Change of heart
I have been following intensely the human tragedy escalating in Tibet and the subsequent P.R. disaster of the Olympic torch run around the world. In the past two months I asked myself if this is the right time to visit China. The 2008 Olympics bring too much heightened sensitivity toward foreigners and government crackdown on basic human rights of its own citizens doesn’t help either. Maybe, I just want to wait and see how the Olympics, the Chinese government propaganda and, most importantly, the ‘Tibet issue’ will play out. I want to see ‘real’ China, not this ‘fake’ posturing surrounding the Olympics… The recent issue of the Economist summarizes it fairly well: Angry China.
There is nothing that keeps me away from this trip externally. Logistics-wise, I know that I could have easily sneaked into Tibet if I wanted to. Traveling by bike allows me to get past numerous checkpoints rather easily;) Besides, most of my route was outside Tibet anyways. Money-wise, I travel cheap and flight tickets (my major expense) from NYC to Beijing are still fairly good deals. Despite increased tourism during and after the Olympics, it has no relevance to my travels which happen well away from major cities and tourist centers. Most importantly, I have no ill feelings toward ordinary Chinese. I still remember fondly my encounters with people who offered me help and shared their stories with me. Plus, there is great interest in modern China on my part. It is a huge country in the midst of almost ‘revolutionary’ peaceful transition and witnessing it firsthand, from the ground perspective, has always been my dream. I got a taste of it during my 2006 cycling trip around the Himalayas when I biked through parts of Xinjiang and Tibet, China’s western provinces. It sparkled my enthusiasm and I promised to myself to come back, in whatever capacity, to see more of the Middle Kingdom. But that must wait…
Right now, I feel my excitement for this trip waving away… So, to keep it simple, I’m postponing it to some time in 2009 when all the hoopla will most likely go away. I have decided instead to do the Great Divide Mountain Biking trip again. This time, I want to do the whole Tour Divide ride starting in Banff, Alberta and finishing in Antelope Wells, New Mexico. For 4-5 weeks in late July and August I will cycle (or easily tour rather than race) over 2,700 miles over some of the world’s most beautiful scenery… I hope to take better pictures, ride and stop at places I missed the first time around, and just have pure outdoor fun!
In the meantime, I will post photos and blog about anything that strikes my imagination. I have been taking tons of pictures around New York City and love to share them, too;)
PS: Someone I admire, and call a friend, despite never meeting him, is currently skateboarding across China trying to break some records along the way. Check out his blog, stunning pictures and amazing stories at 14 degrees off the beaten path. It is really worth it!!!
