From a far away land

Yes, I am back in the far away land called Yinchuan, in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in Northwestern China. It is in the middle reach of the Yellow River, primarily agricultural society, known for its gouqi berries and its extreme seasons. I dug out my parka, and flew here from Beijing earlier this week to get to know more people associated with water resources in this rugged land.

If you recall back in April I ran into some trouble with the authorities while accompanying a team for some survey work. This time, I have cozied myself in the hospitable graces of the Ningxia University School for International Exchange, and feel much more protected than I did before.



It is a slow pace out here, especially in this time of year, but in the past few days I have been able to arrange several meetings with water resource scholars and officials. I still am working to hire an assistant because I am having trouble understanding what these guys are saying. But I hope they will all meet with me again in December when I have my assistant so she can translate for me.

All is well out here, had to have beer for lunch to do toasts with Mr. Tian the water resource engineering director. Now must rest before the next meeting in the afternoon.

I can come home now!

Early Wednesday morning 6 friends and I stumbled into a well known Beijing tex-mex cantina, "The Saddle" to watch the election returns as the US East coast polls closed.

For Americans abroad, it is difficult to find a Republican amongst us as it seems more liberal minded people are the ones to venture beyond the safe borders of the US for extended periods of time.

A mixed group of ages gathered around and it was interesting to hear the doubt of the 20-somethings toward OBAMAs victory, even as the electoral numbers continued to rise. "I'll believe it when I see it", "I still have a bad feeling"...etc. These poor souls have come of age during 2 disastrous elections filled with hanging chads, voter fraud, and the state of Florida's backwards electoral governance. Those of us who remembered the Clinton era had more confidence that the right man could indeed win, and get the job. I had faith that the system would do right toward people like me, whereas my younger friends had only been disappointed and marginalized by the elections they had participated in.

Indeed, Tuesday was a victory for the USA, for those us us that have fled America under this disastrous president, and for progressive spirited people world wide. So at the big celebration in Beijing on Wednesday night, all Americans agreed, may it is finally safe for us to go home!