For example, take this one post that I was hoping to put up on my blog, the minute I arrived in Shanghai. Woops~! I realize how cheesy it is, but... it was definitely how I was feeling in the moment.
June 3rd, 2010
I’m currently waiting for my flight, boarding in 40 min., just writing down my thoughts before I actually take off, even though the limited WiFi access at SFO poses as a problem, so I probably won’t even ‘publish’ this post until I reach my next destination…. SHANGHAI!
Leaving for another country has always been such an adventure for me, explaining the reason why I love traveling so much. I’ve probably commented on this, before, so… please pardon my redundancies, but, traveling’s not only a physical journey, but, definitely an emotional one for me as well.
I find it truer and truer every single time, but, the saying “Distance makes the heart grow fonder,” definitely describes my emotions before even traveling.
After my final exams, I went straight home to LA for two weeks in order to hang out with my family and high school/college friends, and was able to really strengthen my bond with each of them and realize that they really are significant figures in my life that I couldn’t live without.
Although I know that my parents still view me as their baby daughter, I’m grateful that they have seen my growth into an independent, responsible person – and, I don’t know if this is a good thing or not (haha), but, are not worried at all about my going to a country that has just endured political protests/destruction, while parents of my friends would never allow it. I definitely have to give my parents credit here, since they’ve not only given me a passion for exploring unfamiliar cultures, but have given me such great advice and support, at the same time. I love you guys.
The few days before I left LA to go back to the Bay Area, I spent every day with my two closest high school friends, going to our beloved SoCal beach, attending music festivals, eating our much cherished Salvadoran pupusas, karaoke-ing (sp?) our hearts away, and having our never-ending awkward moments not only in our company but in clear, public view as well…. I loved it. Despite the fact that I spent SO much time with them, I still felt as I was leaving… a wish that I could always be with them.
One of my friends, KL, loves to hold her breath while driving through tunnels, making wishes that someday might come true. Cheesy, I know, but… as we drove those crazy LA freeways, jetting through the tunnels, I found myself wishing every time, for our friendship to never end.
Coming back to Berkeley was not only a goodbye for me from my friends, boyfriend, and labmates/professors, but to the university that I love and has grown to become a new home. I’m not really religious in any way, but I truly feel blessed to have all these great friends that I’ve formed in college, relationships in my major department that I know will assist me in my future aspirations, and options for me to follow my greatest passions: travel, food, friends, and science.
To my friends: I hope you know through my words and actions that I love you guys so much. In no particular order, just letting you know that I’m thinking of you (for privacy reasons, let’s just use first and last initials, shall we?)… KL, MS, AL, IB, AH, MD, TC, MG, LV, GI, SB, HY, KS, SH, EL…
Miss you already, but… the plane’s calling (literally, now! Ahha!)! You guys have yourself a great summer!
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