On the Eve of Beijing...

Hello all!

I expect that a few people might actually read this blog now, so I pledge to write the most readable material possible during the time I am in China. I will include a phrase in Chinese for everyone to learn and a meaningful proverb or quote from the Eastern tradition with each post. In addition, I will put the politics of my previous posts on hiatus for the interim.

Now that I've gotten that out of the way... It's almost 11 PM Central Time. I'm sitting in Abe Lopez' basement, chatting and laughing while we pack and take care of last minute details. He's sent me along with a good luck charm, a miniature stuffed koala bear that he purchased while in Australia this summer. I have named him Theodore Blair Dorsey (or T.B.D.). This gift means more to me Abe probably thinks it does. Now I won't have to face my first international flight alone! Plus, he might serve as a flotation device... Just in case...

As far as I can tell, I have everything in order. My passport is nestled into a folder with my flight information and all other important documents. I really only have two questions at this point. One, I really hope they let me take my duffel bag as carry on. It weighs about 65 lbs. and would probably require the strength of a Nepali porter to stow it as checked luggage. A Nepali porter that will cost me many pennies over the 50-lb. checked bag limit. I hope I can bring it aboard.

My other question is whether I will be able to find the Korean Airlines flight gate. I mean, I know O'Hare is huge and has tons of different airlines, but I'm used to checking for Southwest, Northwest, Delta, United, AirTran, etc. Just part one in that caravan of new experiences awaiting me.

So I'm nervous, anxious, jittery, excited, worried, hopeful, giddy, pensive, and thirsty. I'll take care of the thirst in a minute, but I want to revel in the other emotions for a little while. I plan on soaking in the anticipation a little bit longer. That way the culminating moment when I arrive in bustling Beijing Airport will be all the sweeter. At least I hope so.

Between now and my next post I will be in transit. You will be able to contact me through Facebook, AIM (breonkid), Skype (william.breon) or e-mail (wrbreon@yahoo.com). Send me many messages, I will respond to everyone, promised.

Chinese of the day: I'm doing well, thank you!
Wo hen hao, xie xie!
(WHOA hun HOW, She-ay She-ay)

Yours Truly,

The Conscientious Observer

"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. " - Lao Tzu