My Travels in East Asia Essay Example

I truly have been missing your presence when embarking on my travels in East Asia. However, they have been far from monotonous. I started my exhibition at the Tibetan Plateau. On our way, I saw its bounding mountains, the Himalayas to the southern edge, and the Kunlun and Altyn Mountains to the northern edge. I was informed that the plateau also reaches into its neighboring providence, Qinghai. As we approached the plateau, its altitudes soared above the clouds, and the sound of animals rang in my ears. The travel guide informed me that that was the noise of the vultures and hawks who resided in the area. Cool right? As the car ascended along the plateau further, I saw towering elevations of over 4,500 meters (14,800 feet). These heightened altitudes are what make it known as the highest plateau in the world. When we arrived at one of its high altitudes, the travel guide informed us of its climate. He said that they are often uninformed: freezing and windy but arid in the winter. On the contrary, the plateau remains cool in summer, with only slight variations between night and day (due to solar radiation). As dusk started to settle in we drove away from Tibet and prepared for our next days' trip to the Yellow River. When we arrived at the river, the color of the water was captivating. Its mustard undertones and the extensive route was baffling to see up close. For my travels, I divided the river into three parts; the upper, middle, and lower sections. I started my journey at the upper, where I learned it reaches about 2,000 miles, including upland swamps and pastures of the Tibetan Plateau. It also gorges in foothill country to the Gobi Desert. Gradually we ascended towards the middle region. It was there that I was enlightened on the fact that it reaches 700 miles, occupying China’s Loess Plateau Region. Where major factors of sediments are suspended. These sediments are the “yellow” loess sediment that it carries when traveling through the Loess Plateau. This is why we know it as the “Yellow River.” Continuing with my travels, as I was forging along to the lower section, I pondered on the thought of seeing the endangered Chinese Forest Musk Deer, that is known to live in the area. Eventually, when I approached the lower section I was informed that it reaches 500 miles, and due to sediment accumulation forms the world-famous “above the ground river.” The source of the river is known to be the Bayan Har Mountains, and it empties into the Bohai Sea. Did you know that archeologists predict the river was most prosperous dating back into early Chinese history? The travel guide informed me that 2100-1064 BC was when the river was in its most prosperous state. To conclude that expedition, I went to my hotel and prepared for the upcoming trudge of the Gobi Desert. The Gobi desert is located in northern China, and parts lie within southern Mongolia. Its basins are bounded by the Altai mountains and grassland steppes of Mongolia in the north. To the southwest, it is bounded by the Tibetan Plateau and the North China Plain. The trudge began through the dry, arid lands, and withheld sparse vegetation. It had dwindling dunes due to the counteracting effects of weathering and erosion, and aren’t as scenic as one may believe them to be. Notably, the Great Mongolian Empire was flourishing in the Gobi Desert (along the Silk Road) in 1206. It led it to be known, in more recent times, as the largest contiguous land empire of the world. After walking across its long terrain, I finally decided to attend to my journey home. I wish you were here to see and learn about all the interesting things East Asia has to offer. I miss you, and can’t wait to tell you more about my wondrous travels when I get home.