What a difference a year makes. Doesn’t seem like it was that long ago that I was packing for what at times seems like an extended road trip. Home is still in Ottawa, but seems I now have a second home. It’s amazing how quickly time passes. Just a year ago I was saying goodbye to my wife, dog, family and friends. At times it feels like yesterday and at other times seems like a lifetime ago.
In the space of a year I’ve met many people. From the couple who eke out a meager living recycling bottles and selling tourist maps to the mother of one of the students killed in 1989 Tiananmen Square. The Canadian Doctor who has a team that brings smiles to kids with cleft palates who otherwise can't afford the surgery and would be left to a lifetime of poverty. A guy who still to this day makes and flies kites the old fashion way.
I’ve been up north to Chungchun, down south to Nanning, and wind farms in Hebei. Went to Taiwan to see the Dali Lama. Been to Thailand for a riot, and Philippines for floods. Still much to see and do; Cambodia, Vietnam would be nice to visit this year. Burma, but I doubt they’d let the likes of us in. Also would like to get out to Mongolia to see the Gobi desert and points beyond.
I guess the best part of this job is seeing new things. The Great Wall is always a spectacular sight. Especially when you can get away from the crowds and have it all to yourself. So as I start year two and put my family through another year of missing, worrying and wondering I just want to say thanks for putting up with my adventures and we will see you sometime this year. Happy 2010!
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