Getting to the Starting Line

Planning the Adventure

China was never really high on my list of places to visit. We had booked a trip to China in 2016 or 17. Just could not get myself up to it and eventually cancelled. After visiting India a couple times my thirst for understanding and knowledge of the old worlds increased dramatically. Iran/Persia, with some 5000 years of human civilzation, would be high on the list if our Zionest masters were not intent on controlling ALL the major oil deposits on the planet. China, "The Middle Kingdom" with some 8000 years of civilization, is second on my list to Iran/Persia. It is still open for travel as it seems that, without oil, they are left alone....

I wrote a blog about my travels in India in March 2025, I sent it to Eric Leung (among many others unsolicited). Eric lives in Hong Kong, brother of Jackie Leung who worked with me 30 years ago at NOVA and NCL. Jackie was an amazing worker, did 1/2 the work of a 6 person group back in 1994. I had met Eric about 12 years ago while he was visiting his sister in Calgary. We traded a few messages about the blog and I asked if he could assist me in planning a visit to Hong Kong. He responded positively and that got me thinking about a visit there and onto mainland China. I started looking for travel advisors that could assist in arranging travel in China and onto Tibet. For many decades have had interest in visiting the remote region of Tibet. My days of needing to climb new peaks has passed, now more interested in the cultural experience of visiting regions that actually have culture AND to travel on TRAINS. As a young man in the early 1970's I worked as a pipefitter apprentice at Calgary's Ogden shops for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Did not get to ride on the trains, merely repair them. I did get to see the fancy dining cars that I imagined were like the ones Johnny Cash sang about in Folsom Prison Blues. The silverware, silver water jugs, wood paneled coaches etc. were something I had not seen. Another world to a naive young boy from the Alberta prairies. Railways are a bit magical to me. I have since travelled on them across Western Europe, across the United States south to north and west to east, the United Kingdom, India and of course at Heritage Park. Rail is a very satisfying way to travel, no security, pleasant staff, much to like. I had heard there was now a railway that could take a person to Tibet. The "Railway across the Roof of the World" completed in 2006. A must do experience. Further, my experiences in India, and also in Southern Alberta with the Hutterites, has opened my eyes to the value religion gives to people, makes the "Strategy of Hope" a real thing that actually motivates our species. A bit late for me to "Find Religion" but not to late to observe.

Mainland Travel path

I contacted an online agent in March 2025 that seemed to have some merit, he wanted me to go in March and travel with another couple. I noted that Lhasa is situated at 12000 feet above sea level and at 30 degrees North Latitude, north edge of the Horse Latitudes, just a little south of US/Mexico border latitude. At this elevation/latitude winter will still persist in March. I replied would prefer a later date and that was last I heard from him. 

While travelling in Europe in September 2025 I had some time and located Tibet Travel. Had decent reviews and seemed to offer interesting trips focused on Tibet. I made contact with Lycoris. We traded a number of messages in September but other things came up, she reconnected in December and we fleshed out the Mainland adventure as shown on map. Hits many of the exotic places in the Middle Kingdom. 

Hong Kong Metro

Our journey starts with 5 days in Hong Kong where Eric has greatly assisted in planning a full-on schedule to see the big city, Kowloon, Macau and more. 

Of course we will dine like Anthony Bourdain with local knowledge assistance from Eric and his wife Virginia.

Flight path

Our flight leaves Calgary on May 11 at 21:40, a short stop in Vancouver and then onto Hong Kong with Air Communist just after midnight May 12. Just this one time may they ignore their Mission Statement ("We're NOT Happy until You're Unhappy"). All going as scheduled will arrrive Hong Kong May 13, 05:10AM local time. Merely a 10 time zone flight west to Hong Kong(GMT+8) from Calgary(GMT-6), however a 14 hours time difference as on other side of Dateline.

At YYC now....the adventure begins....