It only took a little more than eight hours; now I'm in Chicago. The trip went very well. My book on tape, The Man Who Loved China, was fascinating and the time passed very quickly. Joseph Needham was an amazing man. I regret I never met him or paid any attention to his writing. Now I'd like to read all 18 volumes of his Science and Civilization in China.
Dunhuang was one of the first places Needham visited in China and the book has a lot of information about the caves and the manuscripts found there. I went to Dunhuang in 1982 as part of my tour of China. I really knew nothing about it, just that it was on the silk road and sounded more exotic than the other tour choices I was given. In fact, I learned very little by going there. The information from this book was a great addition to my knowledge.
When I finally cruised through downtown Chicago, the book completed, I was able to adequately admire the skyline and again notice all the new buildings I know nothing about. There was a time I felt I knew every bit of this city. Eleven years later I relearn it each time I arrive.
I love coming back to previous homes like this.
En re Japan: I have just learned that NYK has reopened their clasic, 1930 ship the Hikawa Maru after a complete refurbishment. It too is a major historic treasure of Japan and worth a visit. Here's a link:
http://www.nyk.com/rekishi/e/exhibitions/hikawa.htm
Posted by: Mage B | September 11, 2008 at 05:35 PM