1 . I love travelling, but it hasn’t always been my passion. In my first year of university, I started to travel during the holiday. During the Christmas holiday I went to Paris, and during the spring vacation, I visited Athens and various cities in Italy. I was very excited because this was the first time I had travelled abroad with just my friends. This desire to travel started off simply as a way to have something to look forward to after exams, but I soon discovered how important it is to travel.

On my travels I have had the opportunity where I not only experience new and exciting cultures through the art, history, language and food, but also communicate with people who have different views on life. Travelling is a learning experience for both yourself and the people you meet. Some people I met during my travels had never heard of Gambia and it was very delightful to share my African roots with them. When you travel you will meet people who have different cultural backgrounds and as a result, sometimes your own ideas and opinions might be challenged. It’s important to learn to see things from other people’s perspectives (视角) and challenge your own.

This is how I realized that travelling is the realization of home. When you travel you can see a different setting, a different language and a different way of living.

Travelling is truly an enriching experience and I am always excited about the discoveries that wait for me in my next adventure!

2 . Working on your adventure list? These national park treasures which turn favorites during the harvest time should be on it.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

33, 000 acres of forests wait between Cleveland and Akron, all along the snaking Cuyahoga River. The park will delight you with plenty of outdoor activities suiting every interest, but do not climb over the fenced areas, rocks, or Brandywine Falls. Now the red maple trees will be visually on fire, which you can enjoy from the comfort of the tourist railway—Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

Extending some 160 miles along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, this series of parks includes a historic building, untouched barrier islands, and sugar-white beaches. Don’t miss the Fort Pickens area, which is a perfect spot to observe wild animals living in the scenic natural environment. With an average high of 79°F and a low of 60°F, the fall weather here is exceptional.

Voyageurs National Park

Yellow and red leaves in fall will catch your eyes, contrasting with this parks’ glassy waters. In the Land of 10, 000 Lakes, there are no roads in the park, so visitors use boats to cross this remote 218, 000-acre park. Some 100+ bird species, even the rare ones, pass through the park, so keep an eye out for them.