..6.. tree-hugging in poverty

at the start of a long walk, one can step lightly,
gently navigating paths with boulders and fallen trees.
as the altitude rises and the walk becomes increasingly grueling,
footsteps are placed less carefully,
mud collects on the insides of the ankles,
and boot toes occasionally catch tree roots.
how can a people struggling to feed themselves tread gently through the world?
or a new york businessman striving to fulfill societal ideas?
is the answer to lower our progressive ambitions and exist simply,
or is the answer a fatal self-consummation?

..5.. Longshen

Longshen is a beautifully terraced fairy-tale land, with women growing hair to their feet, and a safe, small-town feel. When we arrived, tiny thin women carried most of our group's bags up the mountain - they're so tough! In the afternoon, I hiked to the tops of peaks for good views, passing by tons of chiles drying in the sun. At night, the women sang and danced for us, while feeding us rice wine and teaching us about their culture.

..4.. hong kong

after quick stops in boston and san francisco, i have arrived in hong kong. this place cannot be captured in a photo, but here's a cute one of mom and another of some turtles in the pet market.

hong kong is an incredible mix of wealthy urban establishments and rustic bartering stands. in the alley behind the armani store, knockoff prada bags are sold en mass for about a dollar.

my friend fong, who i met during my year at cambridge, lives in hong kong and showed us the sites - great fun!