By Shaikhah Al Tamimi (OCA Young Reporter from Kuwait)
Hangzhou, China, September 28, 2023: Prior to me going to Hangzhou, China, I’ve had a general predisposed idea of it being grand, glamorous and highly advanced but also warm and welcoming in its culture and tradition.
Following a fast-paced week of watching sports, writing reports and discovering the technological side of Hangzhou, I was able to finally embrace the warmth that the city has to offer during a pleasant tour to the rightfully famous West Lake and bustling Hefang Street.
Along with colleagues, the other four OCA Young Reporters, I let myself sink into the serenity and flow of the West Lake and enjoyed the nice breeze while feasting my eyes on the beautiful views.
From a 400-year-old man-made island in the middle of the Lake to miles of beautiful willow trees offering shade to the hurrying pedestrians, everything about the trip filled me up with all the love Hangzhou and its people offer.
From the traditional folktale of the White Snake and the Green Snake to our kind tour coordinator and guide, Grace Gui, as well as the bright hospitable people of Hangzhou who were ever so kind and gracious curious onlookers, all I had felt during the trip were beautiful waves of astonishment, adoration and security.
Hangzhou has shown me how lighting the path towards the future begins with embracing the elements of tradition and culture with paper lanterns, and LED lights that carved for the beautiful city a place in my memories that I know would preserve beyond eternity.