When I was 17 years old I traveled to China on my own. I had already been traveling through Eastern Europe for some months, so heading to China I was a little more prepared to handle it. I started in Hong Kong, went to Macau, then from there traveled north to Hebei Province and spent most of my days in Shijiazhuang. Not a particularly beautiful city, but it is where Hebei Teachers College was located, where I studied spoken Mandarin and helped the students there learning English to practice. I made many friends while I was there, and my 18th birthday was celebrated there also. I know that China has since changed a great deal, and I am looking forward to returning and seeing how it has grown. I have many more stories to tell from some of these pictures, but I thought a basic introduction would be a good place to start. 
17 years old China hebei province Jonathans Photos shijiazhuang travel Share This
Back in 1994, or maybe it was 1995, I went to visit the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette Illinois with local Baha’i friend Walter and his son David. It was the first time I had ever visited any Baha’i House of Worship in my lifetime. There is only one on every contenant around the world, and up until then, I was living on the far West coast. Once I moved to Oshawa back then, the trip was only a slightly gruelling 10 hour drive. It was a great few days and I was extremely impressed by the detail of the architecture, and the peaceful atmosphere. Then again, I have found when stepping into Baha’i locations, it was often like stepping into a different world. As though the rest of the world surrounding it just doesn’t exist anymore.
Bahai House of Worship Jonathans Photos Share This
