SHORT STORY

Packing my bag, I told myself it’s going to be okay. I was so nervous. It was my first time travelling on a plane. I told my byes to parents and hopped on a taxi and reached the airport. I was already regretting my decision to travel alone. At 7.30 pm, I got onto my plane to China. On the plane, while everyone was sleeping, I had to learn Chinese. I felt so nervous when a woman began staring at me. Of course, anyone would get shocked by a 13-year-old travelling all by herself crossing oceans.

Soon, I reached China. I quickly wanted to take a taxi, but there was a problem. The taxi driver was Chinese. I tried to speak in formal Chinese, but failed. So, I tried talking in baby Chinese. It worked. I quickly hopped on a taxi and went to my aunt Lia’s home. I quickly dressed in Chinese cultural costume. I was shocked by the way my aunt decorated her house. It was all red. My aunt said the next day was Chinese New Year. We quickly left our house to explore the streets.

I asked my aunt whether she knew Chinese or not. She said no with a smile. But my smile faded away at her response. On seeing my morose expression, aunt told me not to worry. She said she had Google Translate app with her. I then remembered that I too have a phone with me. Soon we began exploring. Everyone was dressed in red. They painted their buildings red. It was great to look at. To be honest, I like Chinese culture. But the people weren’t that friendly, which is all right. Next, I FaceTimed with my mom. Told her how I felt.

Later my aunt and I went to visit the fake Paris. They even faked Eiffel Tower, the streets, the house, everything in Paris. It felt just like I was in France. At the same time there were way too many visitors. I thought, “Of course there are too many people because China is the second most populous country.”

My aunt laughed saying, “They faked France for tourist attraction.”

The best thing about China is that they have no official religion. I like it because I too don’t believe in gods. China is a really good and knowledgeable country. I would totally recommend it. Soon it’s time for me to go to LA. Luckily my aunt booked a taxi for me to the airport. I took a deep breath, said bye to China and took my seat in the aeroplane. The whole trip was really adventurous, happy, and memorable.

 by

Lakshmi Meghana Y

Class VIII

Written in February 2024