Being in the plane, I understood: now not only my body, but also my soul flies up. I felt like a bird, for the first time completely spread its wings. No matter how hard it was to fly out of the nest, ahead of me was waiting for a whole world of amazing discoveries and complete freedom. It was symbolic that a few days before, I had first heard the Chinese song 远走高飞 – fly high and go far.

It was a little sad to know that all my old Chinese friends had already graduated from University and had gone to different cities. However, a new life was just beginning, and new friends and acquaintances joined her turbulent river. It was very nice when Chinese students vied to invite me to dinner with them, chat and just have fun. Of all the people I've met, the people of Zhoushan, and maybe the Chinese in general, seemed to me the most hospitable. I also tried to keep up with them, cooked Russian food and invited them to try it.

As for me, the food here is one of the most interesting phenomena. The Chinese treat it absolutely daily, but at the same time, almost every dish that I tried here is a small masterpiece. Presentation, taste and colour – everything is built in perfect harmony. Here in Zhoushan, for example, you can try very interesting seafood dishes. Who would have thought that potatoes and rice cakes could go well with crabs and shrimp?

Zhoushan is considered as a very small city in China; besides, there are not a lot of young people here, so there is not so much entertainment as in big cities. However, for me personally, you can find everything you need. Do you want to travel? Hop onto Hellobike after the school day, driving down the sun-drenched promenade, then up, across the bridge, and then aimlessly. You can continue – the ships will bring you to the ancient temples of Mount Putuo, beautiful scenery of Peach Flowers Island and Bai Sha Island. Do you want to hear the classics of world music or see a great ballet? Welcome to the Putuo Poly Theatre. Books, movies, discos? There are they.