Stealth

The day before my departure to Asia, I received a thorough briefing without any knowledge of who would be joining me on this adventure. However, the meeting point for my travel companions turned out to be a familiar location, adding a sense of comfort to my nerves.

Having never ventured beyond the borders of the United States, let alone an entire continent, I decided to spend the night at my mother’s house. It was a way to seek solace and gather my thoughts before embarking on this grand journey that would take me far away from the bustling streets of Washington, D.C.

In the early hours of the morning, as darkness enveloped the surroundings, I bid farewell to my mother and stepped out of her home. A yellow taxicab awaited me, parked right in front. The driver silently opened the trunk, allowing me to stow away my two pieces of luggage before settling into the backseat.

With an air of secrecy, the taxicab glided through the deserted parkway, its driver maneuvering with utmost stealth. The silence between us only added to the mysterious atmosphere, heightening my anticipation for what lay ahead.

As we approached the checkpoint gate, it became evident that the taxicab could go no further. I retrieved my belongings from the trunk and proceeded to identify myself to the authorities. Once cleared, I was escorted to the designated meeting point where my team awaited.

Under the cover of darkness, we moved silently towards a brightly illuminated area. Not a word was exchanged between me and the armed military officer accompanying me. The closer we got, the clearer the silhouettes of people and a massive aircraft became visible.

And there it was, standing tall and ready for our mission — a C131 aircraft, accompanied by a team of ten skilled men who would be my companions throughout this journey to Beijing, China. The fact that the U.S. Air Force had assembled this Mission Impossible–like team for my expedition filled me with excitement and anticipation.

My heart raced with exhilaration as I realized the magnitude of this opportunity. With the U.S. Air Force by my side, I was ready to embark on this extraordinary adventure to Asia.

During my time in Asia, I gained valuable insights and experiences. In Singapore, we were informed that jaywalking was strictly prohibited. This law was at the forefront of my mind as I ventured out for some shopping near our hotel.

The culinary delights in Singapore left a lasting impression on me. I can still vividly recall the mouthwatering dish I savored at a restaurant where we all gathered to dine. The spare ribs and pork and beans were exquisitely seasoned, offering a truly delightful gastronomic experience.

In China, I encountered another interesting aspect of daily life. The use of U.S. Dollar was strictly forbidden, and we had to adapt to the Chinese yuan as the accepted currency.

While exploring the shopping district near our hotel, I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful women. We decided to grab a bite at McDonald’s. Surprisingly, our conversation flowed effortlessly, as if we were long-lost friends. Their curiosity about me was reciprocated, as I was equally intrigued by their stories and backgrounds.

A visit to a boutique store in Singapore presented me with a cultural shock. The store exclusively catered to petite women, offering clothing sizes ranging from zero to five. It was a stark contrast to the availability of garments in large sizes, such as a size 10, which I was accustomed to back home.

One of the highlights of my time in China was exploring three iconic historical sites: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. Witnessing the grandeur and significance of these landmarks was truly awe-inspiring, leaving an indelible mark on my memories.

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(Copyright Dana Esposito. All rights reserved.)