在京生活22年 62岁美国大爷想加入'西城大妈'

Gao Tianrui, a 62-year-old American man, has become an internet celebrity after creating a video to apply to become a "Xicheng Dama".

因在一个视频中要申请成为“西城大妈”，62岁的美国人高天瑞已经成了一位网络名人。

"Xicheng Dama" refers to a group of volunteers who roam Xicheng District in central Beijing acting as public security volunteers. 70% of them are female aged 58 to 65.

“西城大妈”指的是一群穿梭在北京市市中心的西城区的治安志愿者。他们中70%都是年龄在58岁到65岁的女性。

He's lived in Beijing for 22 years, but first arrived in Taiwan from the US to learn the language in 1973.

高天瑞已经在北京生活了22年了，不过他最早是在1973年从美国到台湾学的中文。

"I'm more than interested in China and Chinese language," said Gao, "I love China's traditional Taoism culture."

高天瑞说：“我不仅喜欢中国和中国的语言，我还热爱中国传统的道家文化。”

His Chinese name was given to him by the captain of the ship he took to Taiwan. His English name is Terry Crossman.

他的中文名字是开往台湾的邮轮上的船长给取的，他的英文名叫Terry Crossman。

Majoring in the Chinese language and culture studies in university, Gao would move back to the United States, working in New York after graduation. He was eventually transferred by his company to work in Hong Kong.

高天瑞的大学专业是中国语言和文化，毕业后他又到美国纽约工作了一段时间。他最终又被派到公司在香港的办事处工作。

"During the 12 years in Hong Kong, I learned how to speak Cantonese and had two children with my wife from Singapore," said Gao.

高天瑞说，“在香港的12年里，我学会了讲粤语，期间有了新加坡籍的爱人和两个孩子。”

Gao Tianrui was then transferred to his company's Beijing office in 1995.

1995年，高天瑞跟随公司设置的办事处转到北京工作。

However, Gao now finds himself in a bind, as his office in Beijing has now shut down, and he would prefer to remain in Beijing.

然而，高天瑞现在陷入了困境，因为他的公司在北京的办事处撤销了，但他仍倾向于留在北京。

"I'm acquainted with many foreigners here," said Gao. "Sometimes I go to the pub with my buddies and listen to blues. I've already received offers from some companies, yet we haven't signed a contract. It's regrettable that there isn't a retiree's visa in China. As for whether I can stay in Beijing, let it be."

他说，“在这里我认识了很多外国人，偶尔我会和他们一起去酒吧听听蓝调。目前已经有公司给我发来了工作邀请，但不知道能不能最终签下合同。这里没有退休签证，对我来说很遗憾，至于能不能留在北京，顺其自然吧。”