Gratitude

Trip Start Jun 17, 2004
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Trip End Aug 11, 2004


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Flag of China  ,
Saturday, July 24, 2004

This coming Monday I will complete my final journey in China as I fly into Lhasa, Tibet. There is no better way to end my tour than visiting the place that has captivated me for many years. I first learned about Buddhism when I chose to do a research project about it in college and ever since I have thirsted to learn more about this religion. And although I have many ideas of what my experience might be like in Lhasa I am going there with no expectations. All I want to do is experience it for what it is.

And as I enter the final chapter of my travelogues, there are no words that can describe my experience in China. But if I had to choose one I would say that it has been enlightening. I have hiked up the Great Wall in Badaling, visited the Forbidden City in Beijing, witnessed the vastness of the Terra Cotta Warriors in Xian, took a stroll along the Bund in Shanghai, treated myself to foot and body massages in Guangzhou, visited the panda bears in Chengdu and much more. But despite all that I have seen, what I have learned about myself and the Chinese culture that runs deep in my veins has been the most intriguing. I imagine this experience to be similar to what an adopted son would feel visiting his biological parents for the first time. Although it doesn't change who I am, I now have a better understanding of the culture and customs of my ancestry. Before I left for China my father had told me "once you visit china you will feel proud to be Chinese". He was right. To the homeland that I have never known, and the people I share the same blood with, I have been welcomed with the utmost warmth and generosity. The people here in China have gone out of their way to make me feel at home and for the most part, I do feel at home here. And even though I don't speak Chinese, I have been greeted with smiles and curiosity as I attempt to strike up a conversation with them.

I am truly grateful for all that I have experienced and the opportunities that I have today. And for that, I would like to dedicate this letter to my mom and dad. I will never be able to repay you for all the sacrifices you have made to provide a better life for me and the only way that I can say thank you is to let you know that I appreciate you. Thank you for everything!

And to my two-year-old niece, Kaley Alyssa Chun: I love you babe and can't wait to go back home and give you a hug.
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