Angela Patterson (middle) attends a cultural experience event in Qingdao West Coast New Area. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

I'm amazed and astounded at the development of the city. Technology has brought about great advancement in the last 20 years. The buildings have only gotten taller and the lights at night now seem so much brighter. The city has continued to become more and more convenient to live in.

My first apartment in Qingdao was in a building that did not have an elevator, and the only delivery man I saw back then had to lug the large bottles of Laoshan water to my home on the eighth floor. Now I live on the 23rd floor in a very modern complex where with the convenience of my smartphone, I can buy not only my bottled water, but groceries, dinner, furniture, or a television that would be delivered the very next day. Food preparation has changed dramatically with pre-cut meats, pre-cleaned vegetables, and deli foods available at every grocery and convenience shop. I've adjusted from being paid in cash to exclusively using WeChat and Alipay, and I was most excited when the Qingdao Metro first opened as I was able to travel to the CBD in record time!

While I can talk about all the ways that I've seen the city change, I also know that I have changed too. I deeply love my China home and the friends and family that I have found in Qingdao. I've attended both weddings and funerals of the people I've loved. I've held newborn babies and watched them grow into young adults raised by the entire community. I've shared laughter and tears with my Qingdao family, so I know that the important things remain unchanged and why we love our city by the sea: the people are friendly, the seafood is delicious, and the weather is just right!

Angela Patterson poses for a photo along the beach near Zhanqiao Pier, an iconic scenic area in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]