International Travel Adventure

Perhaps adventure can be defined differently for different people, and different situations, as discussed previously. Not everyone heli-skis from the world’s highest peaks; not everyone climbs to the highest peaks; not everyone plumbs the depths of the ocean, mapping the continental plates and their shifts, or searching for the rare giant squid. And adrenalin junkies rarely find time for a romantic adventure with a significant other.

While events this summer are not everyone’s “cup of tea”, many journalists are already finding adventure in the country that looms on the horizon of the world. This country also happens to be hosting this round of the Summer Olympics. Yes, China has been in the news for a long while now, for various reasons. She already has been criticized as the next major oil consumption nation, causing world prices to skyrocket (only partially true, in a small way). And, of course, there are the Olympics in Beijing this summer, which puts China on display for the world, and for which China would like to be seen in a good light. Then there is also the “old guard” holdout Communist government for which she is well-known, especially by many who remember Tiananmen Square and other human rights issues all Communist governments have had in common.

Recently, there have been news items relating to tainted products (both food items and material goods) which are of Chinese origin. (Keeping in mind how western media hype works, and how Communist spin normally applies to stories that go international, we should be comforted to know that much of what we’ve heard has been blown out of proportion, but also realize that events did happen that put the Chinese industry working “double-time” to correct them; they want the world to buy and love their products, and it hurts them when we don’t. After all, theirs is a world-scale emerging economy - think Japan 40-45 years ago, only happening at a faster pace.)

Most recently have been the stories of strife, primarily inside the Tibet area, of protests and demonstrations by Tibetans desiring independence from China, while the Chinese government wants to maintain control, keeping Tibet as part of China. And yes, there were Chinese soldiers in droves, quashing the resultant rioting, while journalists try to get into the area, to get stories out. What is surprising is that the Chinese government didn’t foresee this happening in a year of such high publicity for the nation, and have a better, pre-determined, way of handling it - perhaps even with a lighter hand. As a nation becoming more “transparent” (of necessity) on the world stage, the “knee-jerk”, heavy-handed reaction of the government is bringing criticism from all corners of the world, and some threats of boycotting the Olympics.

Do you want adventure? Then definitely plan to visit China this year, if at all possible. The Olympics is only one reason, and that is only this summer. But China has so much more to offer, and is (mostly) open to tourists and adventurists from around the world. If you read any of the news items published by News Hound here in this blog, you already know that tourism is one of China’s mushrooming industries; and they welcome it! China is doing everything in her perceived power to present a positive image to the world, both as a place to visit, and as a place to live. At least take advantage of the visit, if you can!

Please be sure to check out the Video II page for Tibetan music videos. I love them, and who wouldn’t? Western videos on MTV have nothing over these visually stunning and musically enriching treats! If you like them, click here for Tibetan Music World.

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