It was about half past nine in the evening, the moon was up, and shining, we were soaring at 800 feet above the ground aboard China southern airlines from Shanghai to Yichang. In a soothing sound of our able captain through the jet earpieces, I heard him announce, “ladies and gentlemen, I hope you had a nice flight, we are about to start our descend, please fasten your seatbelts…” I could still hear his voice as he continued giving us information about weather, time, electronic gadgets precautions and so on. However, having being airborne for over twenty-four hours and fatigued by jetlag, the voice of the captain came to me as a relief, knowing that I was closer than ever to touch down in Yichang. I took a pew next to the window on the left front of the economy cabin, when it suddenly dawned to me that I had an opportunity for a night bird’s view of Yichang. I gazed down, and beheld a long meandering river; on its left bank was a very beautiful mountainous area (the street lights, cruising vehicles and reflective studs on the highway seemed to suggest this), while its right bank was covered in a splendor of parallelized and spiraled lights that left me at sixes and sevens. I was so lost in the moment as I watched the Jet come close and closer to Sanxia airport. It was later that I came to learn that the river I saw was actually Yangtze River. Now that I live in Yichang, this is how my story begun.

　　I wish to start my story from China Three Gorges University (CTGU). Located about four kilometers from Yichang city’s Central Business District (CBD) in Xiling area is a serene and tranquil campus for CTGU. The cultural rich university convenes students from different countries such as Angola, Congo DR, Ethiopia, Ghana, Cameroon, Mozambique, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Zambia, Korea and Russia, to mention but a few. The cultural diversity of CTGU can be witnessed at events organized by the international relations office of the university. Among these events is the colorful Peach Blossom festival held annually in March.

　　Peach Blossom festival provides the students with an opportunity to showcase their countries’ rich cultures and heritages. A jovial and colorful atmosphere characterized the recently held episode of the festival. It attracted over twenty stall owners, holding the flags of their nations high as they interacted and shared culturally valuable information with the festival attendants. Moreover, varied forms of entertainment add a niche to the festival; such activities as live performances in form of music and dances, presentations of traditional cuisines from different countries, and most interestingly a talent show that is run alongside stall presentations make the festival worthwhile. It is an idea that represents the innovativeness and social trending in CTGU, for someone living in or around Yichang the festival is an imperative event to attend.

　　The China Three Gorges University premises provides a peaceful atmosphere that blends natural surroundings with an architecturally embellished built environment in an incomparable way. Thus, providing a conducive and comfortable setting for studies and relaxation. A number of playing parks are dotted throughout the university grounds, this makes it easier to hang out with friends and interact with people from the surrounding community. Indeed, studying in Yichang is a lifetime experience, one that I hold so dear and so can everyone.

　　Like most universities, the first few weeks of the academic year are usually dedicated towards orientation of freshmen. In like manner, the university organized some orientation classes; these were mainly about the Chinese law, university rules and regulations, and guidelines on how to live in China. While, In the middle of all this, my ball of fire was restless, I was in a dynamic state of mind, anxiously waiting to explore the city.

　　It is noteworthy that the welcome I received from the Chinese people was impressively overwhelming, from my classmates and lecturers alike. The hospitality I received stirred a passion for openness and left me stunningly excited as I kept thinking to myself “what manner of kindness is this, that now I feel at home”. If there is, anything I will remember about my Chinese friends is their willingness to sacrifice their precious time, just to make sure you get the help you needed. They have always taken it upon themselves to ensure that their friend is not in lack. Seeing I was new to the city, they decided to take me on memorable thrills and spills, which eventually became part of our social life style. We usually go hiking, mountain climbing, cycling and so on. The outdoor experience has made me appreciate the beauty of Yichang City, and my Chinese friends have been instrumental to the lively atmosphere I continue to enjoy.

　　On the contrary, there are those among us (foreigners) who hold the view that Chinese students are shy and afraid to interact with them. I may not have evidence to consolidate my claims, but I am of the opinion that the Chinese culture is more on the conservative side, so much that most of the students may find it hard to open up to foreigners. Although, once you have been introduced to a Chinese friend, as they get to know you more and becoming freer, you would be amazed how nice the Chinese people are. On many occasions, I have observed an isolated form of livelihood amongst either foreigners or Chinese, but this does not need to be the case; we can always find common grounds on which to bridge the cultural differences and live more in harmony with each other. The somewhat cats and dogs relationship will ultimately injure the very purpose of international education, which is to exchange ideas as we move towards a sustainable global village.

　　It is cardinal to acknowledge the role local people play in our lives, throughout our duration of stay in China. I recognized this fact from the very first day I set my foot in China; this has tremendously enhanced my stay in Yichang and has made me treasure every moment as I endeavor to know the city even better. One vivid experience is the time I suggested a hike around the city to my friends, the idea they gladly welcomed. We planned to take a hike from the university to the Yangtze River side, and then hire bikes for a cycling race on the area around Moji Mountain.

　　One lovely morning, we embarked on our tour from the university, with intentions to pass through CBD for some sheep soup on noodles then continue to the riverside. However, when we reached CBD our hike momentarily spun into a food testing spree. It suffices to mention that, although, the spree was not intended; it turned out to be pleasurable and fascinating leaving us wishing we had adjustable bellies. It was one of those moments when suddenly, you feel an insatiable appetite and a taste for food, regardless of whether you are satisfied or not. Yet, the laws of nature had to kick in with some restraints so that we could take only so much. I am inclined to believe that the Chinese recipe consists of a secret ingredient, perhaps called goodies. The Chinese cuisine has a way of getting a sensory message across the taste buds; with a very inviting aroma, the dishes are simply irresistible. The taste of these served dishes is not only compelling but would also leave an individual wanting some more, possibly restrained only by an amount the stomach can handle.

　　The Chinese cuisine represents a true work of art; it is an authentic piece of master recipes that provides a completely delicious and enriched taste. Yichang as a city offers genuine Chinese cuisines, most of the foods in Yichang are rich in color, flavor and taste, and most distinctively, the served dishes are fresh, spicy, juicy, aromatic and salty. They say a visit to China is incomplete without the taste of stuffed steamed-buns, I say a visit to Yichang is incomplete without a taste of fried turnip dumplings. These dumplings are rich in taste that they draw my attention on a weekly basis. Working, studying or visiting Yichang is a satisfying experience, especially if you are concerned with what to eat or at best you have a taste for good food, then you have one less thing to worry about. At the end of the spree, we continued our tour to the riverside.

　　When we reached the rive-front, and later went to climb the mountains. I saw a city adorned in beauty and splendor, surrounded by a river and mountains, this city is Yichang. The city is also endowed with a lot of attractions such as the Three Gorges dam, Chinese Sturgeon Museum, Xiling Gorge, Sanyou Cave, Qing River, and Yangtze river boat cruises to mention but a few. There is a lot I am yet to explore, but let me end by saying “there is more to the story, than words can ever describe.” Simply put, life on this part of the world is fascinating and memorable.

　　Written by:

　　Limunga Gideon Mbwenga (+8615671074271)

　　College of civil engineering and architecture

　　China Three Gorges University