Wow! What a year it has been for me and now I am taking the opportunity to start traveling the world...well at least part of the Eastern World! I'm looking forward to a great journey in spirituality, independence and cultural exploration. I will be spending 4 weeks in China with one of my closest friends, Kristin! We are tentatively planning to explore Beijing, Xi'an, Xining, Lanzhou, Tongren, Chengdu, Leshan, Kunming, Shanghai and Tibet (if we are lucky)! Sights we are planning to see are the Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, giant pandas in the Wolong Nature Reserve, Mt. Emei, bamboo forests, teahouses, The Great Buddha, Jokhang Palace, Barkhor Square, Potala Palace, Tiger Leaping Gorge and a journey on the Yangzi River to see the Three Gorges Dam. After Kristin departs I will go on to explore Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Macau. From there my journey takes me to Thailand, where I will volunteer with the Institute for Field Research Expeditions for 4 weeks. My volunteer work will be in the area of public health. I will then go on to explore Kuala Lumpur to see the Petronas Towers and the last month of travel will be exploring Singapore and Indonesia.
I know with all that's been going on in China and SE Asia many of you are already worried about me. I appreciate all the concerns you have for me. I promise to be as safe as possible. Please not only keep me in your thoughts, but all those that are in dire straits as well.
I will post as often as I can and look forward to hearing from all of you!
