first week, I found that food is more than fuel hereit's a way to build bridges. Countless banquets invited me to sample a kaleidoscope of Chinese flavors. Each shared plate became an opportunity to trade stories of Australian beaches for tales of Beijing's Hutongs. These meals went beyond taste; they opened doors to deeper cultural understanding.
A Year of Boardrooms
But Beijing isn't all about leisure. Many days were spent in boardrooms, witnessing the nuts and bolts of diplomatic and commercial collaboration. I saw firsthand how agreements on trade, technology and education can emerge from the same spirit of hospitality found at the banquet table. The partnership between Australia and the Chinese mainland grew stronger, with both sides gaining new insights and opportunities.
Looking Ahead
As I celebrate this milestone, I'm reminded that progress often happens in small moments: a shared dumpling here, a handshake there. These experiences prove that cultural exchange and economic cooperation go hand in hand. What's your year in a foreign city taught you about building connections? Share your story below.
Reference(s):
Banquets to boardrooms: My one year of 'seeing what to believe'
cgtn.com
