Exploring Alaska and Yellowstone Park Series: First Encounter with Seattle (3)

Upon landing at Seattle airport and joining the customs queue, I was pleasantly surprised by a heartwarming sight. Chinese service volunteers gracefully moved through the line, offering their assistance. It was a scene I had never witnessed during my previous travels abroad, and it immediately dispelled any sense of unfamiliarity. Seattle's warm embrace of the Chinese community left a lasting impression on me.

With the heartwarming encounter still fresh in my mind, I embarked on my exciting adventure in this bustling city. Our initial destination was Mount Rainier National Park. As we set off on our car journey towards the magnificent Mount Rainier, my attention was immediately drawn to a mother who was anxiously comforting her feverish child. The concerns of other mothers echoed through the air as their own children fell ill. In our tour group, there were approximately 7 to 8 children ranging from 10 to 17 years old. Sadly, apart from myself, who remained unaffected, the rest of the children exhibited distressing symptoms such as coughing, fever, or motion sickness.

Our itinerary in the United States had just begun, and regardless of age, physical issues became a cause for worry. To prevent such problems, my parents had arranged for me to warm up before the long-distance trip. A month prior to our journey to the United States, I had taken a 7-day cruise to Japan. This allowed my body to acclimate to the new environment and pace of life.

While some may perceive travel as pure enjoyment without any setbacks, the reality is different. The long flight from Beijing to the United States, spanning at least 10 hours, often leads to jet lag upon arrival. Even those who haven't traveled extensively may feel anxious when encountering unfamiliar environments. These factors can contribute to physical and mental discomfort, making individuals more susceptible to illness. Therefore, warming up before embarking on a journey is essential, similar to practicing a 1,000-meter run before a 10,000-meter race. Neglecting this crucial preparation can result in severe physical discomfort.

What lies ahead on our journey?

To be continued...