FA China Tour

When I was growing up we thought if we could dig a hole straight through the earth we end up in China.  I later found out that the exact opposite of Iowa was probably somewhere in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  Nevertheless, China was about as far away as I could imagine, and Chinese about as different as any culture and language on the planet.  That much remains true today.

The differences were not a stumbling block however, they were a curiosity.  The fact that China wasn’t like us made it attractive, engaging and ‘wonder’ful.  30 years later I feel more knowledgeable but no less fascinated by the history, traditions, languages and cultures of all Asia – most of which seem to originate along the two rivers of Chinese civilization, the Yellow River in the north, and the Long River of the south.

I extend an invitation to all readers, but especially to my colleagues and coach of “23 Things”, to travel with me as your guide to visit varied and wondrous places, to meet Chinese people and hear their voices tell about life in China, and to join in the search for a better understanding of the enigmatic realm on the far side of our planet.

Got your shovel?  Start digging!  We embark on June 25, 2009 and return to the States on August 15, 2009.