I always get the children to write their names on my notebook when I took photos for them. I then gave them a photo from my polaroid as a present. 100 polaroid photos every trip, to 100 lovely people that I met.
I reflect on my life after each trip. To think how do I cope with different situations. To learn how to be enlightened when things are difficult. To look for a balance between dreams and realities. To take action on present and future plans.
记得作家白落梅的书中所说,世间所有相遇,都是久别重逢。
I remember a writer called Luomei Bai said, every new encounter in the world is a reunion of some sort.
而我们的一生中,究竟会遇见或重逢多少人?
How many people do we every get to reunion in our entire life?
When we travel, those people who pass by, friends who we meet, strangers who give us help, all make me feel the magical side of the world. Those people did not just bump into my life for no reason, they were meant to be.
This then becomes an important part of travelling. We make a lot of friends despite different nationalities, languages and religions.
初见,告别,相遇,重逢,永远周而复始,循环交替。缘分中,伴随着无数次的快乐与悲伤。
To encounter, farewell, meet and reunion is like an eternal cycle. A cycle that comes with happiness and sadness. We should always keep and appreciate these beautiful memories.
最后,再借用宫崎骏大师的一段话,送给身边的朋友们。
Finally, I would like to refer to a quote by a Japanese animator and film producer, Hayo Miyazaki,
Life is like a train to the grave, there are many stops along the way, its quite difficult to get someone who could complete the entire journey with you. When people get off the train, no matter how reluctant you are, you should still feel grateful, then wave your hand and say goodbye.