Exploring Alaska and Yellowstone Park Series: Embarkation Day (6)

As I stood in the long queue, waiting for the boarding procedures of the cruise ship at the Seattle dock, the atmosphere weighed heavy with a sense of monotony. However, amidst the dreariness, several friendly Americans struck up conversations with me. I shared my excitement about not only visiting Alaska but also venturing to Yellowstone Park. To my surprise, one of them revealed that they were from Utah, a place not far from Yellowstone Park. They identified themselves as Mormons, and I couldn't help but think of the renowned Brigham Young, a figure familiar to the Chinese people due to the close ties between Brigham Young University and China, as well as the frequent media coverage. The remarkable account of Brigham Young leading tens of thousands of Mormons through countless mountains, as chronicled in American history books, commands profound respect.

It was during our conversation that they mentioned their own travels to China and their awe-inspiring experience aboard the Chinese high-speed train. Their animated tales not only captivated me but also piqued the curiosity of those around us. Just as I was about to proceed with the necessary formalities, one of them bid me farewell with a parting piece of advice: "positive generated positive, good luck."

The mantra "positive generated positive" remains ingrained in my mind, casting a ray of light on my darkest days. As I venture into the unknown while traveling, the unpredictability of what lies ahead becomes evident. A mere word from a stranger has the power to shape my future, forever leaving an indelible mark. I deeply appreciate the chance to encounter diverse individuals and experiences during my travels.

Boarding the Ruby Princess cruise ship, I will begin an eight-day, seven-night Alaska cruise to the capital city of Juneau, Skagway at 63 degrees north latitude, Ketchikan, Glacier Bay, and Victoria, Canada, before returning to Seattle. The itinerary covers a distance of approximately 2,000 nautical miles (1 nautical mile = 1.85 kilometers).

On October 18, 1867, Russia sold Alaska to the United States for 7.2 million dollars. With an area of 1.717 million square kilometers, Alaska is the largest state in the United States and known as the land of mountains, with the most glaciers, coastlines, wilderness, and wildlife in the world. Now Alaska is finding rich resources, such as oil, natural gas, and rare metals, as well as fisheries and forestry.

On the boat, the atmosphere was lively with singers giving their all and tourists dancing. As the cruise ship departed from Seattle, a sense of joy filled the air. Standing on the top deck, I admired the distant cityscape of Seattle, taking in the vibrant scene. However, I noticed that there were only a little over 30 tourists from mainland China on board, and I found myself observing more than actively participating in the activities. It was a different experience compared to being on a Chinese-dominated cruise ship. However, during the next leg of the journey, I had the pleasure of meeting many kind-hearted American friends and encountered heartwarming experiences.