Aloha! Thanks for visiting this blog. I’m Luis Cartagena, a rising senior in Weinberg, majoring in Earth and Planetary Sciences, and minoring in Global Health.
Last summer I spent 7-weeks backpacking in Japan—an absolutely amazing and humbling experience. This summer I return to Asia to write a new chapter in China, where I’ll be studying abroad in ancient lands with new college friends—an exciting, yet nerve-wracking concept.
As I think of my flight next week, my heart begins to race, partly because I’m concerned how Beijing’s heavily-polluted air might affect my health, but also because this trip will mark the longest time I’ve ever spent outside the U.S. Regardless of my worries, I admit there is something wonderfully strengthening and rejuvenating about this voyage, this opportunity for cultural exchange. I look forward to learning Mandarin, studying Chinese society and civilization, climbing the Great Wall, understanding the theory and practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine, eating Peking duck, dumplings, chow mein and the entire Chinese cuisine! I am also thrilled to share about both my Salvadoran and Los Angeles roots, to express my love for our cuisine—pupusas, tamales, panes rellenos, mariscadas, burritos—, to speak about my parents’ migration to the U.S., to show pictures and share stories of my life experiences throughout the world, etc.
I can’t wait to connect, sing, laugh, dance, play, smile, and relish in all the things that unite both cultures…and then share about it all with you! So please, stay tuned!