A foreigner's journey of discovery in Guiyang

From the left: Candice, Skylar, Nicolas and Stephen. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

In 2018, I left South Africa for Anhui, China, with my husband, Stephen, and our boys, Nicolas (9) and Skylar (5). Our first stop was Maanshan, a lively city by the Yangtze River that seamlessly blended modernity and traditions. We explored local markets, enjoyed community festivities, and immersed ourselves in Maanshan's cultural tapestry.

Later, we moved to Dangtu county, which was much quieter. We embraced the tranquil countryside and close-knit community. Anhui's natural beauty and warm hospitality left lasting memories, but the desire for new adventures led us to Guiyang, capital of Southwest China's Guizhou province.

Guiyang welcomed us warmly, allowing us to work at Guiyang Prime International School. This school enriched our professional lives and nurtured our children's academic growth. Guiyang Prime International School's dynamic learning environment and diverse international community ignited a love for learning, making it a symbol of quality education. My sons are now almost fluent in Chinese.

During our five years in China, we explored various places, like Qingdao, Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Huangshan, and Wuhu. Each city offered unique experiences.