Work hard to learn Chinese, watch ball game at the Worker’s Stadium, visit the Summer Palace, climb the Great Wall ...... Ambassador of Belgium in China, Mr. Bruno ANGELET, who just assumed his post in August this year, is working hard to learn about Beijing's culture and integrate into the city's life at his spare time. As a cycling enthusiast, he also rides along the streets, feeling Beijing in detail in the process. In his opinion, Beijing is a surprising city.
He's happy to see bicycling back in vogue across the country.
When he first arrived in Beijing, Bruno ANGELET realized that it was much greener than he had expected, with trees and birds everywhere. This surprise left him with a wonderful first impression.
"I love birds and in Belgium, I am a birdwatcher." To the ambassador's surprise, "Beijing is very rich in bird species, and tree sparrows, which have almost disappeared in Belgium, but can be seen everywhere here. The water quality of the river is also good, I often see people fishing by the river when I walk along the Liangma River."
Ancient and modern, tranquil and lively. The multifaceted nature of Beijing impressed Bruno. He was surprised to find that in this mega-city with a population of nearly 22 million people, many of the streets and alleyways and lanes are not noisy at all, and are too quiet to be a densely populated capital city. But when you drive on the Third Ring Road, the surrounding skyscrapers and the orderly flow of vehicles around you will constantly remind you that you are in a modern metropolis.
After working and living in Beijing for more than three months, Bruno, who loves cycling, is also pleased to note that the number of cyclists has increased. 1997, when he first visited Beijing, he remembers that the streets were filled with people riding bicycles, but he later knew that the number of cyclists had decreased, and now that he is back in Beijing, he is happy to see the popularity of cycling again.
In Beijing, the connotation of cycling has changed profoundly from then to now. In the past, it was the most important means of transportation for citizens to travel under the conditions of economic and social development, but now it is not only a green way of traveling, but also a fashionable and modern trend sport.
In Belgium, bicycles are also an important means of transportation. Speaking of which, Bruno opened an album of Belgium, pointing to an article entitled Cycling: a Religion Here, said that Belgium has a population of 11 million people, the annual sales of bicycles are stable at about 500,000, one in seven people rely on bicycles to get around.
Cycling is a reflection of the fact that Beijing and Belgium share a certain degree of commonality, and has become a unique way for Bruno to experience the city.
One day in October this year, he set off from his residence, followed the map navigation and rode all the way to Tiananmen Square, completing his first long-distance ride in Beijing after becoming an ambassador.
"It doesn't look far on the map, but it's almost 22 kilometers, and this whole thing is enjoyable. Beijing's bike management is orderly with special bike lanes and it's great to see so many people choosing to ride again." He said.
Chinese history and culture is fascinating.
"China is such a big country, with different languages, a long history, and a rich culture, which gives me a whole new perspective on the world, which is a very interesting experience." Bruno enjoys the current process of gradual adaptation and integration.
Bruno, 57, just came to an unfamiliar environment, is not skilled in Chinese listening, reading and writing, he feels like a child, "thanks to the help of my team, Beijing people are very friendly and helpful, I also commonly use some cell phone translation apps, which can help me to communicate with the local people."
At his spare time, Mr. Bruno visits the famous sites and landmarks in Beijing one by one. Recently, he went hiking with his team to the Summer Palace and the Great Wall to experience the unique charm of Chinese civilization from the two World Heritage Sites.
In September, he was pleased to participate in the "Chinese envoys to perceive Beijing" activities organized by the Beijing Municipal Foreign Affairs Office, he went to the Workers' Stadium, watched a soccer match between Beijing Guoan and Zhejiang, "the game was very exciting, I was immersed in it from beginning to end, the new Workers' Stadium is very big and stunning, the facilities are very convenient. "
As an international consumption center city, Beijing gathers global cuisine. In addition to the must-try Peking duck, he also tasted Yunnan and Northwest cuisine. He would also like to try a wide variety of cuisines from other provinces.
"I am fascinated by China's history and culture." When Bruno first took office, he mentioned that he would like to visit more historical sites and experience more traditional culture during his reign in China, and that he would also like to experience the vibrant modern art scene. In his opinion, "this is the best way to get to know a country and its people."
In the interview, Mr. Bruno revealed that he has made a list of "three steps" to get to know Beijing. The first step is to visit more historical buildings; the second step is to go to the surrounding areas of Beijing to experience different natural scenery; and the third step is to experience Beijing's culture in depth, such as Peking Opera and other traditional dramas.
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of the friendship between Beijing and the Brussels，the capital region of Belgium.
"Belgium is rich in talent resources, active in science and technology innovation, the people here are friendly and hospitable, we have historic medieval architecture, it is also the European chocolate kingdom and beer paradise ......" Talking about enhancing the friendly exchanges between the two peoples, Bruno welcomed Beijing people travel to Belgium, "there are flights between Beijing and Brussels every day, round trip is very convenient."
At the end of the interview, Bruno, who is trying to learn Chinese, greeted everyone in Mandarin: "I wish my friends in Beijing a good weekend!" "It would be a dream come true if I could speak Chinese fluently by the end of my term." He said.