英语

Hometown Feelings

Some people still live in their hometown. However,

others may only see it once or twice a year. Nowadays,

millions of Chinese leave the countryside to search for

work in the cities. Among these is Zhong Wei, a 46-year-

old husband and father. He has lived in Wenzhou for the last 13 years. With a hardjob in a crayon factory, he doesn't find much time to visit his hometown."I usedto return home at least once a year, but I haven't been back for almost three yearsno w. It's a sha me, but I just don't have the time," he says.

Many people like Zhong Wei regard with great interest how their hometowns havechanged. Perhaps large hospitals and new roads have appeared. In many places, thegovernment has also built new schools and sent teachers from the cities to help.

"I noticed that's true of my hometown," addsZhong Wei. "Children have learned to read andcount at my old primary school since the mid-20thcentury. But now the buildings are really old.I hearthey're going to build a new school there." ZhongWei thinks such developments are good, and healso knows that his hometown cannot always staythe same.

According to Zhong Wei, however, some things

will never change. “In my ho metown, there was a big old tree opposite theschool. It is still there and has beco me quite a sy m bol of the place. Most of thechildren in my time liked to play together under that big tree, especially duringthe summer holidays. It was such a happy childhood. Our hometown has leftmany soft and sweet memories in our hearts."