Beyond the Atlantic

The words flowed from the tongue of a seasoned traveler, a scholar who had journeyed far beyond the shores of the Atlantic, whom we encountered in our local park. 

One of them had recently returned from Australia, bringing with them stories and insights from their adventures. One worked in a bustling hospital, while the other was employed at a prominent publishing company before embarking on their travels. Despite having wandered across vast expanses of the globe, their hearts remained anchored in the vibrant city of Shanghai.

A street view of Zhongshan Park, where we met the travellers from Australia

They shared with us their life in Australia, while different from the conveniences of Shanghai, offered its own unique charm and pace that made each day enjoyable. "It may not always be as convenient," they remarked, "but there’s a certain beauty in the rhythm of life there." They went on to note that many Chinese students adapt remarkably well to living in Australia. “Chinese students are incredibly hard-working,” they explained. “Their strong foundation of knowledge sets them up for success in their future studies.”

When we spoke about our own international educational backgrounds, their faces lit up with delight. “That’s even better!” they exclaimed. “You should feel grateful that your parents provided you with this opportunity. With your international perspective and language skills, you’ll find it easy to blend into other cultures.” Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it inspired us to appreciate our diverse experiences even more.

As our conversation drew to a close, they expressed their admiration for Shanghai, noting how the city seems to improve with every return visit. “Every time I return, Shanghai surprises me — always changing, yet always home, ” they said, their voice tinged with nostalgia. 

They also shared their optimistic view of the world, mentioning how everything is gradually recovering and getting better. 

“There’s hope in every corner.”