My dearest China,
I know you for more than five years already. We are from different worlds, with different culture and language, but it has always been a pleasure living with you.
I had a first glance on you when - a few months after Beijing won the bid for 2008 Olympics - I chose Chinese as a fifth language. I was a supporter of Paris 2008 candidature and I decided to learn more about that part of the world that defeated my romantic city.
I finally met you in 2002 when I was just 20 years old. 3 months with you were an opportunity to grasp some of your words and discover your nice people, so helpful and curious. I traveled to many other places around the world, and could have fallen in love with many others. But it was you.
That is why, after finishing my studies I came back. In just two and half years, I have visited about 20 of your provinces, so now I understand more of your diversity and richness. The more I discover, the more I want to stay. I am now fluent in Mandarin and I have many projects I want to complete here.
First, I launched a company to help Chinese people protecting themselves against pollution. You are facing big environment challenges as you grow quicker and quicker. I believe that bringing you the technologies that exist abroad can help reducing the long term effect of pollution on your population.
Secondly, I am leading a French initiative to reinforce the links between France and China, the French Junior Chamber in Beijing. Our Prime Ministers initiated a vast exchange of young people so both countries can have good mutual understanding. This political action inspired us! We work hard to help French youngsters settling in Beijing, and also to communicate to France about our real Chinese life.
I am also dedicated to sport and I love promoting the sports I like. Notably, as a rock climber, I took part in various competitions. Rock climbing is a rich lesson of life and trust: one has to go over ones limits, while placing ones life in the belayer's hands. I recently took part in a climbing exhibition in Guizhou to promote this spirit.
Sport should also play a role in our everyday activities. My city, Beijing, is perfect for that, with its large cycle lanes and the cautiousness of the drivers. Everyday, I use modern transportation means such as inline skates or unicycle, showing locals that there are cool and environment friendly alternatives to cars.
My dear China, I would be proud to be torchbearer for your Olympics. The Olympic flame is a symbol that already enlighten you over the last 7 years and that will help you having a bright future. Being entrepreneur and sport amateur, I would represent this young expatriate community that will shape your society for the next decades.
Faithfully yours,
Julien
