Dipti Shivajirao Mali

From India

SHENZHEN is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many things that catch your eye: spectacular infrastructure, beautiful landmarks and well-kept parks. It’s a city with a perfect balance of greenery and modern architecture. It is also called a young city and is full of bright minds.

I think the quote from Herb Caen describes Shenzhen well: “A city is not measured by its length and width, but by the broadness of its vision and the height of its dreams.”

People of all ages can be seen here, working hard to make their dreams come true. But don’t underestimate the senior citizens here. You will see them enjoying square dancing, playing a game of mahjong and also taking care of their grandchildren.

In my community, I regularly see a group of senior citizens enjoying a game of mahjong as their way of socializing. It is a tile-based game. Sometimes I watch them play. I wanted to take some pictures of them and make some short videos, but since I don’t know them, I was reluctant. But then one day I thought, let’s ask them and see what they say: If they allow it, I’ll take pictures.

So one afternoon I asked them and they readily agreed and allowed me to take photos and videos.

Seeing my interest, they not only allowed me to take pictures, but also asked me to join their game.

I told them, “I don’t know how to play the game.” They said, “Join us and we will teach you.” So sweet, isn’t it? Inviting a foreigner to join their game. It was their way of making me feel comfortable. I was talking to them for the first time, with the help of an interpreter, but I really felt like I was talking to people I knew, not strangers in a foreign land. I really admire these enthusiastic seniors and their way of enjoying life in retirement. May God bless them with long and healthy lives.

Sometimes some strangers on the street or commuting in the Metro or bus ask me, “Where are you from?” When I tell them I’m from India, most of them will give their thumbs up and say it’s a good country.

Some will say, “Yes, we know India, a country popular for Indian (Bollywood) films, yoga and Aamir Khan (an Indian hero). We like your Indian hero Aamir Khan.” I would answer, “I love Andy Lau.” That is how most of our conversations with strangers start.

When you live abroad, it always feels good when locals talk about your home country.

I remember once my husband and I were traveling on a bus and a schoolboy started talking to us. Before he got off, he said, “Welcome to Shenzhen!” This happened a few years ago when we had just moved to Shenzhen. I think the little boy really made our day. I call these moments “my little moments of joy.”

We are lucky to be surrounded by people who make us feel at home, and now Shenzhen has become our second home.