It’s only fitting to start this post off with an old Chinese proverb: 见钟情 . Love at first sight. It’s generally used for people, but you can also use it for other physical objects.

It’s been almost a week since I came back from yet another life-changing trip. It seems that anytime I travel out of country to a non-traditional destination, I am left only thinking profoundly of what I have learned. Sometimes, learning more than in the classroom and office itself. I was gifted with the opportunity to embark on this exuberating, adrenaline-packed two-week expedition to six cities: San Francisco, Macau, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo.

It’s amazing to think how one country, yet more than 3,000 miles apart can exhibit different societal norms and culture. San Francisco is like a place I have never been to. A mix of the retro clashing with the up-and-coming. Natural beauty that is unparallel and a lush harbor sinking in the backdrop of the San Francisco skyline and its bridges. Nevertheless, that’s what gives our country its unique edge is the diverse landscape and the prosperity we encounter.

Next stop: Asia. There’s always a pause that follows because the first question I get asked is “why?” and sometimes I stop and ask myself the same question. This interrogation gets me thinking instead, “why not?”. Asian countries have experimented and grew at an unprecedented rate than any country at any point in history. These emerging markets are only emerging farther and more superior than our western markets. It’s intriguing to see how society and culture is constantly instilled in business and everyday activities that keep these areas on the prowl. A more collaborative and collective society as opposed to the individualistic that I am more often used to. I embraced every minute of it. Many folks eager to help, translate and communicate our idiocracy in a form of bondage with one another. It was heart-warming and truly, for once, something bigger than ourselves. Our minuscule problems were left awashed and a true meaning of enjoying life came about.

Hong Kong, Macua resembled everything in a more “bigger and badder” state. Sure whatever we have created is authentic and original, but the component I found in which Chinese strive in is extrapolating their cities and tourism to the next level. The most expansive skyline and modern skyline in the world is housed in Hong Kong. If you haven’t checked it out, it is a true testament to America’s infatuation of building towards the sky. It got me wondering how everything is just bigger yet cost of labor is so cheap. With the growing problem of poverty, how is everyone’s needs met? Sure a socialist economy strives for that, but there is always a hint of corruption and capitalism. It didn’t matter to these people. What mattered was the preservation of their culture. That’s what the true meaning of being wealthy was.

Walking through history on the Great Wall of China was breath-taking. To think countless years of building, restoration and more than 3,000 years of turmoil have kept this structure around to become the iconic symbol of human achievement. The views were far to none greater than any. The heightened sense of historic belonging to the monument, even though not Chinese, made the moment more serene than I’ve felt.

To cap off with Tokyo, a very different city. One without an iconic skyline but more about expression. A city within itself and a city that screams at the top of its lungs. These cities in two weeks are more than a mouth and mindful. I couldn’t take in anymore by the end of trip. Not because I was fed up, but this lingering fact that I would soon have to depart ways with this lifestyle. To come back to routine. It shouldn’t have to be like that. Packing up your bags and venturing out wherever your heart tells you is more excitement then anything tangible. It was too overwhelming and all gloomy to see it end. I know for a fact that these cities will forever hold a place in my heart with something I have learned along the way. Being a world-traveler teaches you more than school and life itself could. Well isn’t exploring part of life as we all journey to find the next destination?

Michchhāmi Dukkaḍaṃ. (Today marks the last day of the ceremonial Paryushana; a worldwide Jain practiced spiritual festival.)

-Abhay