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The 13th day of lockdown in South Africa is also my birthday. Although it was joked as "corona birthday" by Wu Dean of the Confucius Institute of the University of Western Cape, the warmth was not isolated. My roommate Song Yu, an ordinary cake maker, got up early in the morning to do some work and made me a beautiful golden birthday cake. Then, I received the birthday gifts from the Chinese President of the Confucius Institute at Johannesburg University, and the birthday blessing e-cards from my colleagues at home and abroad, which was unspeakable warmth in my heart.
After lunch, the Dean approved my roommate and I to go to campus square, which is three minutes' drive away from our residence, to replenish vegetables and fruits, and also to help the kids in the two dormitory areas to replenish vegetables. We haven't been out for 15 days. We are fully armed. Although it's in line with the policy to go out and buy food nearby, we are a little nervous because the police have arrested many people who went out illegally, according to the report. Under the epidemic situation, vehicles are scattered, the road is very wide, and there is no need to brush the parking card for campus square. We are surprised to find that many people wear masks. It seems that people's awareness of prevention has gradually increased. Woolworth and pick & pay line up at the door. People need to enter the supermarket in batches, disinfect their hands at the door and register before they are allowed to enter. The fruits and vegetables in the supermarket are fresh and abundant, but some of the shelves in the seasoning and snack areas have basically been snapped up. The cashier will also greet "how are you" warmly with a mask on. When he leaves, the security guard at the gate of the supermarket will also smile and wave. By the way, what do we have for our birthday dinner tonight? Before isolation, we have enough chicken, duck and fish. It's really hard to choose. Ha ha! Of course, longevity noodles must be eaten.
By the way, under the strong coordination of our dean, in these two weeks, workers from the security office of Johannesburg University and the campus management department have been constantly working in our two dormitory areas to carry out safety assessment, repair and install night lights, install the panic button connected with the security office of the University, and detect the alarm grid of the courtyard wall. Peng also adjusted his schedule. He was on duty from 12:00 to 5:00 at night. He observed the dormitory area in our backyard, because the wall alarm network in this dormitory area could not be installed for the time being. Happily, all the night lights have been installed and repaired today. The yard in the dormitory area is very bright at night. The panic buttons of the two houses in the backyard have also been installed, and the safety factor has increased a lot. I hope the Dean can have a good rest tonight.
Lockdown birthday was very special when I was in South Africa. The experience here will help me grow up and teach me to cherish. Today, Wuhan was unsealed, and the leaders of the two countries also called to support each other. I hope that the epidemic in South Africa and all countries will end as soon as possible, that the hospital will resume normal operation, and that people in South Africa and the world will resume normal production and life. Then we learn Chinese together, learn from each other's cultures and share win-win results.
About the author
Qin Yue, volunteer Chinese teacher, Confucius Institute, Johannesburg University, South Africa.
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