China Mojo Trip - Part 1

The beginning of our epic journey, as depicted from my scrapbook

I still couldn't believe we were on our way to China when I arrived at Burlington International. Spring break arrived fast, and I wasn't completely prepared. However, I was extremely excited to return to mainland China - the lack of authentic Chinese food in Burlington has been irritating me.

Interestingly enough, the only movie I finished on the flight to Beijing was a documentary on the Yangtze River. I had never been to the Yangtze River before the trip, and I was curious to learn more. For a Chinese national, I know shamefully little about this important river.

What struck me about Beijing's airport was the amount of smoking rooms available. There were numerous smoking rooms interspaced between gates, so many that some of us had to go inside to check it out.

Ultimate relief came once we touched down at Wuhan's airport. Here, we met up with our China Mojo companions, Steve Wilmarth, Lily and Linda.

Before we even step out into the streets, we can already smell the smog. Immediately, I think to myself: "It smells like China". Lily explains to me that the smog is culmination of the governments economic prioritization - increased amount of road construction, building construction and industry. According to Lily, after heavy rain or snow, the sky is apparently clear for a few days. We were unfortunate not to have witnessed it.

After checking into our hotel, 新大谷商務酒店, we went for a stroll with our guides. Lined along the streets were numerous construction development plots. Our area was surrounded with commercial properties, malls and plazas either in the process of being built or soon to enter that phase.

Some of us decided to get our first taste of 'street food'. The 老闆, or boss, of the store was quite friendly. When he learned that I was from Hong Kong, he used the term 龍的傳人. I rarely hear that phrase used anymore, it's significance has decreased in the modern age.

Nevertheless, a good start to the trip. I am rather surprised by how friendly and outgoing the people generally are. It was probably because there were 20 other Americans floating around my immediate vicinity, but I am glad that China is less gloomy than I thought it would be. I realize that this could have been a very localized emotion though.