by Tania Georgieva Glouhtcheva
Writer, Head of the International Department of DUMA Newspaper, Bulgaria
This will be my first visit to Chongqing, but not my first visit to China. Last year I was invited to take part in the journalist program, organized by the CIPCC. It was an once in a lifetime experience because I stayed there for four months.
Before I traveled I decided not to take into consideration all the stereotypes spread by the Western media and let China surprise me. And it happened. That inspired me to write a book – “4 months and 22 hours”, so that more Bulgarians learn the truth about this beautiful Asian country. The problem with most of the European countries is that due to political reasons, people live with a fake image of what life in China is. While promoting my book in different cities in Bulgaria I feel a bit like the famous Medieval traveler, merchant and writer Marco Polo who lived in China during years and when he went back home and told about his life abroad, nobody would believe him. Back then it was impossible for most of the people to go there and see everything with their own eyes.
Although today is a much easier to travel, people somehow prefer to stay in their comfort zone and believe others, rather than check for themselves.
Of course, I saw a lot, but I know that there is a lot more to be seen. I try to show as much pictures as possible, so they don’t rely only on the news in the Western media.
This is the main reason I want to go back to China again and again. The millennial wisdom, the good political system that should serve as an example to the rest of the world.
Besides being a journalist, I also like to take part in political life in my country and learning how to contribute better to the society is something I can do thanks to the different forums and events in China. Meeting people with similar interests to mine is very important. Exchanging experiences is one of the best things.
From the Belt and Road Initiative I expect to hear how it evolved during the years and the number of countries that joined recently.
I can’t wait to go to Chongqing and see what the city hides and waits for the foreigners to discover it!
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.