Go West, young man!

Got into Urumchi Sunday October 15. It's cold, 15 Celsius. About 45 F. Introduced to Michael Rex, the Uyghur, who runs Hua Ling Grand Hotel for Mr. Mi who owns the hotel. Lawrence introduced me, checked in, and went out for the "best local Uyghur" food in Urumchi. its called MIRAGE.
Check out the photos on the right panel under "Photos" and "More..."
Urumchi is as far away as I'm ever gonna get from my present life in Hawaii. Very exotic, quite old, quite plain and dreary. But I'm here for the people and culture, a good mix of central asian n russians were staying in the hotel i was in, the same one where clinton stayed in sept 05.
Our coordinator Mike rex was invited by Bill Gates in 1996 to visit the States, at a time in history when not that many knew Mr. Bill as we know him today. Mike was the interpreter when 'Ol Bill came a-calling to Urumchi back then.

Touchdown Beijing! Immediately accosted by the Great Lawrence of China, with a bagful of gifts. The same Lawrence, my childhood friend, who welcomed Clinton to Urumchi, Xinjiang Province, and who had his book "My Life Story", signed, sealed, and delivered to me in Honolulu, Hawaii. The wonders of modern travel. And the internet Age. Thank you, God, for both!

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