When I travel now, I am reminded of the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s song from Cinderella, sitting in my own little corner in my own little chair, dreaming of places to go. In my teenaged Junior Olympian athlete years, I competed in track and field events in several states. In addition to the Caribbean, I have been to Europe many times as a fashion model and cosmetics executive, to visit friends and also as a tourist. I went on three trips to the African continent for business. I’ve demonstrated makeup and skincare techniques at American military bases. And now I have finally gone to Asia, on an extensive cruise through China.
I never could have imagined that going to Asia would be a destination for me growing up, sitting in my own little chair. I have always used creative visualization — not knowing what the term “creative visualization” was at the time — but basically I had already started traveling the world when I was in elementary school!
Of all the dreams that I visualize that have come true so far, China was something completely unique and different. It was an experience that has shaped my outlook on life, going beyond the boundaries of normal everyday, and also beyond my previous travels and risk-taking.
Such a massive voyage meant that it was a deeply emotional, cleansing experience. Our trip included sailing along the Yellow Sea, going on shore excursions that revealed an incredible mix of ultra-modern mega cities, imperial history and stunning, relaxing, coastal landscapes.
We took a lot of excursions, and we hit some of the historical icons that the average person would not have had access to. There was the Great Wall and the sprawling symmetrical layout of the Forbidden City. We saw the Terra-Cotta Warriors and biked at top of a wall city. There was a tea excursion. We cruised from Hong Kong to Beijing and other cities in between. Unbelievable to spend the day staring in awe at the curved roofs of the palaces, temples and monuments thousands of years old and then come back to the boat for a spa break and a delicious meal.
The food: seafood was the biggest highlight; so many fabulous, fresh-caught dishes on our journey!
Shanghai’s futuristic modern buildings were like something in a sci–fi movie. To see China’s past–to–present architecture evolution was mind-blowing.
We had one–on–one calligraphy lessons. We were taught that each of the strokes, lines and curves had different meanings. We were given traditional liquid ink and rice paper. Never hold a brush like a pen or pencil; hold the brush upright with your palm facing in while resting the body of the brush between your fingers. Hover above the page to maintain fluid movement and apply deliberate pressure. I framed my work when I got home! Learning Chinese calligraphy on a cruise was a great relaxing way to pass the time sailing between ports.
It was fascinating to see all the Broadway shows while at sea, and to see how the performers in this region mastered the moves of Michael Jackson and other famous American artists. So impressive.
My mother was one who always encouraged me to dream, to travel, to live and to take risks. Most people like to play it safe and stay at their home base; I pretty much like the challenge. I thank God for the ability to go.
It is just so awesome and amazing to see the world. Sometimes I just want to stop a moment to pinch myself.
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