“My Blessed Guangzhou Life” by Namrata Motiani
Namaste, everyone. I am Namrata and I am truly blessed, grateful, thankful and feel very fortunate with my life. 16 years ago, life brought me here with my small family – my husband and two lovely daughters. Before coming to Guangzhou, we were in Jakarta, Indonesia where we were staying in our comfort zones – full of luxury. We moved to Guangzhou when my husband started his small business in trading, which is quite popular here, among foreigners. In China, there are many cities that have accommodated many foreigners with jobs and businesses.
Guangzhou is a beautiful, well organized and large city with beautiful structural buildings, complexes, malls, gardens, parks. There are amazing Chinese people all around who are very joyful, charming, generous, courteous, helpful and are super active. Age is not a barrier here – and everyone follows this – in fact, they are an example for us, and I have learnt so much from them. I think, when we want to be better or when life wants to teach us something in our lives, it puts in that place or in such circumstances where we can grow accordingly. At the beginning, language was really a barrier for me, and it was not easy to communicate nor was it easy to learn.
But I was lucky to have a few people at my husband’s office, the staff and a few neighbors who helped me a lot with everything I needed. I’m really thankful for their help. They encouraged me and my daughters to learn the language too. My daughters picked up the language quickly and I managed to learn everyday basics including shopping and transportation phrases.
Living in this beautiful city with lovely people is fascinating in itself. Life brings all kinds of twists and turns, ups and downs, sadness and happiness but when we start liking our surroundings, we automatically start liking everything. The Chinese culture is similar to our Indian culture– the New Year celebration, making and buying sweets, cleaning of houses, decorating, buying fresh flowers and clothes, praying, meeting family members and friends, giving them sweets, gifts and red envelopes. During the time of Chinese New Year, the city looks more beautiful with all the decorations, lightings, and you can see people wearing new clothes in red which is very auspicious. The importance of family members celebrating together and having meals is also cherished and I find this to be a beautiful part of life.
Within Guangzhou, there are many main attractions that not only attract tourists, but locals as well. My personal favorites would include parks, gardens and malls. The feeling of freshness soothes through the parks and gardens, with the attraction and fragrance of the flowers. They are well constructed with many facilities of washrooms, restaurants, convenience stores and pleasant sceneries. In these areas, there are quite a few activities led by locals such as dancing, singing and playing.
Aside from parks and gardens, malls are also a huge attraction in Guangzhou. They are also very well constructed with many facilities and floors divided into sections such as restaurants, clothing stores, cosmetic sections and supermarkets selling fresh vegetables, groceries, drinks and basic items, etc. Another floor consists of all the restaurants with delicious authentic Chinese cuisine such as hotpot and some international cuisines. All unique type of delicious foods gives an authentic aroma on that particular floor which creates the cravings for people. My family’s personal favorite is to have vegetarian Chinese food from hotpot, Sichuan cuisine, stir-fried vegetables, dim-sum, fried noodles, fried rice, tofu, etc. These delicacies have inspired me to learn and make Chinese food for my family.
Staying abroad in China for 16 years, I feel “Home away from Home” in Guangzhou. I feel a connection with people here that makes me feel like home. With all the great experiences which made me learn the better in my life. Since I was a teenager, I have had a few hobbies such as arts, crafts, painting, baking, singing, applying henna tattoos and teaching. Both of my daughters have grown up and are always motivating me to develop my hobbies. For the last few years, I developed my hobbies and painted different styles such as Indian traditional paintings and abstract.
I volunteered to apply henna tattoos in school events and taught baking and cooking to younger kids. Occasionally, I bake cakes, brownies and cookies, as well as cooking Indian food for my Chinese friends. I have also started giving singing performances at the Indian Consulate. All of these activities have changed my life and built my inner confidence.
I would really like to thank all the family and friends who help me and motivate me every time. I really feel blessed to stay here and would be happy to stay here for the upcoming years.
Life is a very beautiful journey; I will enjoy each and every moment with my family and friends. Whatever life brings for me, I accept it happily and positively. Every time life teaches a lesson, I won’t give up, instead I face and overcome every challenge.
I would like to share a beautiful prayer with everyone:
Om Sarve Bhavntu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Nir-Aamayaah, Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu, Maa Kashcid-Bhaag-Bhavet, Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti.
This means: May All Become Happy, may none fall Ill, may all see auspiciousness everywhere, may none ever feel sorrow. Om Shanti, Om Shanti, Om Shanti.
My motto is to: “Spread love, joy, happiness and peace” wherever I go and whoever I meet.
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