I arrived in China from Australia as a student with a love for travel, culture and adventure. My adventure (begin) in the winter of 2014 at Peking University for my one-year Chinese language learning program. I had never imagined it would turn into a period when I would complete a master's degree, begin my (profession) life, get married and have two kids.

In the busy city of Beijing, each day brought something new. I quickly became (attract) to the hardworking nature of the local students and I soon befriended my classmates from different countries. Things were always happening, new shops were opening and people were the move everywhere. High-speed railways and tall buildings sat alongside traditional ones. In short, the place was exciting.

Beyond the (excite) of it all, I was bathed in another culture completely different from my own. When first dating my now-husband, we arranged (play) soccer. I arrived and asked, "Where's the ball?" He explained we would just join (stranger) already playing. This was foreign to me, as we wouldn't do that in Australia. Yet, despite being an introvert (内向者), idea was appealing to me and many of my most precious China memories are related to the collective and community atmosphere there.

Other fond memories involve Chinese traditions, like having a yuesao for my post-birth "sitting the month". This care for both the mom and the baby, with rest and specific foods, contrasts with the experience in the West, almost all new moms often feel pressure to bounce back quickly and handle most things themselves.

From my husband's family to passers-by on the streets, Chinese people are very friendly and I (inspire) by people's spirit and pride in what they do every day.