In exactly one week, I will be on a plane bound for Beijing. Over the past couple of months – ever since this flight was booked – everyone has asked the same question in response to the news that I’m going there: “Why Beijing?” A simple enough question, but it is the first part of my answer that always inspires a look of confusion ~ confusion that is perhaps tinged with a little bit of fear that they’re about to get way more than they bargained for in terms of an explanation. Because my answer always starts this way:
“When I was in the eighth grade, my best friend brought in photos from her family’s summer vacation in Europe…”
But that is how the story has to begin; there’s no other way to express how much this trip means to me.
You see, when I was in the eighth grade, my best friend brought in photos from her family’s summer vacation in Europe, which opened a doorway that I didn’t know was waiting for me. But as I flipped through the photos of my best friend with her parents, her brother, and other extended family members, rosy-cheeked and sundress-clad, glasses raised for the camera ~ all the way across the Atlantic Ocean ~ that doorway swung wide open. I had walked into English class that day not having ever considered the possibility that I would be able to see, experience, and explore the world, but during the brief span of time I was allowed to pore over the photos before our teacher started class and made us put them away, a passion was ignited in a way I had never experienced. With photo after photo, the same thought grew larger and larger: “This is what I want to do. I want to see the world.”
You see, my best friend from middle and high school is the reason I’ve been to Jordan. And Australia and New Zealand. And Argentina, Mexico, and Japan. It was her photos that inspired me to travel all over Europe and to Cuba. It is because of her that I’ve been to Bora Bora, most U.S. states, and almost to Tibet, a trip that was cancelled due to rioting. When I think about my passion for travel ~ an almost daily occurrence ~ I think about her, and the photos she shared of her family’s summer vacation in Europe, which I can still imagine in perfect focus.
My best friend married her high school sweetheart, and we’ve all known each other since we were twelve years old. They now have four gorgeous children and are in the midst of a year-long around the world journey as a family. A few days before they left, my friend emailed me their itinerary and said, “COME MEET US!”
So you see, this is why, when anyone asks me “Why Beijing?” I have to begin my explanation with a little tidbit of information that seems entirely out of left field. Because it’s not out of left field, it is at the core of why I will be on a flight across the Pacific one week from today, a flight that will lead me not just to a place, but a dream ~ of friendship, adventure, and passions that are ignited in the most unexpected places, even in eighth grade English class.
Christine Mason Miller is a writer and artist who loves to travel and explore the world. Her best friend from middle school is Carrie Garland, whose family has been sharing their journey online at www.garlandsgoglobal.com. Pop over and say hello!
How absolutely cool is that? :) Love!
I love this sotry! Go well my traveling friend. x
I would retort, “And why not Beijing?” I’ve been there 3X and every time I fall more in love.
gives me goosebumps – have fun!!!
Our daughter has been approved for the study abroad program and will also be leaving for Beijing in May for a week of site seeing then she will be a student for six weeks in Qingdao studying Chinese. She also has the love of adventure and travel.Hope you have safe travels and I’m looking forward to seeing your photos when you return.
I admire you in so many ways
I’ve been to Beijing and it was fantastic. You will love it! :)
Totally awesome Christine – both your story and theirs. Safe travels to you.