A lot of my friends had asked what I had learned from my month-long solo trip around China. Well, I never gave it much thought but I do notice some change of views after the trip. I used to be grumpy, perpetually discontented, hate dirty places and labour intensive activities and was a little bias toward China people. But all these changed after the trip, it was like I had become calmer and more confident.
Open your mind and learn to be humble. First step to any adventure is to open your mind and be receptive. China is not like Singapore but it is unique in its own way. Different cultures and ways of life. There is never a right or wrong way to live, isn't it?
Vintage red flower wool blanket and electric heating mattress pad. ->
Good enough to warm up breakfast in the cold spring's morning.
Contentment comes in many forms. While travelling through the poor rural parts of Yunnan, I noticed some farmers have very little, with poor living standards and doing hard labours for meagre pays. But they have smiles on their face, producing small crops on whatever their poor land can give. They do not know much about the luxuries of life and therefore do not know what they are missing. And here I am, educated and living a comfortable life, taking every thing for granted. Aimlessly chasing on some common dreams, always wanting more and getting frustrated when I don’t get what I wanted. Time to set realistic goals, goals that belongs to me and enjoy every moments on my journey towards them.
Rowers chit-chatting while waiting for the next passengers to pick up on the peaceful lake.
Happiness is from within. Just like contentment comes in different forms, I believe true happiness comes from my very own self. Life in a fast pacing city affects us, sometimes we lost our ability to smile. It is here, that I learn to smile again. For the purest form of life and the strongest will to survive. We cannot choose our life, but we can choose how to live.
A bunch of musicians merry-making on a makeshift raft.
Find your inner peace and personal comfort zone. Yes, China have its shares of temples and religious places. But it is in Jiuzhaigou, where the captivating beauty overwhelmed me. I felt small and humble in nature’s being. Mediating in the calmness of its surroundings, I felt peaceful in a holistic way. Then in Zhangjiajie with its majestic mountains and nature’s greatness, I moved out of my comfort zone, pushed my physical limit and climbed my very first mountain.
Slow down to smell the roses. Life is a journey and so we travel through it. But so many time we got so wound up rushing through our day, we forgot to enjoy or appreciate now. I took the time to rediscover my 5 senses here in China amidst its beauty. I got to smell the rain washed earth, hear the wind whispers, touch the spring flowers, watch the sky break and taste new food. Omg, I sounded like Pocahontas.
The good people of Kunming with their prized bright pink cherry blossoms.
Over-Planning kills spontaneity. Before the trip, I had everything planned in details. Blame my job as project manager but I feel uncomfortable if things are not plan or within my control. At the earlier part of my travel, I followed my schedule fervently and will get upset if I did not achieve the task or get to the destination. Later, as I learned to be more courageous, I threw away my plans, cancelled my hotel bookings and learn to enjoy the surprises and hiccups along the way.
A spontaneous decision to visit Longji rice terraces. New things learned and new friends found.
Smiling is a universal language. On a stranger land, where language and culture divides, a smile is all it needs to open up a conversation. And the Chinese are a bunch of naturally curious, friendly and generous beings. They are inquisitive about life outside of China and are most willing to share great travel tips and sometimes their food.
New found friends in Guilin.
Trust no one but your instinct. Do not trust a stranger. That was what I was taught from young and it still applies. But as we grow, we should have enough experience to trust our basic instinct. Sometimes, and just sometimes, it is in the weirdest situation and companies that you discover the most fun. I was glad that I took a few bets and chances in my travel which turned out to be a success.
Accepting an offer and got a fun side tour to Fenghuang from Zhangjiajie.
Coping with loneliness. Solo travel may sound cool and hip. But sometimes, loneliness sets in especially during mealtimes and at nights. It is during these times, that I practice enjoying my own company. I found out that I can be very self-entertaining and there are quite a few things to do on my own. And the truth is, being void of familiar people to talk to make me more eager to chat up new friends.
Drinking the herbal tea that my best friend in Singapore insisted that I brought to China made me feel warm and fuzzy.
