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The stage is set, the players are in place...




There was something that was just right about the arrival of the last Silk Route rider to Shanghai, Jan Kramer. Here it was: less than 12 hours before the first kilometers of a 12000+ kilometer cycling journey across seven countries, the gear for the entire tour lying out, half-sorted, in the parking lot of Shanghai’s Panorama Hotel. That was when Jan rolled up, with four months of gear strapped to his bike and his back, looking equally absurd and awe-inspiring. Airport shuttle? Not for Jan; he’d ride his bike. For the final piece of the puzzle, this seemed exactly right.



During the last several days Shanghai has been an appropriate backdrop to assemble of the tour’s intricately interlocked pieces. The bold ambition of the Silk Route finds a perfect home amid the city’s audacious energy: it feels like a place where anything can happen. For Silk Route riders the hours here have been a blur of preparations large and small: shuttles from the airport, jet-lagged 5AM along the brick-cobbled Bund, map study and meeting notes, beguiling authorities at airport customs and the hotel reception desk. Most importantly, it’s also been a time for riders to introduce themselves to the likeminded cast of riders who will share some very high highs and very low lows over the next months (many of which will happen while wearing cycling shorts). Everyone has been busy: In roughly the same time it takes a rider to navigate scooter-gnarled streets to replace a bent bike spoke and slurp some hand-pulled noodles, the tour’s chef barters her way through the city’s culinary market to build mobile kitchen from scratch.



The first informal ride – to “get the cobwebs out” as one rider put it – was last night, when Bill Gaylord, leader of Shanghai’s SISU cycling club, led a 36k ride under the Technicolor glow of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline. Passing the site of the 2010 world expo, the tour included a healthy dose of insight about China’s vibrant southern city. And while the first impressions of China included plenty of moments of singular, surreal beauty – kites floating over the skyline rigged with LED lights to resemble UFOs, a crowded ferry ride across the dark currents of the Huangpu River, the glistening sparkle of a freshly constructed Louis Vuitton shop  – when the group got split in half at a frenzied stoplight and was forced to violate a fair share of the city’s loosely observed cycling conventions, it was also a good introduction to one of the tour’s fundamental elements: the importance of staying cool amid chaos.



Tonight, on the eve of the convoy ride out of Shanghai and official opening to the tour, riders and staff retreated to their rooms sharing a heady mix of excitement, anxiety, apprehension and elation. But then again, if you didn’t have butterflies on the eve of facing the most unpredictable suite of physical and psychological tests, check your pulse.

  -- Nate Cavalieri

Posted May 18, 2012 by Guest Author
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Cultural Tips for Traveling in China




China, a country of 1.3 billion people, is 5,000 years old and extends over 3.6 million square miles. Before you travel there, learn what you can about this fascinating culture. You’ll want to enjoy your time there, avoid misunderstandings and confusion, and if you’re going there on business, ensure that you are showing the right amount of respect required to make a positive impression and build lasting relationships.  

Saving Face  

Much of what the Chinese value culturally is based on the philosophy established by the teachings of Confucius more than 2,000 years ago. This established Chinese concepts of respect for the social order.   The notion of “saving or losing face” is crucial in China. “Face” can be granted, lost or gained according to one’s actions, one’s reputation, or being embarrassed or disgraced publicly. The Chinese see themselves as part of the collective—the idea of the individual separate from the pack is not valued here. You must avoid losing face or causing someone else’s loss of face in all situations.  

First Meetings and Introductions

 

In introductions, the Chinese give their last name first, then their first name. (The name Zhou Chang, for example, would be Mr. Chang Zhou in Western terms.) Always call people by their correct title (Mrs., Mr., Ms. or Miss) then their last name, never by their first or last name alone. Always use titles unless asks you to call them by their first name. You may be called Ms. Jane or Mr. David—but don’t follow that practice yourself.   Greet people with “Ni hao,” (NEE-how), which is, “Pleased to meet you” or “How are you?” You don’t have to bow; just nod and smile and shake hands.  

Everyday Conversation

 
In conversation, the Chinese will openly ask personal questions about a person’s age, income, marital status and so on, to find points of common interest. Do not be too familiar with people, however. Do not touch anyone in conversation (though you will be jostled and shoved in crowds!) and do not ask personal questions of someone until you know them well. Try not to accept (or give) a direct compliment (say “Not at all”), as this comes off as bragging.  

Important to remember is that China is The People’s Republic of China (Taiwan is simply The Republic of China). Never get these confused.  

Don’t be surprised if the conversation lapses into silence at some points, particularly during business discussions. Allow this graciously, and let those present mull over what has been said.  

Body Language

While in China, avoid pointing with your index finger. Indicate with an open hand instead. Never snap your fingers or shrug your shoulders or wink or use the OK sign or whistle—these vary from confusing to insulting. Do not engage in the old American habit of putting feet on a desk or coffee table.  

When sitting, be aware if you usually cross your legs that it is considered rude to show the soles of your shoes. Use both hands when offering anything to anyone. Study the art of gift giving in China; even the color of the wrapping paper must be correct to avoid bestowing bad luck.   Fortunately, smiles and laughter, along with nodding for yes, shaking head for no, are easily understood in China (though laughter can also mean at times, embarrassment).  

Meal Times

 
At a formal Chinese banquet, sample every dish, but be aware that if you clean your plate, you are signaling that you are still hungry, and will be served more food. Never leave chopsticks standing up in the rice bowl, as this is a metaphor for death. Place your chopsticks horizontally on the side of the dish. Everyone will wait to drink until the most senior person present offers a short toast. Be ready with an appropriate return toast, stating that you would like to return the hospitality, or simply toast the mutual friendship or benefit of your relationship.  

Drinking is expected, but do not over-imbibe! Know your limit, and politely indicate this at the right time. Let your host or the waiter pour for you, but if the person next to you pours a drink for you, return the gesture. If you do not or cannot drink, use a soft drink or tea for toasting. Give your host a medical reason as to why you can’t drink.  

Money is not drawn out in front of guests. Tipping is not common or expected anywhere. If you want to acknowledge excellent service, tip them in private.  

 If your crowd goes in for karaoke after dinner, it’s important to participate—don’t worry if you’re not a good singer. Dining and after-dinner socializing are a great way to build face and relations with your hosts. Reciprocate on social invitations. The Chinese will always refuse your first few offers for a meal or drinks, as they will with any gift. You will need to offer at least three times—this is expected.  

Business Situations  

There is an entire protocol to be followed for creating business associations in China. Study these and follow them to the letter, to avoid putting off potential clients or possibly ruining your chances of doing business with them. First, find a person or organization that will to formally introduce your company to the Chinese company.

The Chinese prefer to do business with companies whose reputation is credible to them. You must then have ready materials describing your company’s history, services and products, translated into Chinese.  

It may take quite a while to get the assent for a meeting. Once you do, make the appointment in writing, a month or two ahead of time, and have ready two versions of the agenda, one in Chinese and one in your own language. After you arrive, go over this carefully with your interpreter to ensure all is correct. Arrive on time or early, to avoid insulting your hosts.  

After introductions, present your business card, printed in English on one side and Chinese on the other. Offer your card to each individual by holding it in both hands, with the Chinese side facing the recipient. When receiving a card, look at it for a moment and comment politely before putting it in a business card case. Never write on someone's card unless they indicate that you should, and never put it in your wallet or worse, back pocket.  

Mobile phones will probably go off during the meeting. Never ask that they be turned off—this would mean a loss of face to both you and your potential clients. PowerPoint presentations or other visual tools must be only in black and white. Colors hold active meanings in Chinese culture, and the wrong colors could create misunderstandings.

During negotiation, only the top-ranking members of the Chinese side will speak. Decisions are not rushed. Never become impatient or lose your temper. You would immediately lose face—and probably lose their business.

 Wear only dark, conservative clothing—business suits for men and women, or a modest dress for women. Women should wear either flat or low-heeled shoes. Avoid bright colors. In the business world in China, social order is determined by rank and occupation. Things are equal on the gender level; deference is always shown to seniority.

 Business and social life are kept very separate in Chinese culture; don’t discuss business at a meal or any other social outing unless your hosts bring it up first.

 
Learn more of the basics—or intricacies—about this intriguing and traditional culture before you travel there. Your time in China should be a positive and memorable journey you will want to repeat.  

Caroline Ryan is the author of An Old Castle Standing on a Ford: One Yank’s Life in an Almost Peaceful Belfast (Eloquent Books), a cultural narrative about life in Belfast after the Troubles. She writes often for Pimsleur Approach, online retailers of language courses including the popular Learn to Speak Brazilian Portuguese and Learn to Speak Japanese CDs.    

References:  

“Beijing Cultural Tips.” National Geographic, 2012. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/beijing-cultural-tips/   Joyce Millet.

“Chinese Culture, Etiquette & Protocol.” Cultural Savvy, 2012. http://www.culturalsavvy.com/chinese_culture.htm  

“China – Language, Culture, Customs and Etiquette.” Kwintessential, 2012. http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/china-country-profile.html  

Posted March 22, 2012 by Guest Author
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What the Heck is hairtail? A Chinese Food Decoder for 2012 Silk Route Cyclists




 
For our first few weeks in China a lot of our meals will be in local restaurants and hotels.  When we eat as a group in China we will order for the entire group.  However when you are out cycling and want to stop at a restaurant you will need to order on your own. 

In larger towns and cities restaurants may have english menus or pictures of the food on the wall that you can point too. You can also walk around the restaurant and point at what other people are eating, a slightly embarrassing but effective method of ordering. In many of the small villages we cycle though you will have to make due with hand signals and making animal noises to place your order.
 
Smartphone owners can always use one of the travel apps we recommended in a previous post but others might find this food decoder handy.
 
Our local guide, Zabi (pictured above in the green jacket), provided us with this food decoder to help make the ordering process a bit easier.  Print it out and carry it with you on tour, I think you'll find it comes in pretty handy. 



I've reached out to Zabi to find out what 'agaric' and 'hairtail' are, if you know please tell us in the comments.  


 

Posted February 02, 2012 by Paul McManus
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Two days in Shanghai, on and off the beaten track




Spending a year in Shanghai is by no means enough to extensively explore this wonderful city, its neighborhoods, it’s idiosyncrasies.  

The first and most natural place to start for first-time visitors is People's Square (Ren Min Guang Chang), a beautiful square downtown Shanghai surrounded by green and some of the city's nicest architecture. In its very heart, a mandatory stop is Shanghai Museum (Shang Hai Bo Wu Guan), a splendid display of Chinese past and present, lifestyle and art, calligraphy and handicraft, in a nutshell, a full immersion in the country's intimate soul. Despite being in the city center, Shanghai Museum doesn't draw the attention it should, and often its visitors are more Chinese than tourists.  



The natural continuation from People's Square is the Old City and the Yu Garden (Yu Yuan). This can be a bit of a tourist trap, but it's by all means a must-see for first-timers as, especially in the Yu Garden, typical Chinese architecture and gardening style are beautifully displayed. Inside the Old City there are many shops offering anything from souvenirs to traditional clothes to fancy chopsticks, but tourists should be aware that the first price is “for foreigners”, meaning that if you can pay a tea set 100-150 Yuan at a normal shop, there it can cost 800 Yuan. This being said, you can (and are expected to) bargain the price. It's very easy to get to the Old City by taking subway line 10 and getting off at the Yu Yuan stop. Take exit 1 and after a short walk you will see the crowd.  

Who is keen on museums can also take a look at the places symbol of the Communist Revolution by visiting the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China situated at no. 76 Xingye Road, next to the trendy pedestrian area Xintiandi. Attracting millions of visitors every year, the Site represents a fascinating journey into a lesser known part of the country's modern history, with an impressive reproduction of the first meeting in the living room on the first floor. Admission is free.

To get here, take metro line 1 and get off at South Huangpi Rd (Huang Pi Nan Lu). Station. Take exit 2 and walk along South Huangpi Road up to Xingye Road on your right side.  

Shanghai's multifaceted society makes it for a very intriguing place to explore. Apart from shopping malls and museums, there's another side of the city that doesn't get all the attention it should. It's the spiritual scene of a world that has suddenly entered modernity but that is proud to cling onto its strong beliefs and the philosophy that made it one of the greatest civilizations.  

Also when it comes to temples, visitors will stumble both on proper tourist destinations and in unsung pearls of Chinese culture. Three unmissable sights of this kind are around the city center.  

The first, easy to find, is Jing'an Temple (Jing An Si), in West Nanjing Road (Nanjing Xi Lu). With a history that dates back to almost 800 years ago, this is one of the main worship areas in Shanghai. It consists of three main halls finely decorated with jade Buddhas and his relics, as well as fresh flowers and the constant scent of incense lit up by the never-ending  flow of worshipers. An attentive eye will notice that its traditional architecture is in striking contrast with the high modern-looking buildings and shopping malls that sit just beside. As crowded as Jing'an Temple is the Jade Buddha Temple (Yu Fo Si,) that, as the name suggests, displays two wonderful jade statues of the Buddha. Packed with tourists and worshipers, this temple is a pleasure to visit whether you are a Buddhist or not thanks to its magical atmosphere that makes for an enchanting break from the hassle and bustle of outside modernity.  



A true hidden gem within Shanghai's spirituality is the Confucius Temple (Shang Hai Wen Miao) situated in Wen Miao Road (Wen Miao Lu). Beautiful display of Chinese culture inspired by Confucius' philosophy, the gardening style plentiful of rocks shows the importance nature held in his ideology as well as the influence he had on Chinese civilization. The temple might be a little hard to find as Wen Miao Road is a small alley off the main South Xizang Road (Xi Zang Nan Lu but it's definitely a must. The nearest metro station is Loaximen on line 10.  

Traveling to Shanghai, and China in general, for the first time isn't easy. The main hindrance is the language. Not many Chinese speak a fluent, or any, English, and Mandarin isn't exactly a language Westerners can pick up easily. It's therefore recommended to bring a small glossary with you so that you can point the characters of the essential stuff you may need. For  smartphone users there are some great apps to help you like Jibbigo and Pleco.  

Going to eat is usually quite straightforward, as most restaurants have their English-version menu, but if you are a complete vegetarian you can find some problems since in Chinese cuisine meat is added about everywhere, to the extent that sometimes they don't consider a meat-based dish if it contains only small pieces of pork or chicken. This is why, if you don't want to eat any kind of meat you will need to tell them first, then specify all the ingredients you don't want:
 
- I don’t eat meat: Wo bu chi rou
- I don’t want pork: Wo bu yao zhu rou
- I don’t want beef: Wo bu yao niu rou
- I don’t want chicken: Wo bu yao ji
- I don’t want fish: Wo bu yao yu  

Transport is not a problem, as the wide and well-organized metro lines make it very easy to get around anywhere in the city. It's important to make sure you have an up-to-date subway map in English language instead of the Chinese version, possible to find at the main metro stations. In all stations names are both in Chinese and English. In case you want to take a taxi, they are very cheap and available everywhere, but again, drivers don't speak English, and often they won't understand which road you want to go to, so it's always a good idea to have the destination written in Chinese characters.  

The first period in China is a challenge, but once the ice is broken, the country reveals itself as a wonderful destination to be explored, unearthing its hidden gems and fast-paced evolution. 

More Articles from Angela:

●    Speaking Mandarin - Must Know Expressions - a 6 part series
●    The Jade Buddha Temple in Shanghai
●    Shanghai's Display of Communism

This guest post was written by Angela Corrias. Angela is a freelance journalist. She specializes in travel writing with the aim to combine her passion for travelling with a socially aware writing. She regularly updates her travel website Chasing The Unexpected.


Visit Shanghai on our 2012 Silk Route Bicycle Expedition.

Posted January 19, 2012 by Guest Author
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China Silk Route Scouting Photos




Silk Route Tour Leader Paul McManus took some nice photos while scouting the new route from Shanghai to Xi'an. Check them out here, here and here.

Posted December 24, 2011 by Paul McManus
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Black Boogers and Shaolin Priests




Right now I am wearing gloves in my hotel room just outside Dengfeng, China. The 70 CNY ($10) hotel we’ve chosen for the tour might be lacking a few of the finer things (like heat) but it does have one advantage, it is located 300 meters from the gate of the famous Shaolin Temple, birthplace of KungFu. 

I’m here scouting the new route of the 2012 Silk Route Bike Tour.  In 2012 the tour will run East to West (a much better direction) and it will start in Shanghai and finish in Istanbul. 

Fortunately for us when we bike through here on tour in 2012 the weather will be warm so the heat will not be a problem.  And the hotel is not without its charms.  It is run by a very nice Chinese family and has hot showers and internet.  The restaurant downstairs serves a wicked stir fired rabbit, complete with paws and face  (it’s surprisingly hard to eat a rabbit when you’re looking at its cooked face). 



Why do Monks a Priests Always put their temples at the top of a Mountain?

The ride into Dengfeng is a long one, about 150 km with a few good hills to finish the day (I know how much riders just love it when camp is at the top of a long climb).  The Temple is surrounded by mountains, a welcome relief from the rest of eastern china, which has been pathetically flat thus far.  The Shaolin Temple is located only 300 meters from our hotel and riders will have plenty of time to visit it in the morning before our short ride of 60 km to our rest day in Luoyang

Figuring I could see the Shaolin Temple when I return on tour, I took some time to climb to another nearby temple, the Songshan Temple.  The hotel owner told me it was difficult to get to but really that only made we want to do it more.  In my experience the more difficult something is to get to, the more rewarding the experience usually is.



Stair Master

A six kilometer long flight of stairs leads to the temple.  It was tough.  My guide dropped off after about a km of climbing.  I told him I would only go a little further then come back, I think we both new I was lying.  I wanted to reach the top. 

After about 2 kms the route begins to hug the mountain side, dip under rock ledges and cross some impressive gorges.   I felt a little like Frodo climbing to Mordor, save for the big fiery eye at the top. I was alone on the steps at seven in the morning and for two hours I climbed without seeing or hearing anyone but the wind and birds (a real treat after two weeks in China, which is never quiet). 

At the top the Temple was under renovation.  The grounds were full of stone cutters and carpenters hard at work in the chill air.  The temple itself was pretty impressive.  But more impressive were these guys. 

In the video it’s hard to see, but what you are witnessing is a group of about 15 men trying to drag what must be a 500 kg brass bell up to the top of the mountain.  And all the while that they are trying to heave this thing up one step at a time other men are passing them with 50 kg sacks of sand on their heads!  Made me feel a little silly for being winded at all. 



500 Yards of Foulness

"Andy crawled to freedom through five hundred yards of shit-smelling foulness I can't even imagine. Or maybe I just don't want to." -  Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption

Before reaching Dengfeng riders will have to cycle through the city of Gao Zhou and I imagine that quote will resonate with them more than ever. 

Gao Zhou is perhaps one of the dirtiest cities I have ever visited in my life.  The streets are muddy and the air is filled with cement and coal dust from half dozen mines and factories that surround the city.  Everything is coated in a thick grey layer of dust. The landscape has been stripped bare in China’s search for resources to build the infrastructure to support 20% of the world’s population.  The dry air, mixed with all that dust gives you some pretty epic boogers. 

But riding through the city will only take an hour of so and soon the mountains that surround the Temples near Dengfeng will come into view and the road will improves. You climb into the mountains past centuries old temples and parks and up to the Shaolin Temple where a giant statue of a Monk greets you and humbles you.

All in all, I think it will be a pretty good day of riding. 

Here are some more photos of the area:
















Posted December 15, 2011 by Paul McManus
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2008 Silk Route Bicycle Race/Expedition comes to successful close in Beijing

After 3 and a half months of navigating our way through the Middle East, Central Asia and China the cyclists rode the pleasant side lanes and bike paths to Tienanmen Square. Hugs were shared and pictures snapped. Chinese onlookers stared perplexed, wondering what direction we had all arrived from. A cool autumn day surrounded us, albeit with a decent amount of grayish haze. Mostly people seemed to struggle putting their bikes down, having grown attached at the hip to them, if you will.
Many stories are sure to be told; highlights of the trip will be recounted with broad smiles, and the challenges of the trip will be recounted with even broader smiles.
While we congratulate all the participants, we make special mention of seven cyclists who rode both the Orient Express and the Silk Route - from Paris to Beijing -

Albert Bui, Daniel Longo, Fred Promoli, Nicole Richardson, Graeme Scrivener, Stewart Sinclair & Manon Van Kleef.
Way to go guys!!

Till the next Silk Route Tour…

Posted November 17, 2008 by Miles MacDonald
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2008 Silk Route Bicycle Race/Expedition comes to successful close in Beijing.

After 3 and a half months of navigating our way through the Middle East, Central Asia and China the cyclists rode the pleasant side lanes and bike paths to Tienanmen Square. Hugs were shared and pictures snapped. Chinese onlookers stared perplexed, wondering what direction we had all arrived from. A cool autumn day surrounded us, albeit with a decent amount of grayish haze. Mostly people seemed to struggle putting their bikes down, having grown attached at the hip to them, if you will. Many stories are sure to be told; highlights of the trip will be recounted with broad smiles, and the challenges of the trip will be recounted with even broader smiles. While we congratulate all the participants, we make special mention of seven cyclists who rode both the Orient Express and the Silk Route - from Paris to Beijing - Albert Bui, Daniel Longo, Fred Promoli, Nicole Richardson, Graeme Scrivener, Stewart Sinclair & Manon Van Kleef. Way to go guys!! Till the next Silk Route Tour...

Posted November 17, 2008 by Miles MacDonald
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We Arrived Safely in Beijing!!!!!

For almost one third of the year, we have been eating, sleeping, camping and biking together - all working together towards a common goal - to bike over 10,000km through 8 countries (we flew over one of them!!) from Istanbul,Turkey to Beijing, China!!

We arrived safely here into Beijing yesterday at approx 12:30pm. The first stop before celebrating at the hotel finish line was at Tienanmen Square where we took some quick group photos. A huge picture of Mr. Mao stood in the background in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City! Our last day had us riding just over 95km, the last 30km of which Ben and Shanny led the group to the finish line in a group convoy.

We were welcomed at the hotel by Miles who made it to the finish line a few days earlier in order to organize a nice celebratory banquet and a special dinner. When it comes to food, whether cooking or ordering for the group, Miles never lets you down! He had prepared a great spread of really nice champagnes and wines (which are almost impossible to find in China), cold beer, tasty cheeses, nice chocolate and many other good foods and drink to indulge in after so long without many of these luxury items.

After we stuffed our faces, patted each other on the back and took some final photos, we had a little slide show. Then it was off to shower and relax a bit before heading out for a Peking duck dinner and a Chinese opera, Beijing style.

Hard to believe that it is all over; 3½ months dedicated towards this common goal and I think we can all say that it was time well spent. Today had everyone packing their bikes up into boxes, getting rid of unwanted gear and sorting out final details of flights and hotels - just getting overall reorganized. We said our final goodbyes today as we are all heading out in different directions!!

Congratulations to everyone on a safe and successful expedition, and the best of luck to you all in the years to come. We overcame many hurdles and obstacles along the way and still reached our common goal. Remember, we create our own opportunities in life and there will always be many obstacles - only we choose which ones will become barriers!!!

Ben Shillington “Silk Route Tour Leader 2008”

Posted November 13, 2008 by Ben Shillington
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We Arrived Safely in Beijing!!!!!

For almost one third of the year, we have been eating, sleeping, camping and biking together - all working together towards a common goal - to bike over 10,000km through 8 countries (we flew over one of them!!) from Istanbul,Turkey to Beijing, China!! We arrived safely here into Beijing yesterday at approx 12:30pm. The first stop before celebrating at the hotel finish line was at Tienanmen Square where we took some quick group photos. A huge picture of Mr. Mao stood in the background in front of the entrance to the Forbidden City! Our last day had us riding just over 95km, the last 30km of which Ben and Shanny led the group to the finish line in a group convoy. We were welcomed at the hotel by Miles who made it to the finish line a few days earlier in order to organize a nice celebratory banquet and a special dinner. When it comes to food, whether cooking or ordering for the group, Miles never lets you down! He had prepared a great spread of really nice champagnes and wines (which are almost impossible to find in China), cold beer, tasty cheeses, nice chocolate and many other good foods and drink to indulge in after so long without many of these luxury items. After we stuffed our faces, patted each other on the back and took some final photos, we had a little slide show. Then it was off to shower and relax a bit before heading out for a Peking duck dinner and a Chinese opera, Beijing style. Hard to believe that it is all over; 3 ½ months dedicated towards this common goal and I think we can all say that it was time well spent. Today had everyone packing their bikes up into boxes, getting rid of unwanted gear and sorting out final details of flights and hotels - just getting overall reorganized. We said our final goodbyes today as we are all heading out in different directions!! Congratulations to everyone on a safe and successful expedition, and the best of luck to you all in the years to come. We overcame many hurdles and obstacles along the way and still reached our common goal. Remember, we create our own opportunities in life and there will always be many obstacles - only we choose which ones will become barriers!!! Ben Shillington “Silk Route Tour Leader 2008”

Posted November 13, 2008 by Ben Shillington
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