Page 13 - Yunnan Tourism Culture Times (97)

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CITY LIFE | 城事

By Yang Yanpeng, Li Jianguo, and Dai Chengxing
□ 杨艳鹏 李建国 戴成兴 / 文

Scott, originally from Australia, has resided in China for 12
years and is currently employed as an English teacher at Guangli
Bilingual Kindergarten in Baoshan. During his four years in Ba-
oshan, according to Scott, the local pleasant climate, traditional
customs, and amicable people have contributed to a fulfilling
and joyful life for him.

澳大利亚人斯科特在中国生活了 12 年，目前是保山光丽双
语幼儿园的一名外教。斯科特说，来到保山工作和生活的 4 年里，
这里温润的气候、淳朴的民风、友善的人民，给他带来了美好
的幸福生活。

When still living in Jiangsu, Scott. He has leased a small court-
China, Scott embarked on a trip to yard in Banqiao where he resides
Yunnan with a friend and was cap- during his time off.
tivated by the stunning landscapes Scott frequently strolls along
and hospitable locals of Lijiang Qinglong Street, browsing the shops
and Shangri-La. “After returning to for intangible cultural heritage prod-
Jiangsu, I made up my mind to seek ucts like Yongchang Go pieces, pa-
employment in Yunnan,” Scott said. per god rubbings, and silver-inlaid
In March 2020, Scott was recom- black copperware. Upon spotting
mended to Baoshan Guangli Bilin- Scott, shopkeepers never miss the
gual Kindergarten to take on the role opportunity to greet him warmly.
of an English teacher. Ever since, he He enjoys stepping into intriguing
has resided and worked in Baoshan, shops, engaging in conversations
growing fond of the locale. with the proprietors to delve deeper
At 7:40 a.m. every morning, into the rich local history and cul-
Scott can be spotted at the kinder- ture.
garten gate, welcoming young chil- “Residing in Banqiao is truly
dren with his warm smile as they delightful!” remarked Scott, em-
arrive for the day. phasizing his fondness for savoring
“Teaching for 30 years has al- Pu’er tea and his newfound love for
lowed Scott to cultivate his distinc- the distinctive Dai cuisine.
tive teaching approach,” remarked Scott has a deep affection for
Yang Juan, a colleague at the kin- African drums, ukulele, guitar, and
dergarten. “His innovative methods various other musical instruments.
create a lively and relaxed class- His passion for music has led him to
room environment, endearing him forge friendships with local music
to the young students.” Scott excels enthusiasts. “We became friends
at intertwining musical instruments with Scott shortly after his arrival
with language, often incorporating in Baoshan. He frequents our place
performances to aid children in re- every weekend to play instruments
membering vocabulary and fostering and sing, sharing his emotions and
an enjoyable learning atmosphere. fostering cultural exchanges,” said
For the past four years, Scott has Liu Han, the proprietor of a shop
been dedicated to studying Chinese named Drunken Black Dragon on
and has advanced rapidly. “Since Qinglong Street, adding that music
arriving in Baoshan, I have grown has the power to unite individuals of
fond of the clear blue skies, fluffy diverse backgrounds and nationali-
white clouds, and pleasant climate ties, creating a sense of kinship.
here. I have no desire to leave!” Whether they are colleagues,
Scott said in Mandarin, tinged with music-related acquaintances, or
a local accent. Each morning, he strangers encountered along the
awakens with enthusiasm and grati- way, their warmth and readiness to
tude, cherishing his life in this place. help others have truly moved Scott.
Qinglong Street in the historic “The various ethnic minorities here
town of Banqiao served as a crucial wear stunning traditional attire, per-
hub along the Southern Silk Road, fect for dancing!” Scott remarked,
and it is a spot Scott visits regularly highlighting how Baoshan has up-
on weekends. “I enjoy the street held a myriad of distinctive ethnic
immensely and often spend time traditions, allowing him to appreci-
there on weekends, even forming a ate the profundity of Chinese tradi-
close bond with a local family,” said tional culture.