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