Shanghai has been the window for Chinese opening up to the world. As a forerunner of reform and opening-up, Shanghai has been welcoming guests from all over the world with a new appearance and inclusive mind. Statistics show that Shanghai has the biggest number of permanent living foreigners around China, increasing from 45.3 thousand in 2000 to 169 thousand in 2016. They come from different countries and regions and work in various fields. Like all local citizens, they experience the city's enormous change. Here we bring their stories to you.
Russian musician couple Alexander and Natasha accepts an interview from Eastday.[Photo/ Wechat account: SPAFFC]
A tuba player of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra and also a teacher in Shanghai Conservatory of Music, Alexander, the introverted and calm Russian musician who always wears a gentle smile has been in China for 18 years since he joined the orchestra. His wife Natasha, humorous and enthusiastic, is also a music teacher in China.
Talking about Shanghai's transportation, the couple said bicycle and electric car are their favorite. "Actually, Shanghai's public transportation is quite convenient. The metro carriages are clean and beautiful. But sometimes they are too crowded, so I feel riding a bicycle has more freedom."
Shared bicycle has become their choice for going out, and they are quite familiar with names like ofo, mobike. "My wife likes riding a shared bicycle, because she can park at any place she wants. And I have my own bicycle, but now I don't need to ride it out at all times."
Following Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, these years Alexander has been to nearly the whole China and therefore has witnessed the enormous progress made by Shanghai. "When I came here in 1999, there were only two metro lines, but now there are 16. The city's transportation network is tridimensional. Taking out my cell phone, I could call a taxi, and this is the convenience I could not enjoy in other countries."
As for the quick life pace as a result of technology's development, Alexander said frankly, "technology has indeed changed our lives, but we also need time to adapt to the too quickly changing life style. Perhaps we need to spend more time to wait for some people."
Nevertheless, Alexander and Natasha have long before got used to everything here. "We love salty and spicy food most. Sichuan and Hunan cuisine is our first choice. After we came to China, we found cold dishes here are really delicious. We never miss cucumber with mashed garlic and boiled chicken slice when ordering a meal."
However, different cultural background occasionallybrings little troubles. Once having a meal with friends, before Alexander decided to eat separately, his friend had given him a pair of chopsticks."Although at the time I felt a little embarrassed, I know Chinese friends' enthusiasm."
Speaking of the news that Russia President Putin presented Chinese President Xi Jinping with the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, one of Russia's highest honors, Alexandersaid, "the relationship between China and Russia is getting closer and closer, and this makes me feel at ease and happy." "Every time I take a taxi, if the driver gets to know I am a Russian, he would give thumbs up to Putin." laughedthe man cheerfully.
During their stay in China, the two music experts have learned a lot about Chinese music and instruments. "Different from Russian music which often expresses deep personal emotion, Chinese music is good at creating an atmosphere which is natural and implicit but moving. Perhaps this is the charm of Chinese music and the reason it attracts me." said Natasha thoughtfully.
For the loving Natasha, students are like her children. "Chinese students are quite clever and hard working. They know the significance of hard working. It is hard to imagine these little kids could know such a truth and this is where Russian kids lag behind."
All in all, music as the bridge has brought the Russian musician couple to Shanghai and now they have closely merged with the city, being almost its bosom friend.
(Story and photos by Jia Haoyu;
Thanks to Shanghai Conservatory of Music;
Li Shu contributed to the interview;
Translated by Zheng Qian)