How have you been? I’m having a good time on my holiday in Shangri-La. It is the name of a city in Yunnan, China. I decided to come here because I wanted to experience the real Shangri-La for myself, even if it’s different from the paradise we read about in the book. So far, I really like it here.

On Monday, I left Lhasa at noon, and after changing flights once, I reached Shangri-La at eight in the evening. That night, I was so tired that I had a quick bite to eat and then crashed at the hotel.

Yesterday, I went to the Potatso National Park. The park covers such a wide area that the ticket for the park includes a bus tour, as it is the only way to see all the major sites in one day. Just to give you an idea of how large the place is, imagine a park that spans across vast forests, wetlands, lakes, meadows, and several villages! On the bus, I made friends with the passengers around me, and they said that I had definitely picked the right season to visit the park. The autumn scenery, they said, would be absolutely picture-perfect.

On top of its beautiful scenery, the park is also famous for its rich biological diversity. Did you know that Potatso makes up less than one percent of China’s total land area, but it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant and animal species? I even saw two black-necked cranes (鹤) at the picturesque Bita Lake! Bita Lake is absolutely my favorite place in Potatso. Just imagine, a beautiful lake, blue skies, majestic mountains, and golden trees all around me. Spending time there can be an amazing experience, which gives me a good rest.

Tomorrow, I am going hiking at the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Fingers crossed that there will be good weather! Anyway, I need to get some sleep now since tomorrow’s going to be a long day, but I’ll tell you all about it when I get back!

Love,

Chris

Jessica Nabongo longs to set foot in every nation. She started traveling at age four, along with her parents on family trips from Detroit, Michigan and completed her mission when she landed in the Seychelles, having visited 195 countries. 【小题1】 Along the way, she became a writer, photographer, and passionate advocate for inclusive and ethical(道德的) tourism .

Here she talks to us about her experience and tips for traveling better.

What inspires your adventures?

【小题2】 I have a strong desire to see the differences and similarities in how people live everywhere in the world, even at home in the United States.

Did you ever experience any obstacles?

I don’t believe in failure. 【小题3】 Embarrassment isn’t a natural human personality, in my eyes－it comes from socialization. If I fell over in the middle of Grand Central Station, I’d laugh at myself. I firmly believe that every failure in your life is just an opportunity to learn.

【小题4】

My mother has always said “ humble(使谦逊) yourself.” I appreciate it because when you travel, depending on your passport, depending on your social class, depending on so many different things, you can go to places with a lot of ego（自我）, or you can humble yourself and know that everyone is equal.

What are some things people can do to travel more sustainably(可持续地)?

Single－use plastic is one of the biggest things harming Earth right now, so a lot of my focus is on that. 【小题5】 If you’ re in a restaurant and you don’ t have a big appetite, ask for a half portion. It’s about being a deliberate(慎重的) traveler, just taking that extra minute to think how I can have a lower impact on this place that I’ m in and on the planet in general.

Inspiration Tower

Inspiration Tower is on the highest point in Southwest Missouri. Take a glass lift to the spacious observation deck (甲板). The views are absolutely phenomenal in any season. On a clear day, you can see over 90 miles. Opens from 9 am to 5 pm daily: closes at 4 pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Titanic Museum Attraction

You’ll enter as a guest and leave as a Titanic Passenger! The exhibits you see throughout the ship are real and valued at over 4 million dollars. Visit a room where you can touch an authentic iceberg (冰山) and experience the coldness of the icy waters where the Titanic sank. Walk along decks at the same angle as the decks when the ship went down.

Shepherd of the Hills

Celebrate the Spirit of the Season at Shepherd of the Hills. NEW this year is "The North Pole Adventure". This All-New Family Walk Through Experience takes you on a journey through thousands of bright lights, hot chocolate stands and man-made objects. Don't forget to visit Santa's Workshop for a visit without Santa. This experience requires good weather.

7D Dark Ride Adventure

For an interactive game like you've never experienced before, gather your courage and check out the 7 D Dark Ride Adventure! Put all seven of your senses to the test today, at the 7D Dark Ride Adventure, a 3D ride guaranteed to get your heart pumping. Not recommended for visitors with back or heart problems.