Doorway to the Future

The children in Asia remind us of all we have in common with people across the world. Almost everyone under the age of 30 spoke English quite fluently. They also welcomed our presence in their midst. These young people provide the doorway to our shared future. 

Fellow Travelers

Group travel requires good will, patience, esprit de corps, and self understanding. Our group displayed all of these qualities and more. It was a pleasure to learn from my "Emory School" colleagues and from those we met along the way.

City Lights and Sights

Hong Kong is where east meets west.  A thriving multicultural city, our senses were stimulated by the vastness of the buildings, the variety of the cuisine, and the vibe in the air. Its universities are transitioning to a four-year curriculum, and their facilities are modern and innovative. We couldn't have asked for a more engaging time for a final stop on a whirlwind visit to Asia.

Food for Thought

Our visit to Asia was full of thought, action, and multi-course meals. Every place we visited brought forward local favorites and tasteful presentations. It was also a tea lovers delight!

Just a Few Random Photos

Cross-cultural friendship

DMZ

Climbing the Great Wall

Rickshaw ride

S. Korean classmate

Distinguished Korean alumni

Emory/Nanjing Orchestra debut

Seoul Notes

The Korean Wrapping Cloth is a multiple-colored rectanglular shape used traditionally to wrap vessels and household items. The iconic cloth has now become embedded in artistic renderings of Korean culture. This particular one is a wall hanging, but others find their way onto scarves and tablecloths and jewelry. It captures well the aesthetic vibrancy of Korean culture.

After a day spent at the DMZ, we leave for Hong Kong early tomorrow morning, sure to be another fascinating piece in the puzzle of this alluring part of the world.

Seoul Sights

This city is full of a rich array of sights and sounds--from skyscrapers to elegant birds. We visited both Yonsei and Ewah Universities today along with the Korean War Memorial. All are inspiring. The Koreans are especially grateful and gracious to Americans. Their technology systems are on full display in the subways, libraries, and street corners.

Black Sesame

Tonight we had dinner ar Black Sesame. We were joined by Evan Osnos, China correspondent for The New Yorker. Dinner, conversation, probing ideas into the local consciousness filled our minds as well as stomachs.

All this after a full day of climbing part of The Great Wall, visiting the Ming Dynasty tomb, stopping by the jade factory, and a photo opp at the Bird's Nest. The air quality was poor today until a refreshing rainfall this evening. Tomorrow we're off to S. Korea.

My New Friend

Beijing Warrior

China Times

I've now been in China for almost a week--from Shanghai to Nanjing to Beijing. All connections, arrangements, and meetings have gone extrmely well. The weather has been hot--Atlanta style! In both Shanghai and Nanjing there was quite a bit of smog, but we can see the blue skies in Beijing.

The cities are modern, friendly, and busy with excellent infrastructure. We've met up with many incoming Emory students and alumni. And had some great sightseeing tours. Today alone we covered the Confucius Institute, a rickshaw tour, and the Forbidden City. It is inspiring to see so much history mixed with all of the modern technology and transportation systems. The high speed train from Shanghai to Nanjing was especially efficient and comfortable. All in all, a fabulous (if somewhat exhausting) trip.

Beijing Opera Star

June rambles

A year ago this time I was just arriving in India for an enchanted voyage.  This year, in two days, I'll be heading to China--Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong--and then Seoul, South Korea.  I hope to find ways to keep my loyal followers posted on my Asian encounters in a new part of the world for me.