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China: How It All Began – You Dont Live Here
Published: 29.3.2014
A queue to get a round stamp seems infinite. Next I have to just pick up my baggage, get on a bus that would take me from the airport and get at the campus. Everything according to the plan. Only with some extra time in queues or in Beijing traffic jams. Two years ago in Chengdu, if my memory is right, it was not that easy...
The cab driver dropped me of in front of the south gate. Just as my friend who was studying at the same university, advised me to do. I tried to get some fresh air waving a paper with further instructions. And I entered the campus. Half an hour later of endless roaming I finally realized that the campus is sort of city within a city. I stopped fighting my red color filling my face a while ago. I also came to terms with the fact that my t-shirt looks like I was wet. My hair became lank thanks to unbelievable moisture and heat. My enthusiastic search turned to just hauling my body around. After tenth round of asking questions of people walking by, nobody had an idea where the dorms for international students are. I started to give up. So I just stood still on one of the crossroads. The eleventh random passer-by saved me and got me to my destination.
I dragged my baggage several stairs up, drew aside my wet hair and with shaking hands find my papers. In English, I said who I am, what I am doing there. One of obviously amused receptionists looked at my papers and in bad English said: “You don’t live here! “
I almost started crying. I didn’t sleep enough, I was tired, and angry. Had I found a golden fish, my only wish would be to get back home. Other two wishes you I would happily give anyone.
„Could you look just once more? I have the letter of acceptance and confirmation that as a student with scholarship I have a granted room.” I gave her the papers right in between her eyes. After a very hard to understand debate with the other receptionist, she suddenly gave me a key. Apparently, my name was on that list after all. I paid a deposit. As soon as I got into the room, I broke one of the most important rules. I turned the tap on and drank about a liter of water. Fortunately, the Fate decided that I had enough that day. After a cold shower I felt much better and I felt again curious. I set off to explore the campus. Everything was new, unseen. And the Chinese letters all around! I had an accommodation. That was enough for now.
Text/photo: Hana Bašová
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