January 21-23, 2003

January 21-23, 2003

Afterwards my Far East business trip takes me to Singapore, an island nation off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is a world away from China, in every sense of the world. First Asia is huge and distances mind-boggling. The flight is over five hours and takes us over smoggy China and down the length of Vietnam. Secondly Singapore is paradise compared to China. It is green, warm, and comparatively uncrowded. I take advantage of the fact that I am early and sit by the pool for a few hours.

On the return flight to the US, I have a connection through Tokyo. Well, I can say I have to been to Japan now even if it was just at the airport. I get lucky and get upgraded to business class. This time my seatmate is a career government agent who currently works to promote study in the US to Mongolians. I can’t believe that is a real job!