Name: Bernard Blum
Country of origin: Israel
Occupation: Teacher / Professor at Xiamen University School of Management
Years in China: 7
How did your journey in China begin?
I planned most of my life, however China was never on my radar. Living and working in China was totally unplanned but incredibly fascinating and worthwhile in every sense.
I’m one of the millions of people whose lives were radically changed by the global financial crisis. I worked as a head of a department of tourism and culinary arts in an academic college in Jerusalem. It was interesting, satisfying, fulfilling… and I thought that was a career for life. But then… Bang! The global economy collapsed and 50% of the departments at the college closed, mine included. Two years later, that was it!
Now what? One of my brothers, David, had a couple of friends who worked in Xiamen at the time. I was a little hesitant at first, but I contacted them, and they highly recommended coming over for six months to teach. I wrote to some universities in Xiamen and was amazed that they all offered me a teaching position! This was so refreshing in comparison with the vast majority of the world. I was very excited and enthusiastic about this new undertaking.
I chose Xiamen university due to various recommendations and its beautiful campus and location. It’s such a different experience from my previous teaching in Israel and Europe. It is quiet, disciplined and respectful; not that things are chaotic in Israel or Europe but the Chinese classroom culture is certainly unique. An initial period of one semester has currently developed into over 7 years! So, in retrospect, the global financial crisis was a positive game changer for me. One door closed and China opened up opportunities that I never dreamed about.
What do you like most about your city and China as a whole?
Xiamen is a truly beautiful city, a blend of old and new. It has fascinating markets which I adore, the smells, the huge varieties of foods are so different from the Mediterranean. The surrounding seas, mountains, terrain and general ambiance of the area is wonderful. I just find being around absorbing the atmosphere soothing and pleasant, even in the hustle and bustle of the city, the temples, street food, etc. are a continuous stimulation. Xiamen is perfectly situated in China, with great infrastructure, open spaces and cleanliness. The weather is almost ideal, except for the hot humid summer months and the occasional tropical storms, but it’s all part of the experience. I even experienced mega typhoon Meranti back in 2016 which was scary at the time, however with immaculate alacrity and public enthusiasm the city was repaired with such precision and speed. Unbelievable!
I’ve met and befriended many many great locals and foreigners too from such diverse countries, cultures, religions and even ages! It’s refreshing! Essentially all people have similar aspirations, dreams and ambitions irrespective of their backgrounds. Stereotypes are stereotypes and untrue. Many people associate mega and overcrowded cities to China which is true, however few people are aware of the natural beauty and vast geographical areas of China, the tropical versus desert zones, the ethnic diversity with their corresponding dress codes and cultures, the ultra-modern buildings in comparison to the ancient architecture, the ease of electronic payments, online life in general and the determination to achieve, advance, progress, obtain and succeed in life. There is a beat in China which defines the country in such a contrasting way to the West. It is amazing how many Chinese people want to learn English and how much the Chinese know about western culture in comparison to how little we know about Chinese culture. What a country!
Bernard with his neighbour and friend Mr. Wu and his local friends’ children
What fascinates you the most about living in China?
In short almost everything! Everything is different in China in comparison with a western culture, the food, the lifestyle, habits, body language, communication and values, etc.
I try (I admit it, perhaps I ought to try harder) to speak Chinese, but I try! The tones and pronunciation in Chinese are essential. Often Chinese people say to me TING BU DONG, meaning they don’t understand me, it’s SO frustrating. Communication is a challenge to put it mildly, but with the help of friends, we always find a way to work things out.
I’m vegetarian and teach about food. I find the food delicious in China, but it took a while for my stomach to adjust to these new flavors. However, today the Chinese diet ranks very high in my books, I’ve even mastered the art of using chopsticks without the food dropping on my clothes, that too took a while.
One of Bernard’s top 5, 麻辣烫, malatang or Spicy Hot Pot
Culinary differences do exist! To my Mediterranean culture, people here eat so early, especially lunch and dinner which I eat at 14:00 and 20:00 respectfully. I enjoy iced water whereas here in China people drink hot water in the scorching heat. I love raw vegetables, however everything is cooked here and we are a coffee drinking nation in comparison to the love of tea here. Finally, I’m asked countless times every day “if I’ve eaten” and then numerous times “if I’m full” How can one not fall in love with China?
What is your unique China story?
I think China is a place that one literally grows to love and appreciate. After an initial period of culture shock, adjustments and resetting one’s mind, China becomes for many people a second home.
At the end of each academic year, I often said to myself “Time to go home, it’s been fun”, but I’m a guest in China and when is it enough? Obviously I haven’t reached that point yet! For me at work, via my department and students there is a sense of gratitude and appreciation for my teaching which I truthfully value. The diversity of people I meet and befriend encouraged me to extend my stay in China for a longer period than I initially planned – significantly longer!
About Bernard’s hometown
In a way Israel and China couldn’t be more different! However, apart from the obvious differences in size and geographic location; Israel is a tiny country with a population of about 8 million in the Mediterranean and Middle East. Looking at this again I believe there are considerable similarities. Both China and Israel speak ancient old languages, both value education to the extreme, both are technologically advanced, Chinese and Israeli culture value common factors such as families, care for the elderly and young, the list goes on and on. In China, I’ve never experienced any hostility towards me and that is truly a wonderful experience.
When and if anyone asks me, so Bernard would you recommend visiting or working in China? My answer is an unequivocal absolute YES, go for it, you’ll never regret it! Have an adventure in life!
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