Stories from China (Part 39)

This entry is part 39 of 40 in the series Stories from China

June 22, 2023

Stories from China (Part 39)

By Simon J. Lau

For my final post, I’d hoped to share an amazing story about my last meal. Unfortunately, in my rush to make it to the airport, there was no time to enjoy it properly. So instead, here’s a photo of my favorite breakfast from this trip: pork noodles, soup dumplings, and soy milk. 🍜🥟🥛

After breakfast, I took a bus to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). When I got off at my stop, I worried I might have gotten off too early. According to the app, I still had to walk a mile from a quiet residential street corner to the terminal. I never imagined an airport entrance would be within walking distance of a neighborhood like that, but apparently, it was.

Inside Terminal 3, the ceiling immediately caught my attention. A web of red steel beams crisscrossed overhead, supporting a geometric grid of angled white slats. The entire space felt bright and airy, a mix of sharp lines and open space designed to make even the busiest terminal feel expansive.

Over the past six weeks, I’ve fallen into a rhythm I’ll miss: the chance encounters, the shared experiences with new friends, the unique photographs, and most of all, the sense of adventure and freedom that only comes with solo travel. At the same time, I’m looking forward to seeing my family and taking the time to organize my thoughts. I owe it to myself to share something more substantial once I’m home. All in due time.