Name: Zuzana Pavloňová
Country of Origin: The Czech Republic
Occupation: translator/interpreter/social worker
Years in China: 8
How did your journey in China begin?
I was studying Chinese for my bachelor’s degree, so it seemed like a good idea to come to China and improve my language a bit. My first year in Shanghai was amazing! Coming from a small village of 700 hundred inhabitants, it was like discovering a completely new world. I studied a Chinese language course at the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics, met great people from around the world, traveled in South-East Asian countries… It was a dream year. After going back to Czech and finishing my bachelors, I got a scholarship for a Master’s degree at Xiamen University. I’d never been to Xiamen before but my friend recommended it as a “good place with world-class uni” so I came and I never left!
What do you like most about Xiamen and China as a whole?
Xiamen has this very chill, yet energetic vibe, with inspiring people and loads of opportunities. It is small enough to know your neighborhood (and neighbors), but still big enough to always explore new places, coffee shops, mountain paths and more!!! Local (Xiamenese) people are very welcoming and laid-back. My favorite thing about Xiamen is that it has preserved its history quite well. One turn through a random small alley and you will find hidden architectural gems, and restaurants that have been going on for 50 years.
What fascinates you the most about living in China?
It’s probably the speed of life. Everything is done within days, hours even. As Chinese people say, nothing is impossible, your imagination is the limit.
Some background on her hometown:
Zuzana’s hometown, Křtiny, is a small village, but it has the Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary. This Roman Catholic church is an important pilgrimage destination in Moravia and one of the most celebrated shrines in Central Europe.
The church was designed by the famous architect Jan Santini Aichel and it was one of the last he commissioned. It is an iconic masterpiece of so-called radical Baroque of Bohemia and Moravia.
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