In the spring of 1974, I was born in ChangChun, a city in northeastern China, thus began my journey on earth. I have no recollection of my first trip since I was no more than 1 year old. My mom brought me to BeiJing to see my grandparents (or rather, to let them see me). For the first 19 years of my life, BeiJing was the only other place I had been to (several times) besides my hometown. Somehow I decided to make 'traveling around the world' as my goal.
During my years in graduate school (1993-1996), I visited HaErBin, ShenYang and QinHuangDao in several separate short trips. I saw ocean for the first time in 1994, and it was a hilarious experience.
In summer 1997, I came to the United States - the other side of the earth. The first US city I set my feet on was Anchorage, Alaska. I was awed by the marvelous snow mountain view (seen from above). Many hours later, the bright night sky of New York City welcomed me. My first travel by air was pleasant enough, although very long - 20+ hours, I think.
Now I am glad to report that I didn't waste my 11 years here. Not a year went by that I didn't travel somewhere and I suspect I have visited more places than most Americans did. The list below is mainly for my own record, not counting the dozens of trips to MD, WV, PA, NJ and NYC.
1997 - Visited Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Atlantic City, New York City for the first time.
1998 - Went to GuangZhou and ShenZhen in southern China; A road trip to Florida passing VA, NC, SC and GA. I had a great time in Orlando, Miami and Key West.
1999 - A conference in Chicago.
2000 - A conference in Indianapolis. A trip to Niagara Falls
2001 - A 3000-mile road trip in western US - from Seattle to Portland to San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego to Las Vegas to Grand Canyon to Salt Lake City to Boise, crossing Cascade Range (no fun in winter) and back to Seattle.
2002 - A trip to Las Vegas and Grand Canyon - again. A trip to Niagara Falls - again.
2003 - A business trip to Kansas City, MO. Multiple trips to Seattle.
2004 - Another 3000-mile road trip from Seattle to DC. Visited YellowStone, Mt. Rushmore, Badlands, Chicago, Pittsburgh along the way. A trip to San Francisco - again.
2005 - A conference in Minneapolis. A short visit to Detroit. Two road trips - to Boston in November, and to St. Louis & Kansas City, MO in December.
2006 - A 2500-mile road trip in western Canada, from Vancouver to Banff to Calgary to Edmonton. Also visited Whistler and Victoria. A trip to Des Moines, IA (to see the covered bridges).
2007 - Visited Boston - again, and then to Rhode Island. A trip to Durham, NC.
2008 - A conference in Denver and also visited Colorado Springs.
Going forward, I would like to visit the remaining states of US (especially Alaska and Hawaii) and other countries. Hopefully at the end of my life, I can happily pat myself on the back and say 'Seems you have really achieved your goal!'
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Comments: 47
Have a Great & powerful day W/J!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! /a>
Was Cedar Rapids the city that had a flood a while back?
I envy your trips to (and stay in) Europe!!
But the problem is how to define if I have been to a state. If I've been to a city of a state, I think it's good enough to raise a red flag in that state. But what if I drive through a state, or just stay there for couple of hours? Finally I settled that if I have been slept over night in any place of a state, I'm qualified to raise a red flag. :)
For me, a state qualifies if my feet set on its soil. Thus sleeping overnight or having a meal counts, but flight transfer and driving thru doesn't.
1. Maryland
2. Virginia
3. Washington DC
4. New York State
5. Pennsylvania
6. New Jersey
7. West Virginia
8. Delaware
9. South Carolina
10. North Carolina
11. Kentucky
12. Wyoming
13. Idaho
14. Utah
15. Nevada
16. Arizona
17. California
18. Massachusetts
19. Maine
Yes, we had a pretty bad flood, not quite a year ago, on June 13th. Our city still hasn't quite recovered yet. Sadly, because of the winter we're having, they're saying that they aren't ruling out another one this year.
Thanks for asking! :)
There are always many occasions to cherish forever, especially a couple of red-eyes from west to east. My goal is to enjoy every trip no matter what kind of mission I'm going through during this or that trip. Same principle applies to my life, I guess.
Another trip pending soon! And there will be more in my life ahead but you will never know until the trip starts. That satisfies my curiosity.
thanks for posting your trips
I only transferred flight at Anchorage...
I have always wanted to visit Alaska, it fascinates me. I want to see Mt. McKinley and the National Parks there...
China is way at the top of my next places to visit! As well as France, England, Ireland, Scotland... and Italy again!
Thanks for sharing this with us!
I didn't travel much in China and there are so many beautiful places there... Europe is at the top of my next places to visit!
I didn't know you travel so many places. I guess we met during your first trip on the East coast 97. I am so proud of you:)....