Giving Something Back

ByAlexandra Leyton Espinoza (Sweden) April 1, 2014
Susan Kim-Chomicka, wife of Tadeusz Chomicki, Poland's ambassador to China [Women of China English Monthly/Zhang Jiamin]

Susan Kim-Chomicka, wife of Tadeusz Chomicki, Poland's ambassador to China, does not plan to leave the country before she collects one million yuan (US $163,934) for charity. That is one of her main objectives in China. Kim-Chomicka, of Korean descent and who was born in Canada, now embraces Poland as her homeland.

"I was nervous about how to properly represent Poland, given the fact I wasn't Polish. Then you meet other couples in the diplomatic scene, and you realize the mix of nationalities … Since diplomats travel a significant amount of time, they often meet their significant others from other countries, and origins," Kim-Chomicka says.

She now speaks fluent Polish, and she travels extensively through Poland. She lived in Poland for several years before her husband was posted to China, four years ago. When she received news of her husband's posting, she relished the opportunity to explore China — as her new home.

"You hear a lot on the news about China, and its vast development, but, of course, you need to be here to really appreciate the scale of those changes. That being said, the changes have had an impact on some of the old Confucian values, which still remain in Korea and Japan … Chinese people are more upfront and direct," Kim-Chomicka says.

Poland and China share a love of food and traditional family values, she says. "Food and family are highly valued in all cultures. Still, I have noticed that Poland and China share similar family structures. For example, in a nuclear family, partners are there for each other no matter what … In other European countries, families have become more dispersed," Kim-Chomicka says.

When it comes to Polish cuisine, meals are typically very hearty, and they contain a significant amount of meat, she says. Sauerkraut, beetroot, cucumbers (gherkins), sour cream, kohlrabi and mushrooms are among the most typical ingredients used in Polish cuisine.

"The first words I learned in polish were 'Dziękują ale JA może nie ma więcej,' or 'Thank you, but I can't eat anymore.' People spoil you when it comes to food. It's considered rude not to. The most outstanding dishes are polish soups. They are not elaborate soups, but they are really delicious, thanks to the quality of the (ingredients) … Agriculture in Poland has always been an important part of the country's economy, and Poland is … the largest producer of champignon mushrooms in Europe," Kim-Chomicka says.

Cultural events in Poland are part of daily life; for example, jazz festivals and concerts in parks are held regularly, and not for special occasions, Kim-Chomicka says.

"When we visit Poland, there is always some cultural event that we can attend. In China, I notice that parks fill an important role in people's lives. (They are) places to socialize. Here (in China) there is much more interaction among seniors than, for example, in Europe. This, for me, is a wonderful discovery. Elderly people keep themselves so active, and parks are the social makeup in China, which I believe is a wonderful part of Chinese culture," Kim-Chomicka says.

"Even if the Polish community in Beijing is relatively small, it's very active. The embassy holds cultural events on a regular basis," she says.

Even though women are the primary caregivers in Poland, a high number of women work in once-male-dominated sectors. For example, Polish women are highly represented in the fields of science, architecture and engineering. Polish women are also active in business and politics. In the 1980s, more than 60 percent of medical students were women. Since the 1980s, women (in many households) have earned more than their husbands.

"Wisława Szymborska-Włode, who won the Nobel Prize in literature, Marie Curie, who received the Nobel Prize in both physics and chemistry, and Helena Rubenstein, a business magnet, have become Polish role models. I am a business woman, and I really appreciate how Polish women are active both in and out of the home," Kim-Chomicka says.

Sino-Polish economic relations tend to center on environmental protection, finance, agricultural technology, coal mining and the copper industry. This year, Poland will celebrate its 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China, Kim-Chomicka says.

"Historically, we have always been very close to China, even if Poland kept some distance during the 1950s due to the Sino-Soviet split. We were one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China (after its founding in 1949)," Kim-Chomicka says.

"Our relationship with China has been greatly strengthened over the past five years, and we have built many new relationships. China and Poland are like long-lost friends, who are now catching up."

As she has lived in China for the past four years, she has gained a greater understanding of the country and its culture. She looks forward to living in China for several more years, so she can achieve one of her goals: To collect one million yuan (US $163,934) for charity.

"I am a strong believer that it is our responsibility to help those who are less fortunate, and to work with non-profit (organizations). Last year, we had the … bestselling booth at a charity bazaar, organized by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at Chaoyang Park. Collecting this … money and seeing my son graduate from high school are on top of my to-do list," Kim-Chomicka says.

(Source: Women of China English Monthly April 2014 Issue)

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