Posted by Chongqing, the spicy hotpot capital of China, is also where Brazil native Bianca Wan lives. While she never expected to come to this country or marry a Chinese man, she’s now happy to call China home. We sat down with her to learn more about everything from her pathway to China to what she thinks about Chongqing.
Could you tell us a little about yourself?
Hi, my name is Bianca Wan. I am from Brazil. I was born in a northern city called Belém. Currently I’m a stay-at-home wife who is studying Chinese and considering enrolling in graduate school for a master’s degree.
How did you and your husband meet?
I met him on July 17th more than five years ago. I was in a summer program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and he was working on a summer research project in the same university, but in a different department. We got to know each other two weeks before I went back to Brazil and have been together pretty much since day one.
I ended up kissing him the night we met. It was the worst kiss ever. But we managed to stay together. We fell hopelessly in love a few days later.
Then I moved back to Brazil, and we had a long-distance relationship for two years, getting together twice a year. He proposed to me the day after Valentine’s Day in 2013, but I believe it was because he was having a fever that day and I wore him out with neverending chitchat. 😉
What attracted you to your husband?
I had an instant crush on him because he was a real gentleman and had the features I find attractive in a man. What I love the most about my husband is that he always supports me. He is a very just person and is reasonable most of the time. Plus he never gets tired of my constant need of hugs. Brazilians love hugs. I’m a Taurus as well – we’re very passionate lovers.
You live in Chongqing. How did you end up there, and what do you think of it?
I never thought of living in Chongqing before. My husband is from Nanjing, but he managed to get a job in Chongqing last year. I had a bit of rough start here because there weren’t many foreigners in my circle of friends. I actually didn’t have friends.
But everything changed when I met Cindy, a lovely French WWAM, in a pets group from Chongqing. She was about to have her second son and needed someone to help take care of Doudou, her Samoyed dog. She trusted me and my husband, and we became friends. Through her, I met other WWAMs in Chongqing and was also added to the WWAM group. Thanks, Cindy!
Now I’m enjoying my life better in Chongqing. I even got acclimated to the local cuisine. I love hot pot and spicy beef noodle soup.
What I like the most about Chongqing people is that they love to eat. There are lots of restaurants and vendors in the streets. It’s never too late for a late night snack.
Do you think the WWAM community is growing in China, and if so, why?
I believe that the WWAM community is already growing — we just haven’t met all of them yet. It’s easier because there are more Chinese men learning English, and also more women interested in studying in China or who just want to learn Mandarin. The only requirement for two completely different cultures to blend is proximity. Technology is making it possible. Education is making it possible.
Are you a part of the WWAM (Western women & Asian men) community? Would you like to be featured as our WWAM of the month? We’re always on the lookout for outstanding women and men to feature in this column. If you’d like us to spotlight you through an interview, send us an e-mail at contact@wwambam.com
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