Page 22 - YunnanTourismCultureTimes (112)

21 SOUTHERN MESSENGERS

Khattak Fawad (Pakistan):

Meeting a home away from home in Yunnan

卡塔克·法瓦德（巴基斯坦）：在云南遇见“另一个家”

By Khattak Fawad □ 卡塔克·法瓦德 / 文
energy. Yet to my surprise, Kunming felt dumplings together for the Winter Solstice was one of the first things I explored. Yun-
welcoming right away—the clear skies, Festival. I was so clumsy at folding them, nan food surprised me—especially the sour
green parks, and friendly faces eased my but everyone laughed and helped me get it and numbing flavors! The first time I had
nerves. Of course, the language and dai- right. Later, I invited my Chinese friends Suan la fen (sour and spicy noodles), my
ly routines were different, but that only for a small celebration in the dorm—we mouth was confused, but in a good way!
heightened my curiosity. I still remember had homemade chicken pulao, and I taught I’ve grown to love Yunnan mushrooms,
gazing out the airplane window upon land- them a few words in Urdu like “shukriya” especially in hot pot. My Chinese friends
ing: lush greenery embraced mountains (thank you). That moment felt like a true were curious about Pakistani food too.
while modern buildings harmonized with cultural exchange! Once, I cooked spicy chicken karahi, and
nature—a perfect blend I’d never imagined. I used to be a very introverted person— they kept reaching for water, but they loved
Kunming’s climate captivated me com- I didn’t even want to attend any events. But it! We laughed so much at how our tongues
pletely. Unlike Pakistan’s extremes of heat my teacher and coordinator, Emily (Zhang reacted differently to each other’s spices.
and cold, temperatures here hover around Zilei), encouraged me to step out of my Yunnan travels deepened my apprecia-
18 to 20 degrees Celsius—ideal for me. comfort zone. Thanks to her support, I had tion. On weekends and holidays, I explored
This weather even led to a funny moment: the incredible opportunity to speak in front Yunnan with some classmates. One of the
Recently, my father video-called while I of journalists today. I’m truly grateful to most beautiful trips I took was to Dali—
was wrapped in a blanket. “Baita (son in her for believing in me—it made all the walking along the ancient town, seeing the
Urdu), are you okay?” he asked, thinking difference. Bai ethnic architecture, and hearing local
I was sick. When I explained it was just I am so happy that I chose this univer- songs made me realize how many cultures
Kunming’s cool weather, we laughed real- sity because after coming here, I realized live together here.
izing it was 40 degrees back home. how good the staff and teachers are. I Living in Yunnan has changed me. I
My name is Khattak Fawad, and I come Campus life here is quite different from remember when I went back home, my came here with curiosity, and I’ve gained
from Pakistan. I’d like to share my story what I was used to in Pakistan. Back home, teacher and coordinator was very caring— not just knowledge, but also friendships
about discovering Yunnan, China—a place our university classes can be more formal, she used to text me to ask if I had reached and a deep respect for Chinese culture. I’ve
where every difference became an opportu- and students often leave right after lectures. safely or not. My parents and I were so learned that even when we speak different
nity to connect. But here, I noticed students stay on campus surprised and happy to have such caring languages or eat different foods, we can
When I first arrived in Yunnan, I was longer, study in the library late at night, and teachers here. still laugh together, learn from each other,
struck by its immediate warmth. Having love doing group activities. I joined a cul- Food became another bridge between and grow. Yunnan is no longer just a place
grown up in Islamabad, a vibrant city full tural exchange club and met students from cultures. I come from a land of flavorful on the map—it feels like a second home to
of color and sound, I thought I’d miss that different parts of China. One day, we made curries and grilled meats, so of course food me now.

Nuwanthi Abeykoon (Sri Lanka):

Finding lifelong friendship and family in Kunming

努万蒂·阿贝孔（斯里兰卡）：在昆明收获友谊和温暖

By Nuwanthi Abeykoon □ 努万蒂·阿贝孔 / 文

Medical University. After that, I went back friends. Now, we go out together during countries brought their national dishes,
to Sri Lanka and worked there. Later, I de- weekends, try new food and practice speak- wore their traditional clothes and per-
cided to come back to China again, because ing Chinese and English together. formed dances. It was like a mini United
this country feels like my second mother- I’ve also made strong friendships with Nations, full of colors, music and smiles.
land. students from many countries Pakistan, At that moment, I truly felt the meaning of
Choosing Kunming Medical University Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia, and more. global friendship.
was one of the best decisions I’ve made. One of my closest friends is from Indone- All of us come from different back-
This university has a great reputation in the sia. We met during our classes and helped grounds, but we live here like one big fami-
medical field. The environment is peaceful, each other with our notes. During our tradi- ly. We respect each other’s cultures, beliefs
the air is clean, and the people are friendly. tional festivals we have made foods and eat and values. We help each other in studies,
I really love the beauty of Kunming, and it together. Also, we have tried our traditional share food, celebrate festivals and support
truly is the “Spring City.” dresses and collected unforgettable memo- each other when someone is sad or sick.
One of the best parts of my experience ries. We both laughed as she tried to wear a This is not just university life, this is real
here is the people. The Chinese teachers are Sri Lankan saree for the first time! connection, beyond borders.
kind, respectful, and always ready to help. During winter break, a Pakistani friend Living in Kunming gives us a chance
They care about our lives and our studies. invited me to visit his apartment, and to make lifelong friends from all over the
Sometimes, you can’t believe how much we cooked together, I made Sri Lankan world. We don’t just learn, we learn about
they are willing to support us, like a family. coconut roti and he made chicken biry- life, love, kindness and unity. These friend-
I still remember the first day I came to ani. We shared stories about our home ships are the real treasure we will take with
Kunming. I had some trouble finding the countries, and it felt like sitting at a us after graduation.
dormitory building. A Chinese student no- family dinner table. I want to thank Kunming Medical Uni-
I’m Dr. Nuwanthi Abeykoon from Sri ticed I looked confused and came to help We also celebrate cultural days together versity and the people of Yunnan for giving
Lanka, and now I’m studying at Kunming me, not only did she guide me to my dorm, on campus. For example, last time we had us this opportunity. This experience has
Medical University. I came to China for my but she also helped carry my suitcase and an international culture day. I wore my truly changed my life. The friendships and
master’s degree, but this is not my first time even translated everything for me with the traditional Sri Lankan dress and cooked memories we make here will stay in our
here. I did my bachelor’s degree at Tianjin dorm manager. Later, we became good milk rice with sambol. Students from other hearts forever.