Life and Leisure

Thanks to the nation's 'ordinary'folk

By Lisa Carducci (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-10-12 08:02

Remarkable people are often unknown.

During my 20 years in China, I have known many ordinary Chinese who were actually exceptional. As the second Monday of October is Thanksgiving in my native country, Canada, I take this special occasion to commemorate some of those who brought me light along my way.

In 1989, I fell seriously ill in Beijing and was brought unconscious to my dormitory. A teacher bought some medicine, explained how to take it, and cycled home in a hurry. Twenty minutes later, he came back and begged me not to tell anyone that he had forgotten to give me the change: 3 mao (4 cents). I knew he was sincere, I would surely not sully his reputation.

In 2001, at her uncle's request, I hosted an 18 year-old girl from Inner Mongolia autonomous region. Upon her arrival, Tuoya opened the faucet to wash her hands. The water pressure was high and she immediately reduced the jet until only a trickle of water came out. She said: "We must save water!"

In Inner Mongolia, former lush grasslands have been reduced to deserts owing to a growing population and over-grazing. I thought I was aware of environmental issues, but I learned from her that I could save even more water.

Last year, I heard that Tuoya had become a taxi driver in Hulunbuir. Strange for a woman who was carsick, I thought. One night, she didn't go home. The next day she was found dead in her car. The 24-year-old had been killed.

In 2003, my friend and I found a private driver named Zhang Jun in Qinghai province. He offered such a low price that we thought it was "per person". He took us not only to the home of the late 10th Panchen Lama and the "celestial lake", but also to a water spring hidden in the mountain, a century-old village with refined wooden sculptures to reach which he had to go out of the way, and the Wendusi Temple, where we met his friend, a lama.

After completing his assigned tasks, this considerate driver picked us up at the hotel to help us reach our next destination, refusing any extra payment.

In 2005, the day I was suffering the deepest pain ever owing to some personal issues, a friend called me from Shanghai.

"If I come to Beijing tomorrow, will you be there?" he asked. I didn't think he would come. I only thought he was trying to comfort me, but he showed up the very next day.

"I felt you needed to talk, so here I am!" he said. In fact, I needed nothing more than someone to confide to.

In 2007, I retired from work. Although I'm allowed to remain in China, as a foreigner, I don't enjoy any privileges such as a pension or health insurance.

A former student of mine who lives in Hangzhou wrote: "My wife and I both agree that you should come to live with us as long as you wish. Everyday you can go to West Lake to read and write. You will have nothing to do, nothing to pay."

I will not take advantage of the offer, but I shall always remember this remarkable display of love and respect.

During my years in the country, I have been a victim of thefts; I have been used without my knowledge as an instrument of corruption; I have been asked to conceal obvious fraud that I had witnessed.

But I prefer to remember those who deserve to be honored.

Lisa Carducci is a Canadian freelance writer in Beijing.

China Daily

(China Daily 10/12/2010 page20)