Teacher from France is sweet on Xi'an

Mike, a popular teacher from France, says he has been having a love affair for two decades with the city of Xi'an – capital of Northwest China’s Shaanxi province – which is never going to go away.

"Since I came to Xi'an in 2001, I have lived here for 21 years," he said. “I must be an authentic Xi'an native,” the teacher declared, with an authentic Shaanxi dialect.

In 2001, Mike, who was then a tour guide in his hometown of Bordeaux, in France, was assigned to look after a group of artists from Xi'an. "Xi'an singers and dancers came to France to give performances and I was in charge of their reception," he recalled.

At that time, Mike was bowled over by their performances that were full of oriental charm. So much so, that he came up with the idea of visiting their city.

On Dec 14, 2001, Mike couldn't wait to come to Xi'an.

"At first, I just wanted to travel in Xi'an. When I got here, I found that there are so many delicious foods and countless cultural relics," he said. "I fell in love with the city at first sight. I wanted to stay there and enjoy the beautiful life".

Mike says he always has fun teaching his students. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

On weekdays, Mike often hangs around the Shuyuan Gate, Xi'an City Wall, the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum and Muslim Street.

The special food of Xi'an is also the source of Mike's happiness, including biangbiang noodles, hot pot, cold noodles and steamed buns.

But Mike's most fulfilling joy is his career – education.

"Now I teach English in Reading comprehension and composition classes at the Xi'an Qujiang Kang Chiao International School," he said.

He's also an internet celebrity teacher. He has many fans on YouTube, Bilibili, Douyin and other video platforms. The "Mike's Home ESL" teaching video series have been updated 100 times.

In Mike's eyes, Xi'an has changed a lot in the past 21 years. "The city is getting bigger and bigger, the transportation is getting more convenient and the environment is getting more and more beautiful," he said.

"What doesn't change is the kindness and enthusiasm of Xi'an's people and the city's vitality and charm."

Now, Mike has a warm family in Xi'an – he married a local girl – plus a career he adores and endless stories about the city.