I've been in China long enough to see the good and the bad. It isn't hard to balance it all out and realize that the good far outweighs the bad. Here are 7 reasons why 'I love China.'

1. Chinese People - By far the biggest reason I love China. I've made great friends here. True friends. People that I believe that I can count on. They've been there for me to show how great they are even when someone else was giving me trouble.

2. Chinese Food - HA! Well, it's true. Chinese food is great. I love spicy food. Most people in the world do not realize how spicy the food is in China. I think it's delicious. I feel like I'm getting a gourmet meal every day.

3. Chinese Culture - I think that many Chinese people don't know so much about their own culture. I tell stories that I've learned about history and people who have lived right here in my own city. Many hear those stories from the 'laowai' for the first time. They've never heard them before. I love telling those stories and allowing all of us to relive that history. It is rich and so interesting.

4. My Work - I love teaching. I love the challenge of it. I love the challenge of teaching English. It's not easy, but, it is very fulfilling. I want to contribute all that I can from my heart and soul to advance my students into a successful educational experience and life.

5. Chinese Music - I like the traditional music of China. Some foreigners laugh at me because I like Chinese opera. It is outrageous sometimes, but, I realize the story that it's telling. I love learning from it and the feeling I get from its expression.

6. Chinese Language - I'm not very good at speaking, but, I can speak and communicate some in Chinese. Those times when I get into a taxi and meet that taxi driver who wants to try to talk with me, I have a lot of fun with that. I love surprising people with the little Chinese I know.

7. Chinese Society - I wake up in the morning hearing men yell at the top of their lungs as they exercise in the park next to the river beside my building. I love to hear the music of the hulusi, erhu and percussion instruments I hear coming from the park next to my home. It is so endearing to my heart and soul.

I've met with a few troubles in China. Mostly from unscrupulous people who are out to cheat and hurt others. But, that's a very small percentage of people here. I feel that I have family here. My Chinese family. Good people. Good food. Good music. It all adds up to a good life.

That's why, I love China!

The original blog is at: http://blog.chinadaily.com.cn/blog-787069-32169.html