@movernie
I was born in Hong Kong, immigrated to Toronto, Canada when I was a kid. I still able to speak, write and read Chinese as I speak the language at home with my parents and families.
I am proud to be Asian and proud being Canadian and calling Canada my “Home Sweet Home”!
Over the years, especially during my earlier days of covering various events and working in the social media, I have to overcome some obstacles wherever I go. There were times the security guards will pick on me and not allow me to enter a certain area to cover and generate content, even though my media credentials were the same as other journalists who are non-Asian. I don’t know what it is, perhaps I stood out? Coz most of the time, I am the only Asian in the media pit covering events. Anyhow, I will always have to ask the PR or Organizer to come rescue me or talk to the security guard to grant me access. These are challenges that others may not necessary experienced, but I do.
During the pandemic, there was a loud voice of people blaming Asian for the COVID-19 spread and Asian Hate was strong. I luv to travel, but I have to travel smart and put things in perspective. With the Asian Hate being a thing, I wanted to travel to destinations that have large Asian populations so that I can blend in and not have to worry about being standing out and being the prime target. As a tourist, I want to have a good time but also don’t want any bad things to me as I don’t have friends or families at the destinations that I am visiting. My destinations would be Asian countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Taiwan and other Asian places.
Many of my friends who are non-Asian may not even think of these things, but that’s the reality that not just me, but many of my Asians have to consider these types of things.
Anyhow, fast forward to post pandemic, I am very thankful and grateful that the Asian Hate has subsided in most parts of the world with travelling being opened up by many countries. Washington DC is a great city in United States that I felt very comfortable in visiting. It has rich history, lots of things to do, great dining experiences, lots of free activities to do for families and friends. More importantly, Washington DC embraces diversity, they don’t just say it, they do it!
During this Press Trip, I went to Chinatown, it’s a nice good size of the area during the Downtown Core, located beside the Capital One Arena, home of the NBA team, Washington Wizards. You could see Asians living in Washington DC, they set roots and life here. You could see Asians getting jobs and opportunities in DC. I feel safe walking around this city.
To top that, Washington DC is the hosting city for the World Culture Festival (WCF), welcoming people from different ethnicities to visit DC and participate in this special festival that promotes mental wellness, peace, diversity and inclusivity.
Diversity is important to me and I am very honour to participate and cover this special event.
I will never forget the people that I met, the friendships that I gained and all the memories and precious moments that I experienced during this Washington DC Press Trip!
Thank you for everything Washington DC! I am grateful and thankful for your wonderful assistance, planning and hospitality during my stay here in DC. No wonder Washington DC is #MyDCcool and #Only1DC. You are unique and you are who you are!
