Diplomat's Wife Enjoying 'Adventure' in Middle Kingdom

Sandra Acurio de Borja, wife of Jose M. Borja, the Ecuadorian ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

About China, Napoleon Bonaparte once said, "Let her sleep. For when she wakes, she will shake the world." When he uttered those words of warning in 1817, virtually no one imagined what China would be like in the 21st century, says Sandra Acurio de Borja, wife of Jose M. Borja, the Ecuadorian ambassador to China. After several postings around the world, Acurio de Borja is ready to tackle both the sleeping giant and her new adventure in the Middle Kingdom.

In addition to China's financial status as the second-largest economy in the world, Acurio de Borja was impressed by the "wonderful harmony between traditional and modern architecture" in China's first-tier cities. "I had come to know China by its ancient architecture, and many of (the buildings) are recognized by UNESCO as world heritage sites. The Beijing Olympic Games in 2008 taught me a lot about New China," Acurio de Borja says.

"My greatest challenge in China has been the language. The Chinese language is very complicated, not only the written form, but also conversational. The Chinese show great friendship and considerable patience when they try to understand me. I am very thankful for that. I don't encounter many other obstacles in my day-to-day life. My mantra is to 'keep an open mind to cultural differences.' We are guests in this country; we are the ones who should try our best to understand and adapt," she adds.

Acurio de Borja is no stranger to Chinese cuisine; she is a big fan of Chinese dishes, even if they share very little with the Ecuadorian cuisine.

"When we were stationed in Peru, we used to queue in Chinatown to enter the most authentic Chinese restaurants … during our few years in Washington, D.C., we befriended … Chinese diplomats, and they introduced us to Chinese cuisine from different regions of China," Acurio de Borja says.

"I continue to be amazed by how Chinese cuisine spread around the world. If you consider people's differing palates in different cultures, (you will also be amazed to see how wonderful) the Chinese cuisine has kept its place at the head of the culinary table, in essence, by using good, local ingredients.

"Ecuadorian culinary tradition is different. The main ingredients in our cooking are potatoes and the yucca root. We typically combine rice with meat and a side order of vegetables. In China, vegetables play a pivotal, almost central, role in daily culinary life," she adds.

"I have noticed cultural differences in how people express themselves, and exert their emotions. Ecuadorians are very expressive and intimate, while Chinese don't like intentional touching," says Acurio de Borja.

"But this appears to be the opposite of how they truly are: Warm and friendly. I notice this most when I am invited to dinner. In Ecuador, it is a sign of respect to your host, and how delicious the meal is, when you finish the food on your plate. In China, (finishing all of the food) is a sign that the host did not serve enough food. Ecuadorians, as well as Chinese, are very family oriented. We always want to have family close to us. We respect and care for our elderly parents. We never let go of our family ties," Acurio de Borja says.

Many Chinese enterprises, including investment firms, are conducting business in Ecuador, across various industries, including mining, science, technology and infrastructure, says Acurio de Borja.

"Chinese technology is helping Ecuador develop a strong economy, and Ecuador can learn from China's innovative techniques. We are preparing our brightest students to take over the businesses once mutual agreements are finalized between our two countries. We have an influx of Ecuadorian students on Chinese scholarships. They learn the language, culture and how to do business in China. One day, they will repatriate and develop their new skills in Ecuador. We believe this will be a very big step for the country," she adds.

The Ecuadorian embassy promotes Ecuador to China by holding art exhibitions, music performances and food festivals. "I enjoy my new life here. I do miss my country, children and family. But I believe it's always best to put these feelings aside and embrace your new country. I have already visited beautiful places, met wonderful people, learned a new language and started the most exciting adventure here in China … I appreciate that I am just a visitor, and just passing through. One day, I will leave China with all these beautiful memories. That, for me, is the beauty of being a diplomat's wife," Acurio de Borja says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly August 2013 Issue)