Life and Travel in China

My wife has a friend who has been trying for quite a long time to gain the favor of her beloved, or rather the acceptance of his family. In China, such 'blessing' of parents and grandparents is very important for both partners. There is practically no question of living together or getting married if one of the parties has any objections. These are often very traditional, even iron rules: will he provide her with a prosperous life, will she give birth to a son, is she pretty and shapely, does he have an apartment, etc. It sounds trivial, but Chinese families look at realities, not feelings. And it so happened that the boy's grandmother begged his girlfriend on her knees (literally) and with tears in her eyes to break up with her grandson and leave him alone, there was no question of weddings. His entire family could not accept the fact that the girl was very short - about 145 cm and was not a typical Chinese beauty. They were still together, they lived together in a different city than their families. Eventually they reached an agreement, but it probably took over a year. They got married, but she doesn't seem to appreciate this marriage very much. She cared so much, but some time ago she was bragging about how guys were hitting on her at the pool, how cute she was. She also once had dinner at a hotel with a foreigner she knew. A bit strange behavior for a girl who fought so hard for one Chinese man and literally fought with his family. Why did she sacrifice herself so much? Why did she make their lives difficult if now she is admired by others and likes to flirt?

I have the impression that Chinese cinema is getting worse every year. Maybe viewers in Poland perceive it differently, because there are few productions from the Middle Kingdom and if someone is interested in Asia at all, any film may arouse interest. It seems that lately, more and more commercial and crappy movies are being produced in China for the masses. There are unintelligent comedies, some parodies in the style of American movies. There are more and more quasi-romantic comedies in which a beautiful Chinese woman (from Hong Kong, for example) has to choose between a rich man and... a rich man. Of course, during the screening, the producer will promote a brand of car, perfume, handbag, etc. Films from 1990-2005 had more content, were about something, tackled difficult topics (limited by Chinese censorship, of course). I still like some historical war productions, but I'm terrified by the amount of computer effects. An army of thousands is created by a group of a dozen or so extras copied by computer to cover the entire panorama. Movies often use scenery that the average Chinese has never seen in their country - again, the use of computers, as well as the choice of completely isolated locations that do not remind me of the Middle Kingdom at all. Among the new films, I liked "The man behind courtney house" (守望者：罪恶迷途). It tells an interesting story in an unusual way. I also appreciate good dialogues, reflections on life, revenge and love. I liked the atmosphere, the surroundings and the set design, framing and camera work. A nice change from all those saccharine, commercial productions that promote the cult of money, expensive cars, large apartments, fake breasts, promiscuity and betrayal. Directors try to reach millions of viewers from large metropolises for whom material goods are most important. The film does not have to have a deeper message - it should show how to find a rich husband, how to cheat on your wife, what perfume to use and how to be 'cool' in the Chinese sense. Just America in China!

A friend from Hong Kong told me the day before yesterday that what saved them from the crisis were the shopping-mad Chinese from mainland China. Apparently they rule in the company stores of Prada, Gucci, LV, Coco Chanel, Apple... Rich Chinese already have everything - apartments, cars, lovers, gym and SPA memberships, eight bank accounts, now all this has to be nicely framed with branded items. They can buy almost anything, but you know what we can console ourselves with? They will buy everything except... FREEDOM!!! And by the way - how history turned 180 degrees. In the past, people from Hong Kong could buy anything in China for pennies, but they were actually afraid to even cross the border. Now crowds of Chinese are "attacking" Hong Kong in a shopping frenzy. These purchases will probably reach their peak during the Chinese New Year - at the end of January.

President Komorowski's visit to China does not have much significance in the Middle Kingdom. I even wonder where Polish diplomacy was for 14 years? When China was on top and literally flourishing, the whole world was doing business with it and Poland was the most offended. Now they will sign three contracts, exchange more students and everything will be fine. But what amuses me the most is the fact that Poles are going there to convince the Chinese that Poland is worth investing in! Yes, great timing - global crisis, uncertain exchange rates, unstable economic situation. This is certainly the best time to invest in a small, unknown country like Poland - because that's how the Chinese perceive us. In addition, there was the death of Kim Jong Il and the Chinese are most concerned with this problem. Komorowski's visit is of little importance, small African countries are more important - because there are deposits there, there are no human rights and it is easy for China to sell something without certificates and quality standards. Regarding human rights - it was mentioned again in the Polish media. Why should Poland hold China accountable for respecting human rights? There are no human rights as such there - why ask about them? Only Polish diplomacy can come up with something like this.

This year, Chinese suppliers and representatives of companies in China trading with Europe and Poland were exceptionally active in sending Christmas wishes. As I guess, the crisis is taking its toll - they have less work, fewer orders, less production. Holidays are an opportunity to send a dozen or several dozen emails, e-cards and Christmas wishes to all customers who celebrate Christmas. This is an opportunity to remind yourself about yourself and discreetly recommend your products, maybe ask about new orders. And these new orders will have to wait anyway, because the Chinese New Year is soon. We are starting the Year of the Dragon, he should be happy!