The greatest journey of my life (besides life itself) is my trip to Shanghai, Beijing, and Feicheng in China last summer; of course, when I saw the title of this week’s photo challenge, I went to that file. I also searched for appropriate quotes related to journey (there are hundreds available on a myriad of websites and blogs). Nothing rang true. Besides, I’ve already posted the best pictures I’d taken in China.
Then I saw this image.
I took this journey to China with my team of three other educators; we conducted workshops on teaching strategies for teachers of English as a foreign language. Before we began work in Feicheng, we explored Shanghai. While I stayed behind the camera and spoke little, my friend (in the straw hat) was actively making friends. We were on the subway just a few minutes before he struck up a conversation (translated by the children) with this family.
One of the lessons I learned on this journey is that we are more alike than different. We may look and sound different, but we share common desires for good health and something meaningful to do. We want to provide for our families and to feel safe in our homes. We want to laugh, to love, and to live fully. We search in some way for a spiritual connection. We journey, even if we never venture outside of our home village. If we are fortunate, we share our journey with good people who support and encourage us.
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” – Tim Cahill
Well depicted and well said, Mona. Great shot.
Thank you, Gina. I was fascinated watching him reach out to strangers everywhere we went, while I was afraid to do little more that smile from a distance.
That is indeed a wonderful photo, Mona! It is nice to “see” you again. I hope you are feeling better. Have a happy weekend! ~ Lily
Thank you, Lily … and I’m feeling MUCH better. And I hope you have a happy weekend as well. ~Mona
Lovely interpretation Mona! Wish you a wonderful Easter weekend!
Thank you. My Easter was wonderful because I rested and napped. I hep yours was wonderful, Madhu.
Perfect journey! I love it.
It was!
“We may look and sound different, but we share common desires for good health and something meaningful to do. We want to provide for our families and to feel safe in our homes. We want to laugh, to love, and to live fully. We search in some way for a spiritual connection.”
So true…
This is funny: I read your comment & thought “hey, that’s pretty good” and then I noticed you were quoting my post. Ain’t that a hoot? I didn’t even remember that I’d written it … and I’m pretty darn glad that I like what I wrote, because not so long ago, I was disgusted by my own writing.
Thank you for noticing that.
I think that the greatest revelation for me as I got to know the people of China is that we are more alike than different. I was a tremendous eye-opener for me.
LOL…. Well I loved what you wrote in that post..
China is a wonderful journey. Each step takes you someplace new.
I am learning that more and more.
I liked the quote very much.