EARL’S WORLD----26
IN SUMMARY
This has been a rare experience, a real odyssey for me, traveling around the world with this shipboard student body for 110 days. It is hard to end it all, close the journal without some reflection on the meaning and worth of it all.
I ask myself just what many of my friends will ask me “what was the highlight of your trip”?. When so much of it was new, exciting, at times, riveting, dramatic, and beautiful one contemplates it all, I think what was so special, so rare an experience was being in the company of many bright, attractive, and energetic young college students. I shared their classroom lectures, visited at the dining table and traveled to unique destinations with them. My days were mostly apart from them but crossing paths with these dynamic young people was my supreme experience.
They were challenged at the beginning of the voyage to open their minds, peer deeply, engage themselves in all they would see and do. They would travel through the peaks and valleys of their worlds, take notes, celebrate, ponder and many may weep at what they see because it would redefine their values, would shift their priorities, change their lives into a better person.
Before their eyes they would see the dregs of poverty, the poorest of the poor, the shinning city on a hill and happy faces on children from West Africa to Japan. They would rethink war, the cruelty of oppression, the misdistribution of wealth, and they would dwell on, and study, globalization as it impacts our world and puts us at eye level with dominating forces that affects us all. They saw the economic revolution going on in Asia, the shift of America from number one in areas of growth and production. They tried to put meaning in those statistics matched with the personal and social values they have acquired as Americans such as happiness and joy and charity that registers high on the scale of life’s values.
I heard them speak with deep emotions on the subject of wealth, in too few hand, the Conflict Diamond Industry in darkest Africa, the Plastic Waste Conundrum, Public School Uniforms, Fair Trade, Taser Guns and Community Service.
I asked, as many of my young friends do,“what is the value of being number one in the world”? So China is growing at 15% a year in GNP, Japan has the highest per capita income. What have we lost? The business model which the students have heard much about in the courses on globalization, proclaims that production drives the world, loyalty is for profit, corporative objective is the client, the bottom line is the shareholder.
With that in mind America exports McDonalds, and coca cola and thus American obesity, and reaps a good profit. These two companies are the model for being socially
conscience and pro-active in their world wide markets.
This may be the Asian Century but this mean we turn away or loose our American values. The political model includes public voices which this new generation can speak with great alacrity. As Thomas Friedman noted recently in an article, America is still the number one in imagination and innovation. And for me, maybe happiness.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
EAr;
EARL’S WORLD----26
IN SUMMARY
This has been a rare experience, a real odyssey for me, traveling around the world with this shipboard student body for 110 days. It is hard to end it all, close the journal without some reflection on the meaning and worth of it all.
I ask myself just what many of my friends will ask me “what was the highlight of your trip”?. When so much of it was new, exciting, at times, riveting, dramatic, and beautiful one contemplates it all, I think what was so special, so rare an experience was being in the company of many bright, attractive, and energetic young college students. I shared their classroom lectures, visited at the dining table and traveled to unique destinations with them. My days were mostly apart from them but crossing paths with these dynamic young people was my supreme experience.
They were challenged at the beginning of the voyage to open their minds, peer deeply, engage themselves in all they would see and do. They would travel through the peaks and valleys of their worlds, take notes, celebrate, ponder and many may weep at what they see because it would redefine their values, would shift their priorities, change their lives into a better person.
Before their eyes they would see the dregs of poverty, the poorest of the poor, the shinning city on a hill and happy faces on children from West Africa to Japan. They would rethink war, the cruelty of oppression, the misdistribution of wealth, and they would dwell on, and study, globalization as it impacts our world and puts us at eye level with dominating forces that affects us all. They saw the economic revolution going on in Asia, the shift of America from number one in areas of growth and production. They tried to put meaning in those statistics matched with the personal and social values they have acquired as Americans such as happiness and joy and charity that registers high on the scale of life’s values.
I heard them speak with deep emotions on the subject of wealth, in too few hand, the Conflict Diamond Industry in darkest Africa, the Plastic Waste Conundrum, Public School Uniforms, Fair Trade, Taser Guns and Community Service.
I asked, as many of my young friends do,“what is the value of being number one in the world”? So China is growing at 15% a year in GNP, Japan has the highest per capita income. What have we lost? The business model which the students have heard much about in the courses on globalization, proclaims that production drives the world, loyalty is for profit, corporative objective is the client, the bottom line is the shareholder.
With that in mind America exports McDonalds, and coca cola and thus American obesity, and reaps a good profit. These two companies are the model for being socially
conscience and pro-active in their world wide markets.
This may be the Asian Century but this mean we turn away or loose our American values. The political model includes public voices which this new generation can speak with great alacrity. As Thomas Friedman noted recently in an article, America is still the number one in imagination and innovation. And for me, maybe happiness.
IN SUMMARY
This has been a rare experience, a real odyssey for me, traveling around the world with this shipboard student body for 110 days. It is hard to end it all, close the journal without some reflection on the meaning and worth of it all.
I ask myself just what many of my friends will ask me “what was the highlight of your trip”?. When so much of it was new, exciting, at times, riveting, dramatic, and beautiful one contemplates it all, I think what was so special, so rare an experience was being in the company of many bright, attractive, and energetic young college students. I shared their classroom lectures, visited at the dining table and traveled to unique destinations with them. My days were mostly apart from them but crossing paths with these dynamic young people was my supreme experience.
They were challenged at the beginning of the voyage to open their minds, peer deeply, engage themselves in all they would see and do. They would travel through the peaks and valleys of their worlds, take notes, celebrate, ponder and many may weep at what they see because it would redefine their values, would shift their priorities, change their lives into a better person.
Before their eyes they would see the dregs of poverty, the poorest of the poor, the shinning city on a hill and happy faces on children from West Africa to Japan. They would rethink war, the cruelty of oppression, the misdistribution of wealth, and they would dwell on, and study, globalization as it impacts our world and puts us at eye level with dominating forces that affects us all. They saw the economic revolution going on in Asia, the shift of America from number one in areas of growth and production. They tried to put meaning in those statistics matched with the personal and social values they have acquired as Americans such as happiness and joy and charity that registers high on the scale of life’s values.
I heard them speak with deep emotions on the subject of wealth, in too few hand, the Conflict Diamond Industry in darkest Africa, the Plastic Waste Conundrum, Public School Uniforms, Fair Trade, Taser Guns and Community Service.
I asked, as many of my young friends do,“what is the value of being number one in the world”? So China is growing at 15% a year in GNP, Japan has the highest per capita income. What have we lost? The business model which the students have heard much about in the courses on globalization, proclaims that production drives the world, loyalty is for profit, corporative objective is the client, the bottom line is the shareholder.
With that in mind America exports McDonalds, and coca cola and thus American obesity, and reaps a good profit. These two companies are the model for being socially
conscience and pro-active in their world wide markets.
This may be the Asian Century but this mean we turn away or loose our American values. The political model includes public voices which this new generation can speak with great alacrity. As Thomas Friedman noted recently in an article, America is still the number one in imagination and innovation. And for me, maybe happiness.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Earl's World--25
JAPAN TODAY
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
Earl's World--25
JAPAN TODAY
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
EARL’S WORLD---25
After using all the adjectives that I can think of, beautiful, modern, clean, disciplined, high tech, friendly, I’d like to reflect on my visit to Japan these past five days.
Like and ascent up the economic prosperity ladder, from the low rung of West Africa, around Cape Good Hope, over the Indian Ocean one sees one comes face to face with a rising Asian Century. India, South East Asia, China and Japan have risen from poverty, bondage, colonialism, wars and ashes to becoming the leaders in trade, economic growth and technology to make them them a dominant power in the world today.
Japan, though suffering through an economic down turn over the past 10 years could still be called the “Crown Jewel” of Asia. They are a monoculture with a population of 125 million and 99% Japanese. Their island is just a tad larger that California. Most live in large coastal cities. It is a beautiful country with mountain ranges, deep water ports and where you expect trash, you don’t see it Their rail system is the finest in the world. They are committed to safety, having an eternal threat of earthquakes.
The superstructure, buildings, highways, railways are built to be earthquake resistant. The Kobe quake 14 years ago killed 6000, destroyed 200,000 buildings. The city was rebuilt in 2 years. (New Orleans, damaged by Katrina still languishes.)
The people are sober in expression and somewhat intent. There is no loitering, no boisterousness. They love art, music (karaoke), beauty and make beauty. The public toilets are adorned with fresh flowers in artsy vases in addition to their functional hardware that exceeds what is expected or needed. (whistles, warmth, jets and music)
On the toll road from Kobe to Hiroshima we passed through more tunnels than there are in the entire US, I’m sure. Only 14 % of the country is flat enough for agriculture.
Americans are still liked and admired but our customs do clash in many ways. Materialism is of the small size, ie. Houses, automobiles, furniture, gardens. Wealth must be well distributed as one sees little evidence of poverty.
The downside that may create some problems for the future is the choice of the young adult generation to chose not to marry and have children. The “Parasite Singles”continue (age 25 to 38) to live with their parents (80%) and save money which they have in abundance. Fifty percent of pregnancies are aborted. There are 50% fewer babies than 15 years ago.
Japan has the world’s largest foreign debt. It has the largest number of retirees. It is said they can’t get out of their “old ways” and are in crisis with themselves.
It seems that we will become partners as we function in a global economy and a “flat”world. We’ve come a long way since being enemies.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Earl's World--24
EARL’S WORLD—24
Hiroshima
For a year that I missed the fall season in North Carolina, third time in my life, I had a joyful time absorbing the beauty surrounding Peace Park, in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Cradled by mountains that were speckled by orange and red maples, a chilly light wind scattering yellow gingko leaves along the walk ways, watching school children in their colorful uniforms frolicking and chatting in small groups on their way home and feeling the stimulation of cool air was my one day of the favorite season of the year. It was a special day but for other reasons.
On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM over this spot in the heart of Hiroshima, 500 meters above ground the first Atom bomb was exploded. It hastened the conclusion of World War II but it introduced to the world a weapon of such power of destruction that mankind has wrestled with its containment ever since. Hiroshima was flattened for distance of over two miles. 140,000 citizens were killed out right. Most were families, women and children and over a thousand Korean workers brought to the city under force to dig bomb shelters. The death from irradiation killed many quickly but thousands died over the next few months and years from radiation sickness, leukemia and burns.
A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki 5 days later. The Japanese surrendered on August 15th, 1945. On that date I was a Pharmacist Mate in the navy, aboard the USS Gosper in San Francisco Bay, preparing my ship for the invasion of Japan.
The beautiful Peace Park now represents the extent to which Japan has recovered. The Museum records the horror of that day with vivid images, of human suffering that is painful to view. Recorded reactions from world leaders spoke of the necessity of removing Nuclear weapons from the face of the earth; that no human should ever have to face the possibility of a nuclear holocaust. Reduction of nuclear warheads is not the answer. It may be a start, but universal removal of all nuclear weapons is the only answer to the nuclear weapon dilemma. Let’s hope the “peace children” of tomorrow can live to see this accomplished.
Hiroshima
For a year that I missed the fall season in North Carolina, third time in my life, I had a joyful time absorbing the beauty surrounding Peace Park, in the Japanese city of Hiroshima. Cradled by mountains that were speckled by orange and red maples, a chilly light wind scattering yellow gingko leaves along the walk ways, watching school children in their colorful uniforms frolicking and chatting in small groups on their way home and feeling the stimulation of cool air was my one day of the favorite season of the year. It was a special day but for other reasons.
On August 6, 1945 at 8:15 AM over this spot in the heart of Hiroshima, 500 meters above ground the first Atom bomb was exploded. It hastened the conclusion of World War II but it introduced to the world a weapon of such power of destruction that mankind has wrestled with its containment ever since. Hiroshima was flattened for distance of over two miles. 140,000 citizens were killed out right. Most were families, women and children and over a thousand Korean workers brought to the city under force to dig bomb shelters. The death from irradiation killed many quickly but thousands died over the next few months and years from radiation sickness, leukemia and burns.
A second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki 5 days later. The Japanese surrendered on August 15th, 1945. On that date I was a Pharmacist Mate in the navy, aboard the USS Gosper in San Francisco Bay, preparing my ship for the invasion of Japan.
The beautiful Peace Park now represents the extent to which Japan has recovered. The Museum records the horror of that day with vivid images, of human suffering that is painful to view. Recorded reactions from world leaders spoke of the necessity of removing Nuclear weapons from the face of the earth; that no human should ever have to face the possibility of a nuclear holocaust. Reduction of nuclear warheads is not the answer. It may be a start, but universal removal of all nuclear weapons is the only answer to the nuclear weapon dilemma. Let’s hope the “peace children” of tomorrow can live to see this accomplished.
Friday, November 13, 2009
EARL'S WORLD--19
EARL’S WORLD---19
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
EARL'S WORLD--19
EARL’S WORLD---19
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
Hong Kong-The Crown Jewel of Asia
This city must be the capital of the 21st century. Sailing into the harbor among the mountains and seeing the ethereal sight of towering Hong Kong is one of the world’s great travel experiences. Looking east, north, south and west and your eyes are riveted on massive buildings, moving ships and blue water. The M/V Explorer docked at Ocean Terminal in the center of Kowloon. A front row seat of the harbor and the city.
Hong Kong is situated at the mouth edge of the Pearl River several miles down river from Canton and that is significant because of British trade with that city though early history. The British acquired the island of Hong Kong in 1840 after winning the first opium war against the Chinese. This became part of the British Empire. Canton was the exporting city of Chinese goods and materials to the world which the British bought with silver, and later opium. They brought opium from India, a British Colony, and exchanged it for spices, silk and other fineries. Hong Kong expanded by 1860 after the second opium war which the British won. Further expansion in 1897 occurred when a treaty was signed granting ownership to the British for 99 year. In 1997 Hong Kong was turnover to the Chinese.
The modernizing Chinese policy of Deng Xiaoping allowed Hong Kong to continue operating as a capitalist economy. He ordered “one country, two systems” and the city has prospered and grown exponentially since. There are fault lines and skirmishes but the Chinese have their eye on the “bottom line” over all else. It is the money capital of Asia.
A gaze around the harbor one sees all the skyscrapers with familiar names we see on our appliances and gadgets at home. There are 7 million people here, Chinese and Asians and Europeans and Americans. Space is a problem and they move traffic with impressive designs; two tier streets, elevated pedestrian walkways, four harbor tunnels, double decker buses. The Shopping malls are world class and are full or the young generation of Orientals, richly dressed, and spending money. Christmas decorations are already in place. Construction material is glass, terrazzo tile, marble, brass and silver and everywhere it is spotlessly clean. Deng Xiaoping, the instigator of the new China would be very pleased.
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