Join me in 2009

Hope everyone is having or had a great New Year's Eve. It is a beautiful New Year's Day here in Xiamen, China. A bright sunny day, where the green of the leaves and blue of the water sparkle. Especially noteworthy on the most optimistic and hopeful day of the year. Although, it's "just another day", it holds a special meaning. New Year's Day provides a sense of optimism and hope for a brighter tomorrow. I enjoy looking back on all of the great times and even the hard times of the best year, but looking forward to all the possibilities and fantastic times ahead feels so much better. Even if the path to get there may have obstacles. We must hold on to this sense of optimism and hope throughout the year. Enjoy the day wherever you are and raise your glass to the possibilities in 2009.

New Photos and must read Book

Had a great Christmas here in Shanghai with a few Aussie's I met in Chongqing. Also, due to their generosity, was able to upload some more photos. Enjoy and descriptions to follow, some need none. In addition, just finished reading Thomas Friedman's new book, "Hot, Flat, and Crowded". It is a must read so pick-up a copy and learn how America's economy can be revived and decrease global warming at the same time. If you haven't read his other book, "The World is Flat", you may want to read it first. Not to say it is the end all be all, but really ties a lot of things together.

Was able to talk with the family, who is celebrating Christmas and a wedding in New Orleans via Skype, another amazing advance in technology. Almost perfect video and phone call for free. It was so good to see everyone partying their ass off and celebrating. In addition to talk with my beautiful girlfriend Sarah and her parents as if I was enjoying Christmas with them. So many wonderful people in the world, if we can only be everywhere at once. Hope all of you were able to celebrate in your own way and have a Happy New Year, wherever you may be.

Chris

photos in Xian and surrounding area: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/OdysseyInTheOrientXian#

Chengdu: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/AnOdysseyInTheOrientChengdu#

Chongqing: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/AnOdysseyInTheOrientChongqing#

Wuhan: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/AnOdysseyInTheOrientWuhan#

Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays

Have been making my way east along the Yanghtze and now am in Shanghai. Have had a wonderful time meeting new people and celebrating life. I should have some photos soon, but just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays all around the world. Hope you are able to share the time with family and friends.

Love,
Chris

Time flies

It's been over 2 weeks, since I arrived in China and over 2 weeks since I posted. It has been that crazy, fun, educational, and more. I have had little time to stop and smell the roses as I have made it to the southwest of China. And I do not believe, I would want it any other way. When traveling, you are there to take it all in to engage the culture, as much as a tourist on the move can, and see as much as possible. In doing so, I have compiled many photos and video to record my experiences and in the mean time will show all the interesting and fun things I have been up to. Enjoy and as I have some more time, I'll post more and provide descriptions and background. Have a wonderful week wherever you are in the world.

CW

The link to make it easier: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/ANODYSSEYINTHEORIENT#

and here: http://picasaweb.google.com/wittec/OdysseyInTheOrientXian#

Sippin' Tea Below Freezin'

Thanks for all of your kind words and great information from those of you who have travelled to Asia. Even though, it's only been a short time, since I left, it's so great to get messages from all of you.

I arrived in Beijing early this morning to below freezing weather and a near empty airport. One can tell that this is not the high tourist season. I must have missed the memo.

Still, the airport is state of the art and the new train to Beijing was just as nice. The benefits of said low season and coming after the Chinese spent billions on the Olympics were obvious.

Once off the train, I was no longer in the bubble and the smell of diesel and coal hit me smack in the face. Even at 6:30 in the morning there were people and cars everywhere, and not a person could point me in the right direction. After crossing our version of 6th ave and I-25 by foot, 2-3 times, I whipped out the compass and a few mile jaunt, I found my way to a great hostel, complete with all the comforts of a backpacker's delight, internet, english/german speaking foreigners, a bar, etc. All the things that Andrew and I would scuff at on our trips to South America, but so nice to have when you're flying solo. (you can even check out the website: www.backpackingchina.com) I feel a bit embarrassed about taking the easy way out on this one, but their Jasmine tea is amazing.

I'll be spending the next few days following the Gringo Trail of Beijing. I'll keep you posted and may even have a few photos to send your way.

Just more than a day left until the greatest holiday man has ever created.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Chris

PS. Not all my posts will be as boring as this one, but I figured it was important to provide you all with the turkey and stuffing before providing you with the twice baked potatoes and pecan pie to follow.

Different Map of China

Map of China

Map of Asia