First Entry: Semi-Autonomous Region, SW China

July 10, 2004

This is the first entry I am making in several months. As I write this, I am using my laptop with satellite link from deep inside a jungle in southeast China. The people here are very primitive. Most have never seen a white man before. They stare with wonder and amazement at our gadgets, and ask (through our interpreter) why we speak to small boxes by our heads(satellite phones).

It is fascinating to discover their culture and habits. We find it strange the lack of elderly people within their community. It appears no one is over middle age. Could it be disease or perhaps tribal war prevent most from reaching their golden years? I trust the answers to these and other mysteries will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Though we've only been here for two days now, an eary feeling has descended upon us. My intrepreter just informed me the village elders would like to meet with me and my team now.

more updates to come.... live the journey with me.... through blogspot.com