Live, laugh, love and learn

Have you ever had to walk in the mud? Drove a bike through a rain storm with foggy glasses? Let me tell you, it might just be an experience of Hell and Heaven at the same time! My two and a half years in China have been just as unbelievable yet beautiful. Such a journey of the body, heart and mind can surely carve memories on stone forever.

Through navigating my Master's Program in Electronics with my two baby attachments — to live, laugh, love and learn has been quite a bittersweet experience. Having been shackled to the responsibilities of study and stress as it was, my experience deepened into a greater storm as COVID rocked our boats. Juggling online classes, housework, my own mental sanity and the kids' well-being within the five-month confinement to our apartment during the lockdown, our hope was in the Chinese government. We believed in them — they would soon take us out of this dilemma. And they did. The test of patience and strength has somehow inscribed a place in my heart, that says... rain or shine, wind or storm, ghouls or gnomes, China is my home.

Indeed, as the government emancipated us from our apartment walls and our university soon registered students for on-campus classes, I was ready for new friends and some cultural immersion. Indeed, the excitement of experiencing roller-coaster rides, the fountain lights, and animal shows have been punctuated by deeper insights of the culture. On a visit to a strawberry farm on the city outskirts, the hospitality of the farm owners was heart-warming. After a cart ride, a tour, tea, and pictures, they even gifted organic eggs and transported us back home. This was the same type of cultural warmness we feel as elders often give my children advice and gifts, just walking in the city.

What's a girl to do without showing off her personality! My time in China has given me many-a-moments of self-contemplation, and opportunities for exploring who I am. As we continue with our self-discovery, the Chinese touch to my foreign apparel has been unquestionable. Finding new styles to express my inner self is truly an enjoyable activity within China! Keep shopping!

Bus, taxi, skates, bicycle, you name it. Chinese people never look you twice for any vehicle you choose and everything is okay as long as you respect the road regulations. Hands down, travelling has been one of my most exhilarating experiences. I now zip to and from on the busy roads, tunnels and sidewalks of the city in all kinds of weather to meet deadlines on a daily basis. The pedestrian crossings are amazing. It is my utter belief that the traffic system of this country represents what China is — the Best of both World — Western and Asian. If you want to do sight-seeing, learn any and every method to move around and go for it!

One of my most favorite components of this journey has been hosting some friends and showing them some attractions within a city hub — Zhonglou. Roaming the Muslim Street and also the periphery to discover new flavors, scenic spots and witnessing cultural norms within the inner pockets of Xi'an city has been my regular pastime.

After experiencing the rich tastes of Hot Pot, Dapanji and more, we foreigners also roam back to our cultural roots from time to time with one magical experience. Food! Being invited to a home cooked dinner really helps to overcome nostalgia. Life is no fun without celebrations from time to time. Cooking together has been an unforgettable way of bonding with friends, and without a doubt, friends are essential to living a meaningful life.

Same as sports! The internal adrelanine, the joy of a challenge and social interactions within such meetings are my own personal obsession. Have you seen hold the elders of the nation play Ping Pong? Although it's not the national sport, it is just as commonly and skillfully played to be named the official sport, in my opinion.

My university, Xi'an Jiaotong University gave me a wonderful opportunity to engage in this activity and many more. An outstanding collaboration of many universities to coach their students and then engage in a high level Ping Pong competition honored me to bag a position. I also witnessed the discipline and dedication that the nation holds for sports. Don't forget the city preparations and excitement which abounds for National Sports Week!

The diverse expat community of China is quite beneficial. It's where I discovered my now-favorite fitness instructor, Liza. As she linked me up with a fun yet strength-requiring activity of trampolining, she also offered an online 100 rep challenge. If you snooze one day, pay 50 yuan! Guess what — it worked! Her gentle coaching method brought out the fitness diva in me, and now I'm never turning back. I owe this to her, and to China for changing my life.

Moms meet Schools! Have you reflected that the most kind, wise, and motivated person on Earth would inevitable be a teacher? Well, having taught in kindergarten for one year in Pakistan, I've understood that good parenting and education are roots of a child's discipline and personality. As my husband and I interact with my children's school teachers (using the WeChat translation feature, too) I've been blessed to observe that the influence of culture and parenting methods have molded these Chinese teachers and the children in a special way. I would love to import their unique schooling techniques. These superwomen can discipline, console, feed, handle fun activities and put kids to sleep too! What more to ask for? Chinese childcare is the bomb!

I'm Maryum, a born and raised Muslim American Pakistani Expat. I am currently an engineering student and an aspiring writer who lives and studies in Xi'an, China. I am passionate about a lifestyle that balances beauty, the creative arts, learning, physical exercise... and seem to be enthusiastic about almost every activity you can name.

I believe pictures do speak more than 1,000 words but hope to one day leave a lasting impression that speaks louder than words and lasts longer than the physical images.

The opinions expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of China Daily and China Daily website.