Sara, thank you for sharing your stories. I am so touched to see how Finland and China, two countries so far away from each other, how past and present, are connected through your experience. The world might have been in chaos, but we can always make our own life beautiful, no matter where we are.
If they were expecting you while they were in China - then technically, you were alive in some form in China in the 80s, even if it was within your mom's belly. As you were growing inside her, you could hear the sounds of China, somehow you were exposed to Chinese food at a very young age, and the list goes on. But as they say in China, there is always an urge to seek out your roots. And I believe in some way, China is also your home. So you have two homes - perhaps even three, now that you are based in Guangzhou. Finland was also very forward-thinking in terms of establishing diplomatic relations with the PRC so early. Just out of curiosity, how did you feel being there - like did you just purely feel like you were a person visiting? Or did you feel as though you were returning in some way? I don't really know how to express what I am trying to ask, but I think you get what I mean.
I think I understand your question 😊 I didn’t get a feeling that I’ve been there before, but I was very moved to know I was walking in their exact footsteps. I’m also noticing that I’m caring more about my roots now after having a child. When I came to China the first time and stayed, I did have this feeling of “I’m coming home” which is not easy to explain. I totally agree with what you said, I feel I’m at home 😊
@@GuangzhouExpat Yeah, because in some sense, you have been here before. And for part of your life, which I believe begins as soon as (excuse my directness) sperm connects with an egg, you were in China. So, in some way, you do belong here, as well as in the country you were born. Hence, I think it is very natural that you came to China, formed a family here, and have a passion for learning Chinese and Chinese culture. It is almost ingrained in your DNA in some sense. I don't know if I am making sense or just blabbing, but I think there is more to human existence than just where you were born and raised.
@@GuangzhouExpat The one close to the TV station is full of some of my favourite brands... although I rarely go there, because I always end up spending way too much money!
First time I came to China was 2003 to adopt my first daughter. We stayed at Jinglun Hotel just beside Jianguo hotel from your video. And I remember that the silk market was just beside 🙂
@@GuangzhouExpat yes, I visit China 3-4 times every year. My wife is from Guangzhou so I'm very familiar with that place and to China in general. Next year we will permanently move to Guangzhou.
It's so touching, thanks for digging into the history, I didn't know any of this. Btw I was in that park a couple of months ago, didn't know I was so close to your parents once haha.
I was born in Shantou, but my parents had lived in Hainan Island until 2 months before I was born. I think I might have similar feelings as you. I feel that part of me belongs to the island far away.
Thank you for watching and subscribing! I would imagine doing the same if I every left here, trying to still stay connected. What topics about China you are still interested in?
@@GuangzhouExpat well, for me it's the underground/indie music scene. Maybe you're not into that. But if you can visit some interesting places around China and mention some history behind it, it would be cool. Like the traditional yaodong cave houses, or the ancient Buddhist relics that are scattered along the silk road. Just some ideas.
Must be similar to the feeling when I visit my childhood neighborhood but instead of going to another city, it’s the other side of the world. Have your parents visited you/China since you’ve moved there 10 years ago?
Yes, my mother has been back 2 times, next time I’ll take her to Beijing. My father has been back a few more times, he is very interested in China too.
Fascinating trip! Based on the Buddhist idea of causality and karmic connection, it's not at too surprising that your life has been intertwined between Finland and China. There are always causes & effect behind everything. Did you experience deja vu while visiting Beijing?
I lived in Beijing in 1984 as well. Your video brought tears to my eyes. So good to see some of the buildings are still there.
Thanks so much for sharing this. So interesting!
Thank you for watching!
Wow, this is incredible. Tracing your parents' steps in China. The feeling must have been amazing. Great job!!
It really was a very special trip for me!
Just happened to come here. Very touching video which makes tears roll in my eyes.
Aww, thank you!
Wow, your story is amazing! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for watching my story 😊
I'm here because I saw you on Miriam's channel 😀
same here, lol
Thank you so much for checking our channel, I really appreciate it! ❤️
Thank you so much for coming over here and leaving your comments ❤️
Sara, thank you for sharing your stories. I am so touched to see how Finland and China, two countries so far away from each other, how past and present, are connected through your experience. The world might have been in chaos, but we can always make our own life beautiful, no matter where we are.
Kiitos tarinasi jakamisesta! (Oikea?)
Thank you so much for watching! It means a lot to us.
Aivan oikein!
🇫🇮+🇨🇳=♥️♥️
If they were expecting you while they were in China - then technically, you were alive in some form in China in the 80s, even if it was within your mom's belly. As you were growing inside her, you could hear the sounds of China, somehow you were exposed to Chinese food at a very young age, and the list goes on. But as they say in China, there is always an urge to seek out your roots. And I believe in some way, China is also your home. So you have two homes - perhaps even three, now that you are based in Guangzhou. Finland was also very forward-thinking in terms of establishing diplomatic relations with the PRC so early. Just out of curiosity, how did you feel being there - like did you just purely feel like you were a person visiting? Or did you feel as though you were returning in some way? I don't really know how to express what I am trying to ask, but I think you get what I mean.
By the way - so different to the Friendship Stores you can still find in Guangzhou! Especially the one near Taojin!
I think I understand your question 😊 I didn’t get a feeling that I’ve been there before, but I was very moved to know I was walking in their exact footsteps. I’m also noticing that I’m caring more about my roots now after having a child.
When I came to China the first time and stayed, I did have this feeling of “I’m coming home” which is not easy to explain. I totally agree with what you said, I feel I’m at home 😊
True! The ones in Guangzhou are actually quite nice, I sometimes go to the pharmacy of Friendship Store as it’s close to my office (the IFC one).
@@GuangzhouExpat Yeah, because in some sense, you have been here before. And for part of your life, which I believe begins as soon as (excuse my directness) sperm connects with an egg, you were in China. So, in some way, you do belong here, as well as in the country you were born. Hence, I think it is very natural that you came to China, formed a family here, and have a passion for learning Chinese and Chinese culture. It is almost ingrained in your DNA in some sense. I don't know if I am making sense or just blabbing, but I think there is more to human existence than just where you were born and raised.
@@GuangzhouExpat The one close to the TV station is full of some of my favourite brands... although I rarely go there, because I always end up spending way too much money!
First time I came to China was 2003 to adopt my first daughter. We stayed at Jinglun Hotel just beside Jianguo hotel from your video. And I remember that the silk market was just beside 🙂
What a coincidence you stayed in that area! Yes I saw the silk market there too, still there 😊 Have you visited China since?
@@GuangzhouExpat yes, I visit China 3-4 times every year. My wife is from Guangzhou so I'm very familiar with that place and to China in general. Next year we will permanently move to Guangzhou.
That’s nice you have been visiting and exciting to hear you will be moving here soon!
It's so touching, thanks for digging into the history, I didn't know any of this. Btw I was in that park a couple of months ago, didn't know I was so close to your parents once haha.
What a coincidence that you were in that park too recently! Thank you for watching Shia :)
May you have an interesting and beautiful life..🌸🌸🌸
Thank you for such a lovely comment! ❤️
I was born in Shantou, but my parents had lived in Hainan Island until 2 months before I was born. I think I might have similar feelings as you. I feel that part of me belongs to the island far away.
That’s so interesting you have a similar story! I bet you have a strong connection with Hainan.
lovely video
Thank you!
your welcome
Nice video, thanks. I left China but still interested to see how the life is there. Subscribed.
Thank you for watching and subscribing! I would imagine doing the same if I every left here, trying to still stay connected. What topics about China you are still interested in?
@@GuangzhouExpat well, for me it's the underground/indie music scene. Maybe you're not into that. But if you can visit some interesting places around China and mention some history behind it, it would be cool. Like the traditional yaodong cave houses, or the ancient Buddhist relics that are scattered along the silk road. Just some ideas.
Cool! Music scene isn’t my best forte, but I love visiting historical sites.
Happy for you that you have found your root.
Thank you, I'm happy too!
lovely video dear
Thank you for watching!
Must be similar to the feeling when I visit my childhood neighborhood but instead of going to another city, it’s the other side of the world. Have your parents visited you/China since you’ve moved there 10 years ago?
Yes, my mother has been back 2 times, next time I’ll take her to Beijing. My father has been back a few more times, he is very interested in China too.
Fascinating trip! Based on the Buddhist idea of causality and karmic connection, it's not at too surprising that your life has been intertwined between Finland and China. There are always causes & effect behind everything. Did you experience deja vu while visiting Beijing?
I'm not sure if exactly a deja vu, but it was a very touching trip, especially at the park where I took the same photo as my mom did.
good luck,girl
Thank you!
I have been to most of those places
Do you live in Beijing? 😊
GuangzhouExpat no i live in Hunan Changsha ...if you want to visit Hunan,must tell me thanks😊
Would love to visit in the future!
GuangzhouExpat you are most welcome
awesome