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Jeffery has the chubby and genial look of a typical American chef in his uniform, prompting diners to put faith in his cooking. But he is better known as an English teacher among residents of the Sanlitun street – free of charge, of course.
Jeffery Powell came to Beijing 12 years ago, where the veteran chef opened an American-style restaurant and met his Chinese wife.
He is an extrovert, and can speak Chinese fluently, which makes him popular in the neighborhood. When a Chinese uncle complained that communicating with foreign tenants was a headache, the warm-hearted American gave a ready response, “that’s OK, I can teach you English, for free.”
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Bai Yunlong volunteers to teach local people daily English. [Photo frombjwmb.gov.cn] |
At first, Jeffery made his small café the classroom. As the number of students kept increasing, he had to rent a larger bar for classes.
Jeffery finds it worthy to give up some of his spare time in exchange for a more intimate community, “I teach the people English because it helps everyone interact in the community together and get along better,” he said.
Sanlitun might be the most “exotic” street in Beijing, with more than 3,000 foreigners living there. The street management committee called on volunteers to help foreigners better integrate into the local community. Jeffery signed up with no hesitation, “I’ve lived here for years, I can help them adapt to the new environment quickly.”
He nags to foreigners about tiny problems such as visas or pets. He also helps the old and the children cross the street, or remind people to watch out when playing with fireworks.
He is called by the neighbors as “foreign Lei Feng”, a high praise because Lei Feng was the role model for several generations of Chinese people. “I’m being flattered,” he said, “I just feel happy when helping others.”
Jeffery loves traditional Chinese culture, and every year when the community plans some small shows or other festival activities, he always invites some of his foreign friends to come around.
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Bai Yunlong takes part in a community gathering on the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo frombjwmb.gov.cn] |
It’s easy to find this American chef is keen on traditional Chinese food.
On Spring Festival each year, he make dumplings with local people; on the Lantern Festival, they eat Tangyuan, a kind of sweet dumpling balls, and guess lantern riddles; on the Dragon Boat Festival, they make Zongzi, the traditional Chinese rice-pudding.
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Bai Yunlong and his foreign friend make Zongzi together with local grandmas on the Dragon Boat Festival. [Photo frombjwmb.gov.cn] |
“You learn more about Chinese culture and food that way,” he laughed.
When asked about future plans, Jeffery gave a straightforward answer -- “no plans to go anywhere.”
“My wife and children are here, and my business and work are here. I like Beijing and the particular neighborhood we live in.” 12 years is long enough to bind up him with this adopted city for his whole life.
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Bai Yunlong guides the way for Chinese visitors. [Photo from bjwmb.gov.cn] |
