The famous words of Ibn Battuta states; ‘Traveling: it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.’
The saying holds true for Businessman and Researcher, Bonnywell Ramoroka from Ditloung in Mokuruanyane, who left South Africa on Sunday, 08 September to visit China, Hong Kong, Macau and Qatar. He departed from OR Tambo International Airport and arrived at the People’s Republic of China the following day, in Shanghai.
Before returning to South Africa on Wednesday the 25th of September 2024, he shared a lot of fascinating things happening at the destination’s he visited. He flew Qatar Airways and connected at Doha in Qatar to travel across to Asia. During this period, he visited Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)as an excursion to which he told Ntshebele that, it was the highlight of his trip. “I registered in time to be part of the expo and received a registration ticket together with VISA application invitation letter to acquire Chinese VISA before departure”, he said.
Titled ‘China International Furniture Expo’, this attracted furniture manufacturers around the world, who gathered under one roof in Shanghai, and it is said to be one of the biggest Furniture Fair (Expos) in the world. This is where suppliers meet with manufacturers and shipping companies. “This was coupled with the launch of new fashion designs.
I went there to position myself to be part of the industry for the benefit of the African continent”, he said. When asked what his advice is to those who do not like to travel, Ramoroka said they are missing out on a lot. “I also tell people that there is a university called university of travelling, it is not a physical or formal institution but just traveling. There are many ideas you can only generate when you travel. Travelling also gives you an opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness of different cultures from different ethnic groups all around the world.
Travelling exposes one to the advancement of human development around the world. i.e Technology. What I have witnessed in China made me realize that we are way behind this side”, said Ramoroka. In his trip he learnt new things, which he found unusual and interesting in China, Hong Kong and Macau. Some marvels include, amongst others;
- Drivers steering left-handed vehicles, keeping right and passing left, except for Hong Kong and Macau.
- Restaurants clear the table when a customer leaves and not when he/she finishes eating (it’s regarded as being rude to clear someone’s table while they’re still there).
- Usage of bullet trains, with the high speed of 246km/h(some can do 350km/h) to travel from one province to another.
- Starting of work late and sleeping late.
- Cleaning and vacuuming streets every morning with giant vacuum and brooms installed on the trucks
- Some hotels charge deposit in case a client orders some services and forgets to pay.
- The land is owned by the government
- The People’s Republic of China is ruled by one party as per their legislation which is the Chinese Community Party (CCP) meaning elections are only held in the country.
- Direct elections, except in the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau, only occur at the local level, people’s congresses and village committees, with all candidate nominations preapproved by the CCP.
- In China, politics function within a communist state framework based on the system of people’s congress under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), with the National People’s Congress (NPC) functioning as the highest organ of state power and only branch of government as per the principle of unified power.
- There is a strong mobile cellular phone signal even in the tunnels.
- There are many foot massage parlours at almost every street in the cities
- They live a healthy lifestyle; they believe in eating healthy organic food and walk a lot rather than eating junk then go to the gym
- They avoid processed food at all costs.
- KFC in China sells Chicken feet, bacon, Noodles and full roasted chicken
- Their favourite meat is pork
During his over two weeks overseas tour, Ramoroka spent 4 nights in Shanghai, a night in Fuan, Fijian Province,2 nights in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, 2 nights in Shenzhen and 4 nights in Hong Kong. He also visited Wuxi, Macau and Foshan before flying to Qatar, where he spent 3 nights.