Dear Auntie Jeng,

Cong-wang was admitted to Beihang University in Beijing. While sending her to college there, I took my parents along sightseeing.

Dad returned home right away after dropping me off college last time without taking a break. This was mom’s first trip away from home. We were a bit exhausted after the trip, but I was glad that my parents had a good time.

We left for Lijiang airport on September 3rd at 6 a.m. Mom was excited seeing an airplane for the first time. She was fidgety before departure, and I was concerned about her heart condition. The plane ride was fine. We checked in to the hotel upon arrival, tried the tasty local cuisine my parents were not used to. After dinner, we couldn’t wait to see Tiananmen Square,Chairman Mao Memorial Hall , Great Hall of the People and the National Museum. These TV images came alive like a dream had come true. Mom was as happy as a kid, taking many photos on this trip with the new mobile phone I bought for her.

On September 4th, we toured the Forbidden City. My parents marveled at the magnificent structures and praised the people who built them. I took my parents to ride on the subway and high-speed rail. They were offered seats. While other riders were on their phones, my parents felt uneasy but couldn’t resist looking at everything new around them.

On September 6th, Cong-wang took a COVID-19 test, and opened a bank card account. My parents planned to escort her the following day to visit the campus before returning home. Due to the Pandemics’ restrictions, and their change to an earlier flight, mom was reluctant to leave and cried for a while. I took Cong-wang to campus instead, before flying back to Shenzhen.

It has been a very memorable trip for us. For my parents, their wish has come true with all three of their daughters admitted to college; and visited their dream city Beijing. To me, my parents can do anything. Now as they grow older, I rejoice having this opportunity taking them to visit Beijing. Hope that I can take them to travel every year.

I am doing well in Shenzhen. I will do my utmost, so my parents do not have to sacrifice any more.

Wishing you, auntie, a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and good health.

Cong-xiang