China Visit A Final Word

A final word on my China visit. I have gone back to both China, and Hong Kong on five separate occasions with Toni. (Toni has been there many more times.) Both she and I agree on the following:

 It's both exciting, and scary, how the Chinese are methodically rebuilding their culture, their cities, their infra-structure while we in the U.S. slowly crumble in decay. Yes, we saw some dirty run-down areas, but just as often we saw clean-up efforts and new buildings that put the U.S. to shame. They continue to build day and night.

We need to hear this from our leaders in Washington...we have fallen behind. WE DO NOT LEAD ANYMORE! It's not too late. We can change all that. It starts by knowing the truth. China wants to be us. They love western clothes, western gadgets. and are working day and night to get them. We need to teach our children to have fire in the belly. To learn the ability, to learn for a lifetime. To never stop reaching for goals. Don't let anyone tell you, we can not change the world. We can. We need to change ourselves!

Forgive me, I don't usually preach, but I feel passionately about this issue and needed to write this message!

China Visit Part Six

A lot of times I am asked, how did you like the food over in China? What did you eat? Was it good?
I often answer yes and no! Did I like the food? (Often yes...but I'd draw the line at "chicken feet soup"!)
What did I eat? A lot of sea food. Fish, prawns, squid, jellyfish. Chicken, (actually, a lot of chicken parts-don't ask!) Beef. And lots of rice and vegetables. And the most often asked question: Did I use chop sticks? Yes. I've gotten quite good!

Lunches were often Dim Sum. Many different offerings, served in little bamboo baskets. The dinners were more interesting. The Chinese chefs take great care in presentation, so you'd often get the most fantastic dishes served with little food sculptures.

China Visit Part Five

Toni's group works hard when they travel overseas. They put in long days, often leaving the hotel in the morning by 7:30 a.m., and arriving back at the hotel at 7:00 p.m. A quick freshen-up, then it's out to dinner with clients, that may last til' midnight. Wake up at 6:00 a.m., and start the whole process over.

That's not to say, they don't get a chance to do some incredible sight-seeing of their own. Here is the world team led by Toni, as well as some of the lab partners from around the globe enjoying a lovely Saturday trip to Macau.

Macau

Trying to get the sacred bowl to bubble at the lady of the Water
Temple.

Kellogg Team at the Church of St. Paul ruin, built
in 1601. (The facade is all that is left.)

Actor of an ancient play done during the Festival of Water in Macau.

Inside the entrance of the Venetian Casino.

Just a sample of the sites we saw that day! What an incredible adventure. I know everyone had a great day! (I sure did!)

China Visit Part Four

One of the reasons Toni travels to China, is to audit the many factories that make the little promo items and premium giveaways for Kellogg's. She inspects their manufacturing process, cleanliness, quality, work environment, and social well-being of the factory workers.

The first thing you notice when you arrive in any factory, is a shrine to the God of Work. He insures a safe work place, and guards that company from all harm. Most of the time the factory's are very clean, and the environment, comparable to American factories. Because of strict requirements, here's what we look like when we tour a factory. (It's also a great time to play where's Toni?)

After our tour of the site, there are questions placed upon the owners. They might include everything we've just seen. How much over-time? When are the worker's breaks? How long? What do they eat for lunch? What is the production out put for a day? Etc.. It is also a time to share business cards, take pictures, and thank the business partners for working so hard. It is the way the Chinese do business.

China Visit Part Three

One of my more modest discoveries in Hong Kong, was the delicious Dragon Fruit. I first noticed it, in a fruit bowl in my hotel room.  I asked my friend Randa, (who is a Kellogg employee, born in Hong Kong), "Hey...what is this strange item in the bowl?" She said, "its dragon fruit. Try it."

I did. It was delicious. It taste much like a kiwi. A mild-sweet taste, with an agreeable texture.
I will seek it out at the grocery store. (If I see it!) Click on the pictures to make them bigger. Check it out!

China Visit Part Two

Toni's sister Bernadette went with us on our trip to China. She was a great companion to travel with. She loved Hong Kong, Loved Macau. Loved China. She had a great time exploring and usually liked what she discovered...except the food.

She did OK on some things, didn't care for a few, and hated a couple of items. (Chicken-feet soup, anyone?) And the one she had the most trouble with? Chinese candy. Take a look.

China Visit Part One

Hello. Yes, Toni and I are back from China and each day this week, I will share some of our adventures with you. Up first, a visit to a Chinese Orphanage.

I had the pleasure of going with Toni's global team to a orphanage in Guongdong, China. We came bearing gifts to distribute, and got a chance to play with the children. China's orphanages still are burdened with many kids with special needs.

Most of these kids are special cases. Rare disorders, mental retardation or birth defects. So yes, tears were shed. But most of all, smiles, and love.

Sorry for the silence

Hi folks. Sorry for the silence. Toni and I have been busy traveling around lately. Florida, Phoenix and now Hong Kong. I promise I'll be back writing more often, but in the meantime...check out some of my older posts. It's fun to re-read them. Talk at ya' soon......Pat