International Travel Adventure

Almost immediately after Part 1 of our planned two-part series on China travel adventure was written, the earthquake centered in Wenchuan County of the Sichuan Province struck with an initial force of 8.0. The huge tragedy is ongoing, both due to the numerous (continuing) large aftershocks (5.7 Tuesday afternoon on the 27^th, injuring over 60 people), and the gargantuan job of dealing with the aftermath of such a major disaster. As of this writing, two weeks and nearly two days later, the death toll is at 67,183, with an additional 20,790 still missing. Approximately 15,000,000 people have needed to be relocated, most due to already losing their homes, others because of evacuations downstream from the numerous newly formed lakes that are ready to burst from their temporary confines.

Now we come to what is being done about it all. The heroic efforts of the Chinese people, and the organizational skills of the government and military, have been nothing short of amazing to witness. If you saw news coverage from anywhere other than China, you probably got bits and pieces; watching CCTV (China Central Television - CCTV 9 is in English), even now that 24-hour continuous coverage is past, has been very refreshing in terms of seeing what concerted efforts of tightly organized large numbers of people can accomplish. And yet, shortly after their first efforts, the Chinese government realized help was needed; and thankfully, they began to accept help, first from only nearby neighbors, then widening that circle to eventually include much of the world.

We have mentioned in an earlier post about how international adventure is not always fun or entertaining or good. If we asked any who have been “privileged” to help out in China in the aftermath of the quake, I’m guessing there would be mixed feelings of sorrow over the lives unable to be saved, extreme gravity in dealing with the conditions - not for themselves - but for the survivors (newly childless, orphans, amputees, and more), and yet, elation for direct participation in saving so many more lives, comforting those they could, and witnessing, and helping in, the transition from grief-stricken loss to moving on with life, which so many survivors are gradually accepting.

As was mentioned in Part 1, China should be visited this year. The Olympics is only one reason, and only one short season. There is so much more to see and do in that large wondrous country. But if you are truly adventurous, and have the ability to take the time now, why wait? You can watch CCTV to find out directly what is needed; it is posted on-screen at least every half hour. If you’re able to contribute your time and efforts, check out local branches of Red Cross and other organizations where you live. Find out how and when you can go as a volunteer. Literally tons of foods, fuels, clothing, tents, bottled water, etc. have been donated - and even delivered - for the cause of the stricken. And yes, the Chinese have large numbers of people in almost every specialization imaginable. But there are still needs for skilled people; for example, doctors, nurses, and those skilled in trauma psychiatrics are the obvious. Just check with your local charities and other humanitarian aid societies.

Maybe you have brought to completion a recent development or invention that can be helpful. A perfect example (on a large scale) is the mobile hospital contributed from its inventors in Germany. The unit modules - packed, shipped, and personally delivered - house either 120 or 400 beds, and contain operating rooms, emergency room, etc. It is completely self-contained; it generates its own electricity, purifies all needed water and air, processes all human waste, and more. The inventors/developers delivered it, set it up, and trained local peers in all aspects of the unit. They have also donated it to China for any possible future needs. Is that an adventure for those Germans? You bet!

More medical teams and doctors are being sent to, and arriving in, the earthquake zone, even now. Another medical team recently arrived from Pakistan, and 20 more doctors from Indonesia. These people are all contributing of themselves where they are needed. Are they in the midst of an adventure of a lifetime? Yes! Is it all uplifting and good times? No. Is it something they’ll remember the rest of their lives? Absolutely, and they won’t regret going to China and being part of the effort to make a positive difference in so many people’s lives!

The quake zone still requires much work and talent. Besides the inglorious tasks of finding more of the missing and burying the dead, disease and epidemic prevention are high on the list at this time. Temporary dwelling structures are being erected, while in some areas rebuilding has already begun. But at the same time, any areas downstream from the aforementioned newly formed lakes (and one dammed lake) are being evacuated. The engineering jobs required to contain and divert the accumulating water safely is of prime importance as the minutes and hours become more fleeting.

Relocating the approximately 15,000,000 people for whom it is necessary - many due to the evacuations - is another major task. 566,400 tents have been set up and occupied (average four per tent) so far, while many times that many are still required. 1,600 temporary homes have been set up, with over 4,000 under construction. Yet, 15,000,000 people are being relocated!

Where do you fit into all this? If any of our readers do, or have, become directly involved, we’re all hoping you will tell to us your stories of going, and being a part of the solution, following one of the worst natural disasters of our time. [For any of you wondering, yes, there will be a Part 3!]

If you’re still unsure of anything about your next international travel - and you want it to be cheaper, safer, and more adventurous, get my free “Smart Tips Handbook” available exclusively to Registered Readers! Click the link below.

International Travel Adventure