Cherry blossoms, memories and the open road
I had forgotten, it seems, how exhilarating it feels to wake up early in the morning, jump on a bus or train, and look at the road ahead, heading for the unknown. So with the clear morning sky above me, a couple mornings ago, I left for the Great Wall of China :o).
I was once told that travel is a dream wide awake ... in the fresh morning air, after the sand storm had finally decided to leave Beijing, I was on my way to Badaling. Looking around, I remembered how beautifully peaceful the cherry trees used to be each spring, in my grandmother's village. Years have passed by now, years that I somehow failed to notice - it feels like I blinked and everything is already far far away. As I closed my eyes, I could feel the smell of a sunny morning in Romania, the feel of fresh grass on ones feet and the intoxicating smell of cherry blossoms ... the wind gently spreading white soft petals. One day, I will be back in the spring.
With countless memories keeping me company, and the desire to travel again, on a random bus in Beijing, I headed towards the Great Wall. An awesome little walk following countless steps reminds of the great empire that dominated Eastern Asia across centuries . Badaling may be a relatively commercial "Wall" experience, but the site of the wall's back, like a snake's spine, antic relic dominating the hills, is impressive. Passing countless watch towers, and approaching the ruins of the wall that were left untouched by renovation work, it seemed unreal - I am in China!
Back to Beijing, the Lama Temple and then the Temple of Heaven Park provided a peaceful ending to a beautiful day. I ended my day sitting in the soft evening sun, on a little bench hidden away; away from tourists, noise and the dizzying rush of the city. It was a good day to observe and mediate, to think. It was a great day altogether.
I am now sitting in my wonderful room in Shanghai (thank you SJTU, thank you Justin!!!!), after having met wonderful people that are part of AIESEC here. I think CEED may just be the one thing I needed this summer :o). Wonderful people, wonderful places, and the open road ahead.
I was once told that travel is a dream wide awake ... in the fresh morning air, after the sand storm had finally decided to leave Beijing, I was on my way to Badaling. Looking around, I remembered how beautifully peaceful the cherry trees used to be each spring, in my grandmother's village. Years have passed by now, years that I somehow failed to notice - it feels like I blinked and everything is already far far away. As I closed my eyes, I could feel the smell of a sunny morning in Romania, the feel of fresh grass on ones feet and the intoxicating smell of cherry blossoms ... the wind gently spreading white soft petals. One day, I will be back in the spring.
With countless memories keeping me company, and the desire to travel again, on a random bus in Beijing, I headed towards the Great Wall. An awesome little walk following countless steps reminds of the great empire that dominated Eastern Asia across centuries . Badaling may be a relatively commercial "Wall" experience, but the site of the wall's back, like a snake's spine, antic relic dominating the hills, is impressive. Passing countless watch towers, and approaching the ruins of the wall that were left untouched by renovation work, it seemed unreal - I am in China!
Back to Beijing, the Lama Temple and then the Temple of Heaven Park provided a peaceful ending to a beautiful day. I ended my day sitting in the soft evening sun, on a little bench hidden away; away from tourists, noise and the dizzying rush of the city. It was a good day to observe and mediate, to think. It was a great day altogether.
I am now sitting in my wonderful room in Shanghai (thank you SJTU, thank you Justin!!!!), after having met wonderful people that are part of AIESEC here. I think CEED may just be the one thing I needed this summer :o). Wonderful people, wonderful places, and the open road ahead.
3 Comments:
vero, im so glad you are enjoying china and taking advantage of the days when it's still not too hot ;) and oh my! you write so eloquently. ;D
take care...and oh, i have a blog too! ;)
keep 'em coming...! Part of what I do makes even more sense when I hear stories like this :)
Hey Veronica! Just happened to find your blog by chance. How are you?! well from what I can read it seems you're having a great time, and you're in China - so cool! Hope to be able to catch up soon
hugs from Malta
Post a Comment
<< Home