Dear China

How have you been lately? I hope you are doing fine. I am sorry we haven’t been in touch for a while.

I do read a lot about you in the papers. I must admit I am pretty proud of you. I am so pleased to hear you finally banned your smokers from lighting up in all public indoor spaces in Beijing.

And the dress one of your fashion designers made for Rihanna, it was just stunning. Those who said it looked like an omelette or a pizza are simply jealous. On the other hand, the stereotypes will persist and the media will keep on feeding them.Those stories about the dog eating festivals just make me laugh. Lots of Europeans really think your folks eat dogs every day. Can you image I still have to listen to stupid jokes about eating dogs when I tell people I have lived for 5 years at your place? Another headliner that made me laugh was that Clinton accuses you of hacking the US. Wasn’t it the US who’s spying on the world? You’re still so hot, China, every step you take is recorded.

While you keep on shining in Asia, I am living my daily routine back in Belgium. It’s been precisely two years, five months and thirteen days; way too long… I miss your smell and your taste! A smell of street food all day long. The quintessential Chinese street food I got a crush on were the lovely jianbin pancakes, as well as the surprising stuffed baozi and jiaozi. I tried to make them at home, but it isn’t quite the same. I also miss the smell that tickles my nose while rotating Lazy Susan. You know, if I have to choose a positive stereotype, it is the one that says Chinese take away in Europe (or wherever except in China) is not the real Chinese food. Besides the food, I also miss your friendly and helpful people and your amazing landscapes. You know, looking at our pictures makes me a happy and sad at the same time. On one hand I feel happy because I feel so lucky for having experienced these beautiful moments. On the other hand however I feel sad because these moments took place in the past and not in the present. Damn, I miss you…

It is difficult to explain, but our tight bond will never break. You really inspire me and I think of you all the time. When I design clothes for example. This year I designed two silhouettes inspired by you. One had a lampion skirt and the other one had the structures of a bamboo forest. I am pretty proud of the result, you should have seen it!

I could go on and write you more about my new life here in Belgium, but I’d prefer we catch up soon. If people like this letter, my dream might come true. Fingers crossed…

I wish you all the best and hope to see you soon.

Take care

Cécile