Foreigners rise to the challenge in Wuhan (2)

Ghamgeen Izat Rashed, right, an Iraqi university teacher in Wuhan, poses with his wife's family at a Spring Festival family gathering in the city. [Photo provided to China Daily]

After the university resumed classes in June, students were not allowed to leave the campus, except for special occasions. They and their teachers had to scan a health code to enter classrooms and they were also required to log their temperature with an online platform every day.

"I want to thank China for its effective pandemic control and prevention measures. After an initial short period of confusion, people's requests have been met and everything is in order," Rashed said.

He added that his family members in China were able to enjoy Spring Festival, which was celebrated on Lunar New Year's Eve with dinner for eight shared with his parents-in-law and the family of his wife's brother.

"My mother-in-law sent a double 'red packet' to my daughter, saying it was to make up for last year when the family missed the reunion dinner. I also sent red packets to my parents-in-law and children. My father-in-law asked me about my job and we let off fireworks," Rashed said.

He added that he is interested in Chinese tradition, and what he likes most about it is that elderly people are highly respected in a family.

During the Spring Festival holiday, Rashed, his wife and daughter visited outdoor scenic spots every day, such as the Wuhan Botanical Garden. They also enjoyed a leisurely stay at a suburban resort hotel.

"Everywhere was crowded and everybody seemed happy," he said.

This year, he hopes to contribute more to international cooperation for the university, and that his daughter can make further progress with her studies.

He also plans to buy a Chinese-made new energy sport utility vehicle, as he feels that such autos make good use of technology and are not expensive.

"China supports development of the new energy industry, and I think there will be more charging points for these vehicles," he said.

"I've also seen that Wuhan's GDP ranked in the top 10 among provincial capitals last year. In view of the impact of the pandemic, this is remarkable. I believe the local economy can continue to prosper and that Wuhan can become a first-tier city."

Rashed said obtaining a "green card" had long been an ambition for him and his family, and the good news has enabled him to form deeper links with the city.