The First Session“Belt and Road” China-Tunisia International Cultural Exchange Ambassador Program
—————A Serious Field Reports-Essay One
Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen
Zhang Ruifeng
January 22, 2019
Carthage Airport - Costas Palmis Hotel (Monastir) - Port - Monastir Bunker - Monastir City Hall
After a 13-hour flight, our team finally arrived in Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Upon arriving at Carthage Airport, we met Mr. Ali, Matthew, another international student and several other volunteers. We got into the car and rushed to the city of Monastir. When I arrived at the hotel, it was already 7 am the next morning. I was very sleepy. I was going to go back to the room and fell asleep. But when I opened the balcony curtains, my sleepiness disappeared. When I opened the door, I saw the sea. The farthest point was horizon. While the moon is hanging high, the other side is shining. The sunrise sun puts a gold rim on the sky. Silent and silent, only the sound of the seagulls broke the silence. We stood quietly for a long time and could not bear to leave.
After a short break, we went to the beach in the afternoon. We passed by the pier, where many boats of various sizes were parked, and the local Tunisian children caught fish with simple silk and breadcrumbs. The clearness of the sea, just by the naked eye, you can see many small fish at the bottom of the water.
We crossed the local market and came to Monastir, a huge castle that was said to have been built by Harthama Ibn Ayan to protect Monastir from foreigners. Invasion. There are many internal passages in the castle, which is like a labyrinth. The mottled stone wall reveals the atmosphere of history.
After the tour, we arrived at the Monastir City Hall, where we were warmly welcomed by the Director of the Education Bureau of Monastir and the Assistant to the Mayor. Because there are only 20 overseas Chinese in Tunisia, the Chinese faces are very strange to them, and we know very little about the customs of Tunisia. Therefore, I hope that through this cultural ambassador event, cultural exchanges between the two countries can be promoted.
After dinner, the organizers hosted a surprise birthday party for us. Everyone sang and danced together and played late at night.
In today's trip we have met many interesting people, and Buha is one of them. He is a local English teacher and also knows a lot about astronomy and geography. He talks with us a lot. What surprised us a lot is that he knows China very well, and in some areas even suprasses our knowledge. Buha said that he wants to study in China and learn more about Chinese culture.
When I first arrived in Tunisia, I had already experienced the coconut tree shadow, as well as the natural scenery of the water and the white sand; I also felt the enthusiasm of the people. Now, I am looking forward to the sunrise of tomorrow!
