Three reasons led me to China: curiosity, writing, and teaching. The first time was in 1985. My study in linguistics placed me on the path to the Arabic and Chinese languages. Which of these two would I learn? I was hesitant. If I was interested in Arbic poetry, I had never, on the contrary, approached Chinese culture. Before deciding, I thought I would see for myself - in the country itself - what did these people look like?
