At home in Xiamen

约翰来自美国的得克萨斯州,年轻的时候是个世界级运动员.五年前,举家移居中国,一年前来到厦门.迄今为止,约翰游历过三十几个国家,对于不同的文化,他总是以开放的心态去看待.

John Fischer grew up in Texas and was a world-ranked swimming athlete. Although he was younger and a lot more physically fit then, he had completed five marathons as well as the grueling "Ironman" long distance triathlon(三项全能运动). "I attended many sports competitions both at home and abroad and had good results. I was close to competing in the Olympic Games."

Along with his wife Jennifer, and two daughters, Morgan (age 10) and Anna (age 8), he moved to China in January 2000. John adopted Anna in Kunming in 1998. "She is a gift from God. Now my family is perfect." This happy family first lived in Dalian, Liaoning, where John worked in the design and development of a large restaurant and American style coffee shop called "I-55". After its completion, they moved to Liuzhou, Guangxi, where he partnered with an investor in the development of a restaurant called, "Maggie's". "I am proud that both restaurants are operating profitably today," said John with great pride.

In 2003, John together with his family came to Xiamen. "We initially came to Xiamen for its clean air because I was suffering from asthma(哮喘) in central China. What Xiamen has that I most enjoy are its pollution free skies and wonderful climate. This city is blessed."

"Once we got here, it didn't take long to realize that this is a special place. Xiamen's local transportation system is easy to navigate. I get frustrated in some other big cities in China by taxi drivers that won't use meters and try to make extra money from foreigners. In my opinion, this is something that Beijing had better get under control before the 2008 Olympics, or many of the guests will leave feeling frustrated and ripped off."

"I have really grown to love Xiamen in a short period of time and there is not much I would change, especially when compared to other places in China. This really is a special city. If I could change one thing, however, it would be to clean the water along the beaches. While the actual sandy beaches are spotless, it is frustrating to not be able to enjoy the ocean by my house because I am told the ocean water is not clean enough. If the water was as clean as the beaches, this truly would be a world class city!"

"As for the people here, they are very open and kind to foreigners. I really appreciate their sincere openness. It goes beyond the ‘hello' greetings that are so common everywhere in China. In Xiamen I find the locals are really interested in getting to know us and to learn about our family. For example, one day when my daughter Morgan was playing on the beach near our house, she was asked if she would like to act as a model for a clothing factory. She did and now she seems to enjoy it."

John's spare time is mostly spent with his family, exploring this part of China. He says that they have been blessed to meet so many wonderful locals and they spend any time that they can getting to know them and their families, which often means traveling to other parts of Fujian Province or China which is always fascinating.

John is enrolled at the Xiamen University and enjoys attending classes to learn spoken Chinese every morning. His wife and two daughters speak better Chinese than he does. John is keen on learning as much as he can about Chinese culture. "Although there are always differences between cultures, we are open-minded to accept things as they are. This is China. It's just different."

Prior to moving to China, John worked for 12 years as the International Marketing Director for a major American company. In his work and travels he has spent time studying the cultures in nearly 35 countries. "I love learning about other cultures and teaching business owners how they can improve their operations by applying solid principles to their businesses."

In Xiamen, John plays a business exploration role. He meets business owners regularly and discusses with them if there is a way that he can use his skills and extensive international business background to help them operate a more efficient and profitable business. "I enjoy the consulting business because I am able to be involved in a wide variety of businesses. It is great to be able to meet and share with many interesting owners and managers."

Currently, John and his family really love the quality of life and the people of Xiamen. "I choose to stay here and I hope to stay for many more years."


From left to right: Jennifer,Anna,Morgan and John

 

 

My Xiamen

Akiko from Japan arrived in Xiamen early this year to study Chinese at the Overseas College of Xiamen University(厦大海外教育学院). Prior to China, she spent a few years studying English in the US.

1.How long have you been in Xiamen?
I have been here for four months.

2. What do you like best about life here?
The best part is the delicious Chinese food.

3.What's your job here? How do you like your job?
I am studying Chinese at the Overseas College of Xiamen University. I really like studying Chinese!

4. How do you spend your spare time in Xiamen?
I often go out with friends for lunch, shopping and sometimes we study together.

5.If there was one thing that you could change about Xiamen,what would that be?
As a matter of fact, I feel comfortable living in Xiamen. If there was one thing that I could change, I wish the summer could be cooler. It's very cool in summer in my hometown in Japan.

6.What's your favorite restaurant?
I like the students' cafeteria in the Xiamen University.

7. What do you like best about Xiamen?
Well, the fantastic view of the ocean.

8.Compared with other big cities in China,what do you think are the differences between Xiamen and them?
The biggest difference is the people who live in Xiamen. They are kindhearted.

9. What's the last great book you read?
It's a Japanese journal which is called Gomanizumu-sengen ( this is a Japanese name).

10.What's your favorite quotation or piece of advice?
Time is money.