Good Bye Stefano

Stefano (far right in white) with International Relations masters students from developing countries posing for the group photo at Friendship Hotel in Jilin University before he left for his home country Italy on Sep 2, 2008. I am putting a tumps up far right.

The last group photo taken with Stefano on Sep 2, 2008 (tallest amongst the group) at the Friendship Hotel in Jilin Province, Changchun city, China (PRC). Stefano from Italy came to Jilin university for six months as research computer students. He was living just opposite my hotel room and most of the time we bump into each other. Every afternoon we meet at the mini soccer field for a soccer match. While at Jilin, Stefano met students from all over the world brought together to study under the Chinese Government Scholarship in various fields. He also met and befriended with lots of Chinese students. Sure, Stefano will miss China, particularly Changchun and his new found friends but he is happy to be back in Italy with his family, friends and get back to Italy food which he missed so much. He promised to return to Changchun one day, given the fact that he treasure this beautiful city. From his friends here at Friend Hotel, we wish Stefano a successful completion in his studies and a healthy life and future. (By Mathew Yakai with hand on pocket, first right)

Email from Stefano to me when he arrived home safely.

Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 20:14:56

Re: nihao

I arrived at home yesterday night after a long journey...now here it is 2:15 pm... it is rainingI am fine...

I miss the football matches in the Friendship Hotel...Hope to come back to Changchun soon...Good luck !!!Stefano