My First Journey to China: A Story of Firsts and Wonder

Around this time last year, I had one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life — my very first trip outside Africa, to China. It was not just another journey; it was a story of firsts, excitement, and discovery. Before that, the only country I had ever visited outside Sierra Leone was our neighbour, Guinea. So when the opportunity came to travel to Hefei, Anhui Province, China, it felt like a dream. ([nsert picture of my flight ticket here) 

The news came suddenly. My boss at the China-Africa Institute informed me that I had been selected to travel — but the notice came very close to the deadline. I was overjoyed yet panicked. There was no time to waste. I rushed to prepare my documents, took my passport to the embassy, and make quick arrangements at home before leaving. Every step felt like a race against time, but my excitement gave me energy. I couldn’t stop imagining what China would look like — its people, the streets, the food, the culture.