I'm really sorry if I didn't answer your question! I only chose a few, and even amongst the ones I chose I accidentally deleted some footage, like @Kaisa.A and the Finish toilets... If you want to support me on Patreon, check it out here: www.patreon.com/miriaminchina
Miriam, you have given a picture of life in rural China that is very different from what those of us in the west have always been told it's like. I love seeing normal people living normal lives, and your videos are great for that. I'm sad that people are rude enough to ask you such mean questions based on their own biases of life in China. Please do continue doing what you do. I always love seeing your videos. And the smiling faces of your family always light up my day.
I am Chinese. My hometown is in the countryside of southern China. In the mountains, I belong to a minority. I have used Facebook and TH-cam for 7 years. It has been used since I was in high school until now. I also see Twitter. I feel that many reports in the Western media are biased. I live in China, but I feel the place where I live is no different from the rest of the world. It's just that China is not as developed and wealthy as Europe and the United States, including others. But in other respects, I feel no difference. The main problems of Western media attacking China are freedom and human rights. But even these people have never been to China, when someone came out to refute. These people will say that you have been brainwashed by the CCP. I feel very ridiculous about this. At first, I will refute their remarks. Later, I was too lazy to take care of them. In fact, China has been able to access social sites such as TH-cam and Facebook until 2008. It was only because of some problems that the Chinese government banned these websites. But it is not completely prohibited. Many people can still access these sites via VPN. It just depends on everyone's decision. I live in China, and I don't feel that I am not free or have no human rights. There are also protests in China, and many people attack the Communist Party on social networking sites every day. But it is not as terrible as Western media described it. I have also scolded the Communist Party myself. Whenever I see some corruption, I will attack the Communist Party of China on social networking sites. Many people have done this. This is nothing, but many Western media reported that as long as the Chinese scolded the Communist Party, they would disappear. I think this is ridiculous. There have also been protests in our village (because the government wants to build a road, but it occupies farmers’ land. Later, many farmers confronted the police with tools, and finally the government chose to compromise). There is indeed a lot of problems in China. This will take a while to change.
@@taiwanno.1929 I'm sorry that you are made to feel as if your country and life are being attacked. I think when I made this comment that I was thinking more of the stereotypes that we see in western movies, etc about life in China around the time that so many Chinese citizens immigrated to Canada in the 1800s(and the hardships that we are told you all suffer because of your government). Then, racism was much more openly tolerated. The people were poor and often desperate to succeed. I'm not explaining this well... They were looked upon very badly for the clothes they wore, the food they ate, medical practices, religious beliefs, etc. They were treated very, very badly often being beaten, abused, and treated as expendable with no value. They were forced to live in a certain way which gave people the idea that all Chinese lived like this. People often attack what they don't understand and these people were definitely not understood. The western world came to the conclusion that Chinese people were not worth anything other than as pawns to be used and ridiculed. OVer time, the stereotype has stayed. Many people now are aware that awful things were done to the Chinese people who came here simply looking for a better life. And, because of the closed protective attitude of your government now, there are many aspects of life in China that have remained a mystery to those of us who have never visited your beautiful country. When there are secrets and barriers, often wrong impressions develop. I'm so happy to see that Miriam and others are showing that people are people no matter where you go. We all have families that we care about, food to grow and enjoy, joy to find in everyday things, and struggles to overcome. We are all human no matter where we live. My son-in-law is part Chinese. He and my daughter are expecting a baby next year. I hope that this precious being can grow up in a world where every part of their heritage can be celebrated by the whole world. It certainly is in our family. Thankyou for replying. Discussion is always a good thing. Take care.
Many people feel, as you were challenged, how can you go to someplace poor,rural with your education?They dont see it as offensive but it is.Just because they value certain things and a way of life, it doesnt mean its better. Many people who are highly educated, rich, own everything are not happy. You are living with the least amount of spoils, but you choose to and you are happy. You find beauty all around you. You work hard, you teach us things we never considered, you reach out and share kindness around you. Your excitement in learning your husbands culture so that it becomes your own is such a inspiration. Your life is rare, and we watch because it is so refreshing, so thought provoking, so lovely. You have wonderful in laws, a hardworking husband who adores you and a cuute son that we have been watching growing up before our very eyes. Best wishes to you and your family as you continue to share your life experiences with us.
I agree with you, she has a good marriage and wants to create a family. There is so much mental health problems in western societies as well that living in a "city" or focusing on a career does not bring "happiness". In my opinion so many people are afraid to really look for their happiness because of social norms and what will people say. I'm glad she's happy and following her own path.
I just came across your channel today. It is quite amazing to see a girl from a rich European country choosing to live in one of the poorest parts of China today. There's quite a few "Westerner in China" TH-camrs, but all of them live in cities and/or returned to their home countries after a while. You seem like a very open minded person, but the culture shock must have been significant. Rural China can still hold some pretty archaic attitudes and traditions. Not to mention practical difficulties associated with living in rural China, like showering and going to the toilet. Even most Chinese people born in cities would struggle with living in rural China now. I went back to my father's home village twice last year. It was unbearably hot in the summer without aircon, and very cold in the winter without central heating. I also really struggled with not being able to shower every morning. I don't think I could survive long in those conditions, so it is remarkable that you seem to be thriving there. It is also quite refreshing to see how different you view life compared to most girls in China. With all respect to your husband, although he is very handsome, a man from a poor village without university education would struggle to find a wife in China. Other people in the village must be astonished that he brought home a Swedish wife. lol I hope he really works hard for you and your family and doesn't share some of the more toxic and backward attitudes found in rural northern China. Obviously your future is your business and how you raise your children is up to you and your husband. But my two cents would be to move to Sweden by the time he needs to go to school. If you had the choice of educating your child in a big Chinese city, then China or Sweden are equally valid choices, but the choice between Sweden and a rural Chinese school is a no-brainer. Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world, many people dream of moving there, your son should be given the best education you can provide. If he grew up in Sweden, he'd be fluent in English, Swedish and Chinese! Finally, I'm not sure that in the long term, social media is a sustainable and reliable source of income for your family. It would be easier for your family to make ends meet if your husband could find work in Sweden compared to China. Presumably, Swedish healthcare and education are free, so collectively you and your family would enjoy a higher standard of living. In any case, all the best for the future and good luck!
HI Miriam, I just wanted to say that you didn't have to explain your life choices. Some of the questions are rude and I would be offended too if I got those kinds of questions. I very respect the way you responded to them. I also agree with you that it's absolutely NOT a waste of education resources that educated people going to rural areas because rural areas need the education and knowledge more than cities!! There should be more people going to poor villages, remote areas where they can use their knowledge to help people there, otherwise poor will always be poor, undeveloped will stay undeveloped. I think people who ask that sort of questions are selfish and just want to enjoy the convenience and comfort (to them) of city life, which is totally fine, but they shouldn't judge other's choices based on what they want.
Where you live is one of the poorest areas in China. The weather is bad and the infrastructure is not well developed. But I am really happy for you to have a wonderful family. Family is all it matters.
(i know shanghai is the opposite of rural) but I worked in Shanghai summer 2019, where about 18 of us came to Shanghai from all over. We lived in accommodation right around Fudan University. We all got to know each other quickly, traveling in and out of Shanghai, where I got to see non-urban sides of China. I think many people have ill sighted misconceptions of China, and their overall view of the country is based on what the media portrays it as. I recommend most people visit at least once in their lifetime.
@lavender farm Sadly the average individual does not seem enclined to watch international news outlets. Most people tend to watch their own national news outlets which tend to present local news. The few international events that make their way on another country's news outlets are usually quite dramatic, making for a dim portrait of the countries involved. When all you get to see is the bad news, it can be hard to see the bigger picture (not that I support basing your opinion solely on news outlets in any way - that's just a thing I have seen many people do).
@lavender farm the western media do the opposite and when they don't have topic they create one or accidentally reported a positive news they ended being fired
You dont have to worry about the kid's education . i was born and raised in haidong which is very close to you ,i went to university in hebei ,i am working in africa ,have been more than 40 coutries . Support you !
Yesterday, I came across your TH-cam channel. It's great. I am an ex-pat living in China with my Chinese wife (Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai) for the last 15 years or so. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
Hi Miriam! You and your husband are very authentic and real in your video presentations! So many people of different cultures can relate to you because you are genuine and unpretentious. I enjoy watching and feel so happy to know that I nice young family as you are are doing well. You are succeeding because you love people but know how to be true and kind to your own needs as well. I hope success in all of your endeavors!
It is your life (you, your husband and son). Many of those questions are people pushing their POV on various thing onto you. That’s kid of wired and no wonder you said “ take personally” It is Like, “oh why do you that! You should do this. “ You find what’s fit/suit for your family, not living on somebody’s thought of how to live a life.
To cite from a speech that I have recently heard “The progress of our society may be constrained not by what we do well but rather by what is essential and yet hard to improve”. You are doing a good job!
Hi Miriam, you are so good. People like you make changes slowly but they make it. You inspire me and lot of us. Wish to meet you one day. Thank you for caring for nature and beeing so kind in human relations. ❤️🌸🍀⭐️🌷🤗
I admire your maturity. You know what you want. You sound very adaptable and definitely very grounded, I like your family. They are wholesome, something very rare nowadays when more people are drawn more to superficial, material and constant dissatisfaction and distractions. Its a pity about the inconvenience of getting a permit to stay in China. Good luck for the future.
@@bobmorane4926 That is not the same. After the first time the permit in Japan is very easy to renew. In China you are under constant police observation, and the rules can change any day.
@@krollpeter I don't see any of normal legal foreigners in China get haunted by police very often, maybe only when you locate yourself in Xinjiang or Tibet too often.
To what you are talking about around minute 14... I LOVE that you are living in rural China, sharing it in social media, and allowing San San to know his heritage. It is absolutely beautiful and not a waste
Miriam I admire your positive nature and passion for life and love of nature. You have a nice and supportive family, and I believe that is most important. Concerning the issue of people throwing trash in the forest, perhaps you and your family can lead in organising the clean up of the forest together with the other villages to show awareness and love of the environment. Happy to see that you are enjoying yourself and living a productive life in rural China.
Your kids can use online learning.. Many really good internet learning apps available in China now. This video inspire me a lot for living in rural area in China.
I strongly recommend that you can try to be an English teacher in Xi'ning or another city in the west China, most foreigners only knows several big cities in China, students at there are get more English educational resource as well. Whereas the students of the west China was ignored, especially in rural place. Be a good English teacher is a meaningful job, maybe you can try to do some oral class online, or ask some schools whether they need an English teacher or not.
Miriam, I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to your channel, since you reveal a lot about your unique approach toward life as you answer questions about your life in China. I highly recommended it to my daughter who shares many of your ideals while facing quite different circumstances. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Miriam, I love your approach and the honesty and sincerity in all your videos. Your footages are all so beautiful. Please consider selling handcraft products or Qinghai local specialty.
It sounds like a really good idea. I ll definitely be watching! All the best from germany. I have family in law in sweden so i also want to learn a lot about sweden!
I love that I found your videos!! My kids & I fell in love with rural China during the pandemic via TH-cam through the channel Walk East, which offers long walks through different areas of China, with only the ambient sounds of the surroundings. Watching your videos on what is like to actually live there (and as someone raised in the west) is so inspiring! Thank you to you and your family ❤️
Qinghai is one of the under-developed province in China, particularly rural area. It holds a lot of traditional life styles and knowledges. At the same time, a lot of backward ideologies and habits still remain. such as domestic violents towards women and childrens; litter, etc. Making any meaningful change needs time and action. maybe having a volunteer group to clean the forest litter is a good start. For more deeper issues, like domestic violent, cooperate with local gov may also make some changes, of cause, it also some degree related to individual financial situation. It just a thought😉 enjoy every one of your video, honest Q&A! great work!👍
Miriam, thank you very much for your amazing contents. I feel lucky I stumbled on your channel, and enjoy every bit of it. Please keep up the great job and much love from Australia.
Miriam, I love the genuine and simple nature of your videos. I love your unique story telling ability. I think your videos are powerful and raw and real. I’m just curious why you don’t add Chinese subtitles, I think the Chinese are also interested in your story！ I noticed subtitles on some of your videos 🥰😌🙂🥰😇 You’re actually one of my biggest inspirations for my TH-cam channel, thank you! Wish you the best
You always come across as a very genuine, affable person, so easy to connect and like. Keep being yourself. Enjoy your videos because it often thought provoking in an indirect way.
I am very happy to watch your Q&A. I enjoyed them very much. You are videos are very inspiring and I am so happy to see that you followed your heart. It is a sign of maturity and character. I hope all works outl for all of you. I am routing for all of you to be happy.
Thanks Miriam for answering my composting toilet question, hahah! 🤣 don’t you have the composting toilets in summer cottages in Sweden as well? They are very popular in Finnish summer cottages. I think it could be very convenient in rural China, especially if compared with your current toilet solution 😜 Anyways, I loved your video, as always 😘❤️
Wow!this video really talked something.👍There are a lot of opportunities in rural area of China---- or a lot of aspects to be improved.thank you Miriam,your views of China really practical.Come and stay ,and do something.I bet you will find a lot of followers after you,including me.
I like all your answers and particularly what you said about that rural community and development are important! I like your worldview, too. And I am happy that you are able to make a living by doing what you are doing at a place where you feel at home. I was born and raised in rural China, but live in the USA now. I watch your channel to feel the connection and also to keep up with the new development - not much has changed in your part of China, which is good in a way. When I went back to China for a visit in 2017, I found that my home village has changed quite a lot, but unfortunately not the kind of change I like. Isn't weird that I am talking to you online, not to my family? Well, it has not been easy to talk to my family or communicate with them easily. There are some weird things that I can't quite pinpoint, but I just feel that something is not right. Well, that's that!
Miriam you did yr best to adjust to rural china you hv gain more knowledge than other foreigners .yr family will be better in future."Rome was not built in.1 day"
Hello Miriam, from south west France, I discovered your channel recently and I love your life. I have been brought up in the 60, not far from town, but learning how to garden, close from cows etc, I find very intelligent your thinking about the importance of having educated personns in rural area?
...in my mind it's all about discovering what's individually important to you and your family...and, for me, that's about timing-diff priorities at diff life times...so balance is key not the "shoulds" dictated by society...looks like y'all are doing a lot of things right-embracing what you have and staying present...ty for a epic question/answer sesh...
Loved your passioned reaction on things asked. I am happy Sansan is in your mind were his welfare is involved. I can imagine you take some of these questions personally as it's a view on your life as being negative and less worthy. Or life of the family your in. You're an educator, well done.
You articulate your thoughts and feelings better than most people of your age. And your sensibility and maturity really do come through. Wish more people are like you on the internet. Good luck!
"a simple life is a beautiful life!".... not all people see that but that's how I view life. I'm glad to see people in youtube who have contents sharing their simple and beautiful life :)
All my life I have felt an attraction to China so I am quite appreciative of your channel. I always was interested in the countryside. Lucky I found you. Ha
I grew up in a small village in North Chinese. I had always been envying the kids grew up in big cities. But after so many years living in cities, I just feel that I was really blessed. If only my hometown has a decent university, I will move back immediately.
Not sure if you're still taking questions for future videos! I would love to know: 1) Is YongHong planning to learn English at any point? How do you feel about living life speaking Chinese? 2) I haven't watched too many of your videos yet, but it seems like you have a heart for helping people where you can - could you share about some of the projects you've been involved in or experiences you've had connecting with local people? 3) What's your most precious memory of life in rural China so far? Love your videos so much!
Miriam you"re the educator for the narrow mind people. you live your life what you want to live. I enjoy you channel. And I'm a chinese married to Aussie for 38 yrs & still happy married with 2 adult sons.
I really enjoyed your QandA. Its great how you've embraced the culture and enviroment and how you have also contributed your own personal touches as well. Keep up the great work. I enjoy your style of recording it's very professional.
I think your very livelihood and the way you have chosen to live is an adventure! I love your understated style and personality. Please keep doing good for yourself and your family. China is very lucky to have you, and it is Sweden’s loss.🇸🇪
Hi Miriam, have been following you quite some time. I rarely make any comments cause I am really shy 😊. But I just wanted to bring this up that I have seen other foreigners in China doing documentary style videos and they got in trouble with the Chinese government. Especially when they do interviews with the local people. Since you have mentioned doing docemtaries, so I thought I would bring this up, just in case. Best of luck!
Hi Miriam, your videos are so comforting. Living in a rural area is one of my dreams too. I also hope to move back to my husband's village in India one day. You remind me a lot of Helena Norberg-Hodge, a linguist from Sweden :)
Hi Miriam! I was wondering how you have access to internet and social media (especially youtube) in China generally, but especially in rural China - Because I thought it was very restricted? ps.: I love watching your videos, your personality and your views on life!!
Hi Miriam ,great video. China is a vast country ,the south eastern part is very different from the northwest . the best way to change the bad behavior is to educate the kids, you can not tell the adult to do some thing, they can only enforce by rules and authority.
Miriam has underestimated how adventurous has life has been and still can be in a rural area. I live in a small town in the countryside Brazil, my life is very adventurous, just different kinds of adventure compared to large cities' life.
All of these are built on the love to your husband. He is a lucky guy. Glad his family also embrace you with open mind. Oftentimes, rural people's mind could be quite closed and biased. So your husband's family is unique. That's called fate.
Thanks for sharing with us on all the topics mentioned. And I am a little shocked and saddened to hear about the domestic violence in QingHai, I always thought the life in rural China is simple and hence very few stressors that can lead to substance abuse like alcohol, guess it can happen to any area. And I always thought Chinese man don’t drink much, hope it’s not rampant.
I think moving to Sweden for your child's education would be very good thing to do because. Sweden has excellent curriculum for schooling, and if you were living in a rule area in Sweden. You would have the same opportunities .I believe as you have in China to farm. You could create a garden or even have livestock ,if the space permitted it.
This is something we're thinking about a lot - we want to live in a rural area, and in Sweden education in a rural area is just as good (if not better) than in the city. In China it's unfortunately not very good. So we will either move to Sweden, or find a Chinese village very very close to the city so that our child could still go to a good school. Very difficult choice, but it's leaning towards Sweden!
Bravo ......surprised you need to apply for stay rural area 4 times a year. I also think asan your son can have better stimulation from environment. You are so brave and real. Your husband needs to upgrade his knowledges of knowing your culture too.
I'm really sorry if I didn't answer your question! I only chose a few, and even amongst the ones I chose I accidentally deleted some footage, like @Kaisa.A and the Finish toilets... If you want to support me on Patreon, check it out here: www.patreon.com/miriaminchina
My favorite channels are both you and Kaisa's.
Thank you! But was the question in the video? Cause when I was looking through it to add time stamps I couldn't find it...
@@MiriamFollin it was! At 31:32 :)
Rural life is definitely harder , needs more work. There are reasons that millions of people leave country life for opportunities in the city.
你很聪慧，希望你喜欢中国的生活节奏，哈哈哈
Miriam, you have given a picture of life in rural China that is very different from what those of us in the west have always been told it's like. I love seeing normal people living normal lives, and your videos are great for that. I'm sad that people are rude enough to ask you such mean questions based on their own biases of life in China. Please do continue doing what you do. I always love seeing your videos. And the smiling faces of your family always light up my day.
I am Chinese. My hometown is in the countryside of southern China. In the mountains, I belong to a minority. I have used Facebook and TH-cam for 7 years. It has been used since I was in high school until now. I also see Twitter. I feel that many reports in the Western media are biased. I live in China, but I feel the place where I live is no different from the rest of the world. It's just that China is not as developed and wealthy as Europe and the United States, including others. But in other respects, I feel no difference. The main problems of Western media attacking China are freedom and human rights. But even these people have never been to China, when someone came out to refute. These people will say that you have been brainwashed by the CCP. I feel very ridiculous about this. At first, I will refute their remarks. Later, I was too lazy to take care of them. In fact, China has been able to access social sites such as TH-cam and Facebook until 2008. It was only because of some problems that the Chinese government banned these websites. But it is not completely prohibited. Many people can still access these sites via VPN. It just depends on everyone's decision. I live in China, and I don't feel that I am not free or have no human rights. There are also protests in China, and many people attack the Communist Party on social networking sites every day. But it is not as terrible as Western media described it. I have also scolded the Communist Party myself. Whenever I see some corruption, I will attack the Communist Party of China on social networking sites. Many people have done this. This is nothing, but many Western media reported that as long as the Chinese scolded the Communist Party, they would disappear. I think this is ridiculous. There have also been protests in our village (because the government wants to build a road, but it occupies farmers’ land. Later, many farmers confronted the police with tools, and finally the government chose to compromise). There is indeed a lot of problems in China. This will take a while to change.
@@taiwanno.1929 I'm sorry that you are made to feel as if your country and life are being attacked. I think when I made this comment that I was thinking more of the stereotypes that we see in western movies, etc about life in China around the time that so many Chinese citizens immigrated to Canada in the 1800s(and the hardships that we are told you all suffer because of your government). Then, racism was much more openly tolerated. The people were poor and often desperate to succeed. I'm not explaining this well... They were looked upon very badly for the clothes they wore, the food they ate, medical practices, religious beliefs, etc. They were treated very, very badly often being beaten, abused, and treated as expendable with no value. They were forced to live in a certain way which gave people the idea that all Chinese lived like this. People often attack what they don't understand and these people were definitely not understood. The western world came to the conclusion that Chinese people were not worth anything other than as pawns to be used and ridiculed. OVer time, the stereotype has stayed. Many people now are aware that awful things were done to the Chinese people who came here simply looking for a better life. And, because of the closed protective attitude of your government now, there are many aspects of life in China that have remained a mystery to those of us who have never visited your beautiful country. When there are secrets and barriers, often wrong impressions develop. I'm so happy to see that Miriam and others are showing that people are people no matter where you go. We all have families that we care about, food to grow and enjoy, joy to find in everyday things, and struggles to overcome. We are all human no matter where we live. My son-in-law is part Chinese. He and my daughter are expecting a baby next year. I hope that this precious being can grow up in a world where every part of their heritage can be celebrated by the whole world. It certainly is in our family. Thankyou for replying. Discussion is always a good thing. Take care.
Many people feel, as you were challenged, how can you go to someplace poor,rural with your education?They dont see it as offensive but it is.Just because they value certain things and a way of life, it doesnt mean its better. Many people who are highly educated, rich, own everything are not happy. You are living with the least amount of spoils, but you choose to and you are happy. You find beauty all around you. You work hard, you teach us things we never considered, you reach out and share kindness around you. Your excitement in learning your husbands culture so that it becomes your own is such a inspiration. Your life is rare, and we watch because it is so refreshing, so thought provoking, so lovely. You have wonderful in laws, a hardworking husband who adores you and a cuute son that we have been watching growing up before our very eyes. Best wishes to you and your family as you continue to share your life experiences with us.
I agree with you, she has a good marriage and wants to create a family. There is so much mental health problems in western societies as well that living in a "city" or focusing on a career does not bring "happiness". In my opinion so many people are afraid to really look for their happiness because of social norms and what will people say. I'm glad she's happy and following her own path.
I just came across your channel today. It is quite amazing to see a girl from a rich European country choosing to live in one of the poorest parts of China today. There's quite a few "Westerner in China" TH-camrs, but all of them live in cities and/or returned to their home countries after a while.
You seem like a very open minded person, but the culture shock must have been significant. Rural China can still hold some pretty archaic attitudes and traditions. Not to mention practical difficulties associated with living in rural China, like showering and going to the toilet. Even most Chinese people born in cities would struggle with living in rural China now. I went back to my father's home village twice last year. It was unbearably hot in the summer without aircon, and very cold in the winter without central heating. I also really struggled with not being able to shower every morning. I don't think I could survive long in those conditions, so it is remarkable that you seem to be thriving there.
It is also quite refreshing to see how different you view life compared to most girls in China. With all respect to your husband, although he is very handsome, a man from a poor village without university education would struggle to find a wife in China. Other people in the village must be astonished that he brought home a Swedish wife. lol I hope he really works hard for you and your family and doesn't share some of the more toxic and backward attitudes found in rural northern China.
Obviously your future is your business and how you raise your children is up to you and your husband. But my two cents would be to move to Sweden by the time he needs to go to school. If you had the choice of educating your child in a big Chinese city, then China or Sweden are equally valid choices, but the choice between Sweden and a rural Chinese school is a no-brainer. Sweden has one of the best education systems in the world, many people dream of moving there, your son should be given the best education you can provide. If he grew up in Sweden, he'd be fluent in English, Swedish and Chinese!
Finally, I'm not sure that in the long term, social media is a sustainable and reliable source of income for your family. It would be easier for your family to make ends meet if your husband could find work in Sweden compared to China. Presumably, Swedish healthcare and education are free, so collectively you and your family would enjoy a higher standard of living.
In any case, all the best for the future and good luck!
HI Miriam, I just wanted to say that you didn't have to explain your life choices. Some of the questions are rude and I would be offended too if I got those kinds of questions. I very respect the way you responded to them. I also agree with you that it's absolutely NOT a waste of education resources that educated people going to rural areas because rural areas need the education and knowledge more than cities!! There should be more people going to poor villages, remote areas where they can use their knowledge to help people there, otherwise poor will always be poor, undeveloped will stay undeveloped. I think people who ask that sort of questions are selfish and just want to enjoy the convenience and comfort (to them) of city life, which is totally fine, but they shouldn't judge other's choices based on what they want.
very well said!
Where you live is one of the poorest areas in China. The weather is bad and the infrastructure is not well developed. But I am really happy for you to have a wonderful family. Family is all it matters.
中国任何一个省区的基础建设都比世界上绝大部分国家强
欧洲的天气也不好，瑞典能比青海好么？
你来的穷逼，任何一个地方都有穷人都有富人
(i know shanghai is the opposite of rural) but I worked in Shanghai summer 2019, where about 18 of us came to Shanghai from all over. We lived in accommodation right around Fudan University. We all got to know each other quickly, traveling in and out of Shanghai, where I got to see non-urban sides of China. I think many people have ill sighted misconceptions of China, and their overall view of the country is based on what the media portrays it as. I recommend most people visit at least once in their lifetime.
@lavender farm Sadly the average individual does not seem enclined to watch international news outlets. Most people tend to watch their own national news outlets which tend to present local news. The few international events that make their way on another country's news outlets are usually quite dramatic, making for a dim portrait of the countries involved. When all you get to see is the bad news, it can be hard to see the bigger picture (not that I support basing your opinion solely on news outlets in any way - that's just a thing I have seen many people do).
@lavender farm the western media do the opposite and when they don't have topic they create one or accidentally reported a positive news they ended being fired
You are an amazing human being. Qinghai is so lucky to have you.
What’s important is that you are happy and satisfied with your life.
You dont have to worry about the kid's education . i was born and raised in haidong which is very close to you ,i went to university in hebei ,i am working in africa ,have been more than 40 coutries . Support you !
Yesterday, I came across your TH-cam channel. It's great. I am an ex-pat living in China with my Chinese wife (Chongqing, Beijing, Shanghai) for the last 15 years or so. Love your videos. Keep up the good work.
I admire your spirit and your passion
Hi Miriam!
You and your husband are very authentic and real in your video presentations! So many people of different cultures can relate to you because you are genuine and unpretentious. I enjoy watching and feel so happy to know that I nice young family as you are are doing well. You are succeeding because you love people but know how to be true and kind to your own needs as well. I hope success in all of your endeavors!
It is your life (you, your husband and son).
Many of those questions are people pushing their POV on various thing onto you. That’s kid of wired and no wonder you said “ take personally”
It is Like, “oh why do you that! You should do this. “
You find what’s fit/suit for your family, not living on somebody’s thought of how to live a life.
To cite from a speech that I have recently heard “The progress of our society may be constrained not by what we do well but rather by what is essential and yet hard to improve”. You are doing a good job!
Hi Miriam, you are so good. People like you make changes slowly but they make it. You inspire me and lot of us. Wish to meet you one day. Thank you for caring for nature and beeing so kind in human relations. ❤️🌸🍀⭐️🌷🤗
I admire your maturity. You know what you want. You sound very adaptable and definitely very grounded, I like your family. They are wholesome, something very rare nowadays when more people are drawn more to superficial, material and constant dissatisfaction and distractions. Its a pity about the inconvenience of getting a permit to stay in China. Good luck for the future.
Gemma Weeraboonchai z
You also need a permit in Japan even after marriage. Same as Dubai, saudi arabia and a few other countries.
@@bobmorane4926 That is not the same. After the first time the permit in Japan is very easy to renew.
In China you are under constant police observation, and the rules can change any day.
@@krollpeter I don't see any of normal legal foreigners in China get haunted by police very often, maybe only when you locate yourself in Xinjiang or Tibet too often.
To what you are talking about around minute 14... I LOVE that you are living in rural China, sharing it in social media, and allowing San San to know his heritage. It is absolutely beautiful and not a waste
Miriam
I admire your positive nature and passion for life and love of nature. You have a nice and supportive family, and I believe that is most important.
Concerning the issue of people throwing trash in the forest, perhaps you and your family can lead in organising the clean up of the forest together with the other villages to show awareness and love of the environment.
Happy to see that you are enjoying yourself and living a productive life in rural China.
Your kids can use online learning.. Many really good internet learning apps available in China now. This video inspire me a lot for living in rural area in China.
I strongly recommend that you can try to be an English teacher in Xi'ning or another city in the west China, most foreigners only knows several big cities in China, students at there are get more English educational resource as well. Whereas the students of the west China was ignored, especially in rural place. Be a good English teacher is a meaningful job, maybe you can try to do some oral class online, or ask some schools whether they need an English teacher or not.
...oh also Miriam , I want to thank you for being so open to answering highly personal questions..
Miriam you have a lot of wisdom ! 💕🌷
Miriam, I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to your channel, since you reveal a lot about your unique approach toward life as you answer questions about your life in China.
I highly recommended it to my daughter who shares many of your ideals while facing quite different circumstances.
Thank you for sharing.
The background is so calm and peaceful !
I had the same thought!
Hi Miriam,
I love your approach and the honesty and sincerity in all your videos. Your footages are all so beautiful. Please consider selling handcraft products or Qinghai local specialty.
I love the idea of documentaries, Sweden, handicrafts, etc 👍
So happy to hear that!
It sounds like a really good idea. I ll definitely be watching! All the best from germany. I have family in law in sweden so i also want to learn a lot about sweden!
I love that I found your videos!! My kids & I fell in love with rural China during the pandemic via TH-cam through the channel Walk East, which offers long walks through different areas of China, with only the ambient sounds of the surroundings. Watching your videos on what is like to actually live there (and as someone raised in the west) is so inspiring! Thank you to you and your family ❤️
Qinghai is one of the under-developed province in China, particularly rural area. It holds a lot of traditional life styles and knowledges. At the same time, a lot of backward ideologies and habits still remain. such as domestic violents towards women and childrens; litter, etc. Making any meaningful change needs time and action. maybe having a volunteer group to clean the forest litter is a good start. For more deeper issues, like domestic violent, cooperate with local gov may also make some changes, of cause, it also some degree related to individual financial situation. It just a thought😉 enjoy every one of your video, honest Q&A!
great work!👍
In terms of the issues you mentioned I can’t agree more, Miriam literally give me a new understanding of my hometown Qinghai. She is amazing😵
Miriam, thank you very much for your amazing contents. I feel lucky I stumbled on your channel, and enjoy every bit of it. Please keep up the great job and much love from Australia.
Miriam, I love the genuine and simple nature of your videos. I love your unique story telling ability. I think your videos are powerful and raw and real. I’m just curious why you don’t add Chinese subtitles, I think the Chinese are also interested in your story！ I noticed subtitles on some of your videos 🥰😌🙂🥰😇 You’re actually one of my biggest inspirations for my TH-cam channel, thank you! Wish you the best
Thanks Miriam for showing Chinese how to live with grace in rural China & what is really important in life!
Really good answers. Very concise!
You always come across as a very genuine, affable person, so easy to connect and like. Keep being yourself. Enjoy your videos because it often thought provoking in an indirect way.
I admired your decision to live the rural life. Not sure if I could, but it is intriguing. Love your videos.
I am very happy to watch your Q&A. I enjoyed them very much. You are videos are very inspiring and I am so happy to see that you followed your heart. It is a sign of maturity and character. I hope all works outl for all of you. I am routing for all of you to be happy.
Thanks Miriam for answering my composting toilet question, hahah! 🤣 don’t you have the composting toilets in summer cottages in Sweden as well? They are very popular in Finnish summer cottages. I think it could be very convenient in rural China, especially if compared with your current toilet solution 😜 Anyways, I loved your video, as always 😘❤️
I’ve been to swedish country side in Åmål. Rural areas in sweden are beautiful and peaceful.
I am sure that the influence you made in rural area China is priceless
Wow!this video really talked something.👍There are a lot of opportunities in rural area of China---- or a lot of aspects to be improved.thank you Miriam,your views of China really practical.Come and stay ,and do something.I bet you will find a lot of followers after you,including me.
I like all your answers and particularly what you said about that rural community and development are important! I like your worldview, too. And I am happy that you are able to make a living by doing what you are doing at a place where you feel at home. I was born and raised in rural China, but live in the USA now. I watch your channel to feel the connection and also to keep up with the new development - not much has changed in your part of China, which is good in a way. When I went back to China for a visit in 2017, I found that my home village has changed quite a lot, but unfortunately not the kind of change I like. Isn't weird that I am talking to you online, not to my family? Well, it has not been easy to talk to my family or communicate with them easily. There are some weird things that I can't quite pinpoint, but I just feel that something is not right. Well, that's that!
You are very mature .. can tell from your answers.
You can also do home schooling.
15:00 you're so right about the necessity of rural areas to flourish. You are so insightful and so full of wisdom, Miriam. I'm so inspired
Miriam you did yr best to adjust to rural china you hv gain more knowledge than other foreigners .yr family will be better in future."Rome was not built in.1 day"
So happy for your life in China, enjoy madame.
Hello Miriam, from south west France, I discovered your channel recently and I love your life. I have been brought up in the 60, not far from town, but learning how to garden, close from cows etc, I find very intelligent your thinking about the importance of having educated personns in rural area?
...in my mind it's all about discovering what's individually important to you and your family...and, for me, that's about timing-diff priorities at diff life times...so balance is key not the "shoulds" dictated by society...looks like y'all are doing a lot of things right-embracing what you have and staying present...ty for a epic question/answer sesh...
Loved your passioned reaction on things asked. I am happy Sansan is in your mind were his welfare is involved. I can imagine you take some of these questions personally as it's a view on your life as being negative and less worthy. Or life of the family your in. You're an educator, well done.
You articulate your thoughts and feelings better than most people of your age. And your sensibility and maturity really do come through. Wish more people are like you on the internet. Good luck!
I really like watching your Q/A . You make it more interesting than other youtubers
"a simple life is a beautiful life!"....
not all people see that but that's how I view life. I'm glad to see people in youtube who have contents sharing their simple and beautiful life :)
You may not have a job but you seem to help the family which is really cool. I admire that. Keep up with the videos, I love them.
Thank you , it’s nice to see a little of your life in China. Greetings from Uruguay
All my life I have felt an attraction to China so I am quite appreciative of your channel. I always was interested in the countryside. Lucky I found you. Ha
I grew up in a small village in North Chinese. I had always been envying the kids grew up in big cities. But after so many years living in cities, I just feel that I was really blessed. If only my hometown has a decent university, I will move back immediately.
Not sure if you're still taking questions for future videos!
I would love to know:
1) Is YongHong planning to learn English at any point? How do you feel about living life speaking Chinese?
2) I haven't watched too many of your videos yet, but it seems like you have a heart for helping people where you can - could you share about some of the projects you've been involved in or experiences you've had connecting with local people?
3) What's your most precious memory of life in rural China so far?
Love your videos so much!
Miriam you"re the educator for the narrow mind people. you live your life what you want to live. I enjoy you channel. And I'm a chinese married to Aussie for 38 yrs & still happy married with 2 adult sons.
The subjects you are planning for your future videos look great. Looking forward to watching them.
you're a brave lady that choosed to live in an pretty undevoloped area of China, hopy you enjoy your life and getting better and beter.
As you say, good and bad bits. Nevertheless, interesting insights into life there. Thanks for the video
I really enjoyed your QandA. Its great how you've embraced the culture and enviroment and how you have also contributed your own personal touches as well. Keep up the great work. I enjoy your style of recording it's very professional.
I think your very livelihood and the way you have chosen to live is an adventure! I love your understated style and personality. Please keep doing good for yourself and your family. China is very lucky to have you, and it is Sweden’s loss.🇸🇪
Wonderful. Thankyou
️❤️
Hi Miriam, have been following you quite some time. I rarely make any comments cause I am really shy 😊. But I just wanted to bring this up that I have seen other foreigners in China doing documentary style videos and they got in trouble with the Chinese government. Especially when they do interviews with the local people. Since you have mentioned doing docemtaries, so I thought I would bring this up, just in case. Best of luck!
That's a very good point! Thank you for reminding me. I will have to look it up better before I do it!
I Really love your Family
Specially Yonghong and Sansan Looking so Cute😍😍😍
Just enjoying the present moment. Awareness in present moment is the reality.
So glad to know more about rural China. Thank you for sharing.
Can you put up the links to you and your husband's Chinese social media accounts? Thanks!
space.bilibili.com/279292641
Wonderful Q & A. Thank you Miriam 😊👍
I love hearing you talk, ever considered a podcast?
Hi Miriam, your videos are so comforting. Living in a rural area is one of my dreams too. I also hope to move back to my husband's village in India one day. You remind me a lot of Helena Norberg-Hodge, a linguist from Sweden :)
Hi Miriam! I was wondering how you have access to internet and social media (especially youtube) in China generally, but especially in rural China - Because I thought it was very restricted?
ps.: I love watching your videos, your personality and your views on life!!
I enjoy your videos thank you for sharing Q and A .
highly expected if you are able to sing some swedish song in the coming videos.
Oh, I actually have a lot of ideas with this! But I want to do it together with my family, and I don't know when I can return to Sweden...
Hi Miriam ,great video. China is a vast country ,the south eastern part is very different from the northwest . the best way to change the bad behavior is to educate the kids, you can not tell the adult to do some thing, they can only enforce by rules and authority.
Miriam has underestimated how adventurous has life has been and still can be in a rural area.
I live in a small town in the countryside Brazil, my life is very adventurous, just different kinds of adventure compared to large cities' life.
I have been reading about massive flooding in China. I hope you are far away from any flooding. Be safe.
Very creative and pretty!!
Enjoy your videos.
wishing you and your beautiful family all the best. XXX
You are wonderful lady. I like your adaptability and cheerfulness. 😘
Loved your Q&A videos :)
Amazing! I fully respect your point of views
All of these are built on the love to your husband. He is a lucky guy. Glad his family also embrace you with open mind. Oftentimes, rural people's mind could be quite closed and biased. So your husband's family is unique. That's called fate.
You are amazing :) love this !
You can definitely make a good documentary director. Just go for it!
Thank you ❤️
wow, Miriam is so brave !
Thanks for sharing with us on all the topics mentioned. And I am a little shocked and saddened to hear about the domestic violence in QingHai, I always thought the life in rural China is simple and hence very few stressors that can lead to substance abuse like alcohol, guess it can happen to any area. And I always thought Chinese man don’t drink much, hope it’s not rampant.
This is such a great channel
You are very smart and brave.
I think moving to Sweden for your child's education would be very good thing to do because. Sweden has excellent curriculum for schooling, and if you were living in a rule area in Sweden. You would have the same opportunities .I believe as you have in China to farm. You could create a garden or even have livestock ,if the space permitted it.
This is something we're thinking about a lot - we want to live in a rural area, and in Sweden education in a rural area is just as good (if not better) than in the city. In China it's unfortunately not very good. So we will either move to Sweden, or find a Chinese village very very close to the city so that our child could still go to a good school. Very difficult choice, but it's leaning towards Sweden!
You are outstanding !
Bravo ......surprised you need to apply for stay rural area 4 times a year.
I also think asan your son can have better stimulation from environment.
You are so brave and real.
Your husband needs to upgrade his knowledges of knowing your culture too.
such a positive attitude
You remind me of a lot of my friends I went to college with.
Move to KunMing, great weather and food!
祝福你们🌹
This video is awesome! You really have good thoughts about living in rural China. Can’t wait to see your products! 谢谢！
Documentaries are great idea!
祝愿你们永远幸福快乐☺️