Have you ever dreamed of visiting a faraway land and staying there for a long time? Well, that’s exactly what happened to a man named Uwe Kräuter from Germany! 🌟
When Uwe was a young boy, his grandfather, who was a sailor, told him fascinating stories about China. These tales sparked his curiosity and made him wonder what life was like on the other side of the world. 🌏
While studying sociology at Heidelberg University, Uwe heard from his friends—a Swiss couple working in Beijing—that there was a job opportunity at the Foreign Languages Press. They asked if he’d like to take over their positions when they left. Uwe said yes, and in 1974, he packed his bags and moved to China, planning to stay for just two years. 👜✈️
Life in China was very different from Germany. Back then, there were hardly any foreigners in China, so everything felt new and exciting. But Uwe quickly noticed that people were friendly and curious about him. “From the beginning, there was never any Chinese in the streets who disliked that there is a foreigner,” he said. 😊
In the 1980s, Uwe helped bring a famous Chinese play called “Teahouse” to Europe. He became the translator for all 60 roles in the play! 🎭 They toured in Germany, Switzerland, and France, and the play was a huge success. When they returned to China, they were celebrated as heroes. 🏆
But that’s not all! In 1984, Uwe married a well-known Chinese actress named Shen Danping. At that time, international marriages were very rare in China. They met at a dance party in 1983 and quickly became close. When Uwe’s contract was ending, he asked Shen if she wanted to be brave and marry him. Although she was surprised at first, she agreed, and they’ve been together ever since. 💖
Over the past 50 years, Uwe has seen China transform in incredible ways. When he first arrived, everything was different and unfamiliar. Now, life has modernized, and people are more connected with the rest of the world. “We are getting more and more near to each other. I do hope this will continue strongly,” he shared. 🌐
Uwe’s amazing journey shows how being curious and open to new experiences can lead to unforgettable adventures. He’s built a bridge of friendship between Germany and China, and his story inspires us to explore the world and embrace different cultures! 🌟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
