US Pro Squash Tour

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Great Wall

The Simatai portion of the Great Wall is the most impressive section. It crosses a pictoresque mountain area and has not been regularly maintained. So the climbing can be a little taxing. Jim and I had a little extra fun making it look good for the camera. Patricia, of course, is the best looking part of our entire trip. Jim and I were exhausted. Not sure, how she looked so cool.

Shandong Province

It was my pleasure to join the American Chamber of Commerce on their trade visit to Shandong Province, China's largest economic contributor. We toured several manufacturing plants including Caterpillar, Bausch and Lomb and Pepsi. Additionally, we saw some other companies that were applying cutting edge technology to industries you would not otherwise expect. The fruit and vegatables at this one farm were schockingly impressive.

Underground Warriors

The Tombs of the Underground Warriors in Xian is truly an impressive sight.

Old Siam

Singapore

I caught up to my old friend Chris Canellakis in Singapore.

Mt. Everest Base Camp

In early May, I made the trip from Lhasa to Mt. Everest (called Qomolongma by the locals). The Base Camp at Everest is basically the tents you see in the photo. Yes, those are the yaks hanging around. Of course, yak butter tea is a staple of the diet. And it kept us at least a little warm. But the winds and cold made sleeping there the most uncomfortable night I could imagine.

The winds are so strong at that altitude and it is obviously bitter cold. At night, our stove wasn't quite enough. But, hey, we were at Everest. How could you not smile.

The 7k hike from Rongpu monastery to the Base Camp was an open mouthed, breath taking 2 + hours. But to see this magical spot, you pay for it with a wild 2,ooo km trip on mostly dirt roads.

Tibetan Monks

While in Tibet, I had the chance to spend some time at the monasteries in Lhasa. The photo on the top is the monks during their morning prayers. On the bottom is a photo of us in a ligher moment.

Heilongjiang

Last week, I joined the American Chamber of Commerce delegation on their mission to Heilongjiang Province. Americans know this area better by its former name of Manchuria.

While there we were treated with exceptional warmth and hospitality.
At the many dinners and luncheons we attended, waitresses were eager to fill our glasses with wine, beer, and white liquor (百九）。
At right, I am pictured with Heilongjiang's provincial Governor Zhang.

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