Yesterday evening we were invited by the Mayor’s office to attend the unveiling of a new book by a celebrated author who had spent quite a few years living and writing in France. This is a picture of him unveiling his book, “Regard de la Rive Gauche sur la Rive Droite.” Of course the book is in Chinese, after all, we are in China. After speaking with the author after his presentation (in French of course), Maureen and I were given gifts of his book. This book is coming home, that’s for sure.
We went to this event with our neighbours who now live in our old apartment across the hall, Lynn and Frank, a couple from Australia. While we were at the event we got to meet three teachers from the neighboring He Hai University and more importantly, a great lady we met in September 2006, Linda.
I can say without a doubt that going back to Changzhou was indeed like going back home. Linda has given us strict instructions that we are not to go play in Changzhou without her – these two ladies are destined to be best friends. It takes returning to change from “friends of the moment” to “friendship for life.”
We didn’t spend all of the evening talking with other laowai. We did get to talk with a number of Chinese at the event which was really all about them. The event was about the new book by a returning son of Changzhou. However, the event was also a celebration of all those sons who are returning to Changzhou from Canada, America and different places in Europe. The vice-mayor told us that 1500 Chinese expats have returned to Changzhou. We talked with a Chinese man who has a home in Calgary and another man who has a home in Chicago. Both are now involved in Changzhou life in a way that benefits everyone.
At the end of the evening, we were treated to an incredible display of fireworks and then sent on our way with the traditional gift of Mooncakes. It was a great evening, one that will be remembered for many years.
I remember Linda who used to teach in University City.It’s an elegant thing to a book unveiling ceremony.You can enjoy meeting the author personally and can share his or her feeling and passion of the book,can meet new friends and have very good dinner as well.
Linda is still teaching at the same university in Changzhou. She is now in her seventh year as a teacher here. She remembers you as well, Samson.
Hi Papa! I’m really enjoying this blog even though I’m just quietly reading. Love you!
🙂 Hi Noelle – Quietly reading is good, too. I’m waiting for you to begin your photo blog site so that we can “see” all that you are up to as well.
Robert I hope you got the author to sign your copy.
Unfortunately, he was quite the “Star” of the evening and was unavailable later as he talked with various Changzhou officials and with other Changzhou expats who had their stories to share with him. Still, it was good to talk with him and then later get the book as a gift.