Hi Y'all,
Just found an
internet cafe in the Beijing airport, so I'll type for a few minutes. I've shown up early to avoid the heat of the midday and, most importantly, not to miss my flight home!
The entire 3 weeks have been an absolute blast, further reinforcing my love of travel, meeting new friends, and generally exploring places I've never been. There's been a few surprises along the way, so I'll continue the blog on my return to further explain some of the more humorous, and a few not-so-humorous, moments the 3 weeks in China have offered. I've also taken nearly 800 photos, a few of which I'll publish here from time to time.
In addition, if there's a favorable response, I can include a few pictures from some of my past travels as well. And, of course, there's Rocky, who always accompanies me (see his thrilling encounter with Bruce Lee, below).
Rocky has been a travel companion for 7 years, when he was rescued from a drug store display at a fraction of his original price. He/she (I respect Rocky's privacy) is always smiling, always giving the 'thumbs up' sign, and always wears the aviator's cap, signaling the readiness to travel. Rocky has been to China before, as well as Belgium, Australia, and a vast number of places across the US. I always encourage Rocky to be photogenic in circumstances that will bring a bit of jocularity and to invite all to join in the fun, without being disrespectful to other cultures.
In the case of the infamous Rumble in
Hong Kong, everyone seemed to be very intent on snapping a photo of themselves or a family member with the statue of Bruce, so much so that it was nearly impossible to to jostle for position and catch a clean shot (Jackie Chan's footprints were an even bigger hassle). As soon as Rocky appeared, nearly half the crowd's attention was turned toward the crazy western tourist and his sidekick (sorry, Bruce, couldn't resist the pun), with an amusement that I interpreted as easing some of the frantic pace of the
amateur photographers. It was a brief moment, but perhaps it did lighten a mood or two.
Many times, I'll be seen with Rocky and will be asked to snap a shot of a family together with their camera. I suppose Rocky has a face others can trust, and that if I can take a photo of a flying
squirrel, then surely I can take a photo of parent with their 8 year old son.
Despite the love of travel, I'm looking forward to my home's shower and my own bed. Too bad I have to report back to work 8 hours after I arrive home. I'll catch up on some sleep by the weekend, and will post new updates soon.
Later...
G
I don't know how the internet access will turn out in Hohhot, but I'll try to post when I can. I don't expect to be able to view the blog until I return to the States, so I look forward to some good comments when I return.
