Final Reflection

I surely covered more miles on this adventure than any of my previous travels. While Russia, Mongolia and China each have their own unique customs, history, food, music and people, they also have one thing in common; change.

Even in Mongolia where their nomadic culture continues to cling to the Ger and ancient customs, their abundance of natural resources like copper give them one of the worlds fastest growing economies.

Change is more obvious in Russia and China where each country is embracing its own version of a market economy. Some of us might say these changes are not enough or not coming fast enough. Some might ask if freedom in the market place can have any real meaning without equal freedoms of expression.

Indeed, these are valid questions but, I would also suggest we look at ourselves. Are we really a perfect model or are there some things we could learn from our global neighbors?

My new Chinese friend, Howard, admitted that the Chinese press was limited in its ability to print much of what the people are thinking and saying about the future of their country. Nonetheless, they are both thinking and talking with an objectivity I admire. According to Howard, the Chinese people still admire Chairman Mao. They will tell you he did many good things for them but, will also freely admit he also had many flaws. They say he was 70% good and 30% bad.

Now, as I look at the current political climate in the U.S., I ask: are each of us willing to say the same about our own political parties?

Visiting our global neighbors is a great way to get a new perspective on ourselves. Yes, you will see many different kinds of food and customs as you travel and the people will often look very different. But, while our customs will vary we all have common human desires for happiness, health and prosperity. We also come to understand that all of that means little if not shared with family and friends. This is what I see in the hearts and minds of people no matter where they live.

Every parent wants the best possible life for their child and teachers want their students to succeed and make the world a better place. This is true no matter what one eats, no matter what language one speaks and no matter if one lives in a Ger or a Palace.