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Apr 28, 2024
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us-college-trips
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就是一些简单的游记，诚然并不详实，而且美国的景色相对单一
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travel
life
USA
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Life
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A few years into my PhD, the university organized quite a few trips. Kayaking, camping, amusement parks, zoos — you name it. Here's a running log, written for my future self.
2022 Spring Break — Kayaking & Camping
March 5
Kayaked 12 miles today, about 20 km. So much fun. Watching the scenery on both banks, listening to birdsong, chatting with teammates while paddling — life felt so peaceful.
Lunch was portable food on the beach. Dinner was even more casual — instant noodles with veggies, all clumped together. But I noticed Americans really don't care much about what they eat. What matters to them is whether they're having fun.
March 6
Had the fancy American breakfast — pancakes. Didn't leave until 11. Paddled all the way to the campsite and set up tents. The Italian guy was fussy about everything and didn't finish until 4 PM.
Water fight in the afternoon. Someone's water gun broke so they just started splashing with their hands. Felt like being a kid again — silly and happy.
Back in China we have holidays too, but we never seem to truly unwind like this. Our trips are mostly guided tours to scenic spots. We rarely get the chance to go somewhere wild, think about nothing, and just be.
March 7
Woke up to birds screaming in the forest. Way too loud.
My tent mate said I screamed in my sleep. Apparently I'm more stressed than I realize.
Had a couple bites of bread for breakfast. They insisted on making coffee with filtered river water, but the water was still red after filtering — probably too much iron. Their faces turned red after drinking it and they said it was great. I was baffled.
Stopped at Buc-ee's. Everything inside was Made in China, marked up several times over. Outrageous to me, perfectly normal to Americans.
Back at camp that evening, it was only 5°C. The wind was so strong it felt like the tent might blow away.
March 8
Drove back. Had pasta at the Italian guy's place. I said I was full but wanted seconds, and he said no — if I ate more he'd have nothing left for the rest of the week. I offered to share mine but he still refused. Stubborn but lovable.
Watched the sunset at the beach — unreal. Played some ball, then an American guy forced himself into our game and completely took over. I asked my American friend if this was normal. She said he was just too aggressive.
Every country has all kinds of people. Can't judge by nationality.
March 9–11
Back to the daily routine. Watched some shows. Swimming class started — intermediate level.
Went to a mall with a classmate. He got excited and said it felt like being back in Shenzhen. I told him if he followed the crowd, he might end up at a subway station.
We talked a lot about differences between the US and China. Conclusion: both sides have their strengths, and you can't really compare. Freedom comes with a price.
March 12
Went to the zoo. Freezing cold.
Could barely see any animals.
The ones we saw lived in tiny spaces. Kind of heartbreaking.
March 17
Went out for desserts with a friend in the afternoon, then rice noodles for dinner. The restaurant was packed with Chinese people. Pricey, but the food was genuinely good — felt like being back in China.
Ran into a professor who spoke Chinese with a very American vibe: "You're doing great! Good for you, getting out to treat yourself!" We didn't know each other, but the warmth was memorable. Maybe everyone gets like that after living in the US long enough.
March 18
Amusement park day! Barely anyone there. Rode everything multiple times with zero lines.
Roller coasters are the best stress relief. I thought: if I had a car, I'd buy an annual pass and come here whenever I'm in a bad mood.
Tickets were $70. If it's always this empty, absolutely worth it.
March 19
Played frisbee with a group of foreigners. Had a blast. Hit the gym for leg day afterward. Came home and made crêpes, boiled cabbage with shrimp and asparagus topped with Lao Gan Ma chili sauce. Pretty healthy meal.
Meant to read papers but scrolled my phone until 9:40, then fell asleep and didn't wake up until 7 AM. Went to bed at 2 the night before with no nap — the body just can't keep up.
March 20
March is almost over before I know it. Need to organize all the papers I've read and prepare a report. Massive workload.
Note to self: stop doomscrolling celebrity gossip. It does absolutely nothing for your life.
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