Assignment 3: Joseph Craven

When I was ten years old, I left the country for the first time. I was going to China to adopt my little sister and to take a two-week tour of multiple Chinese cities. Even after this visit to China, the only times I have left the country were a few trips up to Canada. I was even excited about the trip; I got my passport (which was much more exciting as a ten-year-old) and I researched the locations that we would visit. However, in addition to this excitement was subtle nervousness. Not only were we about to adopt my sister, but I had never left the country before, let alone for two weeks. However, my negative thoughts changed to a positive sense of wonder the second I set foot inside the country. The first city, Beijing, amazed me with mind-blowing monuments and destinations such as walking on the Great Wall and visiting the Forbidden City. Yinchuan, the second city, had many interesting aspects, such as a small amusement park within a regular park and a heavy emphasis on the arts. The final city, Guangzhou, was disappointingly similar to the average American city. To this day, I still have many vivid memories from the vacation. Overall, it helped to expand my worldview beyond just the United States, and it allowed me to experience a different culture firsthand.