Ch 3: Where Everything Is Made

It's been a week since I last stepped foot into an office building. It's strange at first waking up on a Monday morning, thinking that I'd be running late for work then realizing that it's Monday (morning post no job) and the first of many Monday's where I'm awakened by the light of the sun warming up my face rather then the shocking ring of an alarm clock. I have to say I prefer the sun. Vacations are really a mental state as much as a physical state as I had already forgotten what day it was by Wednesday (or was it Thursday?).

Back to China. A little leg work can make the difference between a great time and a great time ruined by bad equipment, ill preperation, and a general air of confusion. Prepping for backpacking through China is no different. Here's a short list of what I'm bringing:

• Personal Papers and Currency (Amex, ID, Passport, Cash Etc.)
• Xerox copy of passport (carried seperately)
  
• Backpack ( A great Northface Terra 50 Liters- If there's anything to go cheap on, your pack should be last on that list)
• Shorts, T-shirts, Slacks, Belt, Socks, and boxers)
• Compass
• Flash light
• Paper Bags (for every occasion you can think of and then some)
• Rubber bands
• First Aid kit & Toleitries
• Sandals (If there's anything to go cheap on, a good pair of walking sandals should be second to last on that list)
• Caps and hat
• Camera
• Bandanas
• Watch (with alarm)
• Post Cards (to give to other travelers along the way)
• Toilet Paper (Travelling in Asia? Never Ever go anywhere without your TP, it's essential as vital as you passport. Even if you are held up remember that passports can be replaced so hold onto that TP.)
  

The basics are there. This list can go on forever but when it comes down to it I have to remember that I'm going to China. If your reading this, look at the five nearest items to you. Turn them over. I bet at least 3 out of the 5 items are enscribed with these three little words, "Made in China". So I won't sweat if I think of something last minute or when I'm already in China because hey I'll be in China, the land where EVERTHING seems to be made these days.

Ch 2: Oh, The Places You'll Go!

China is big- her land mass is almost equal to that of the US. Add to the mix a history that spans multiple millenniums and a dizzying array of both cultural and geographic diversity. What you get is a lifetimes worth of travel. But I don't have a lifetime (at least for this trip). Just the beginning of my summer. So here's what I'm shooting for. Ancient man made sites with great historical and cultural value. Environments and landscapes of unique natural beauty. And lastly places where I can witness how Chinese society is evolving today- both in how people live and play. I think a map would help at this point so I’ve attached a pic of our planned route. Highlights include:

• Beijing- Modern and ancient center of government and the arts.
• Hohhot- Inner Mongolian capital surrounded by grasslands once ruled over by the great Khan. How do the Mongols live today?
• Xi'an- Home of the first emperor and his terra cotta army. Rumors say the remains of the first Buddha lay in a temple nearby.
• JiuZaiGou- A goddess dropped her mirror which shattered and formed the 1000 lakes of this beautiful countryside nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas.
• Kunming- The land of eternal spring and gateway to Tibet.
• Guilin- Picture perfect streams and rivers surrounded by green mountains. A good place to spend a lazy afternoon on the water.
• Huangshan- The "Yellow Mountain". The most famous of the China's 5 Taoist mountains. If you are to climb one mountain in China this would be the one.
• Shanghai- Center of commerce and fast living

Nothing is written in stone however so the route may change along with the weather or train schedules. The only thing I can do is plan for uncertainty as best as I can and keep advice from a childhood advisor in hand:

"But on you will go though the weather be foul
On you will go though your enemies prowl
On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl

Onward up many a frightening creek,
though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak.
On and on you will hike and I know you'll hike far
and face up to your problems whatever they are.

You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know.
You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go.
So be sure when you step.
Step with care and great tact
and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act.

Just never forget to be dexterous and deft.
And never mix up your right foot with your left."

-Dr. S

Ch 1: The Journey of a 1,000 Miles (6,965 actually)

6,965 miles (or 11213.65 kilometers) is the distance between Washington D.C. and Beijing, China. That's where I will be flying to this coming July, 2006. It's the trip of a lifetime (so far) for me as I will have the opportunity to back pack through a country rich in history and culture during a time when it is returning to the world stage (after quite a long slumber).

My name is Ashton Lee and this is a log of my soon to be travels through China this summer of 2006. I will be joined on this journey by my three younger brothers. It's one of those fortunate moments in time- they are all undergraduate students and I am an 06-07 graduate student with the summer "off". I want to share my experiences and thoughts throughout this trip with friends and family that can not be with us. I'm also a big fan of self reflection and what better way then to blog? Think of this as your own personal tour through china without having to leave the comforts of your computer screen.