Hong Kong, CHINA

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I'm safely back in my hometown -- Hong Kong.

It feels really good to be back in my own den...my own bed, my own bathroom, my own kitchen....and no more chicken-bus rides for a while.

I am truly amazed and thankful that since my travels started almost 13 months ago, I have traveled through 34 countries....including Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Thailand, mostly all of South America and all of Central America, Mexico, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Hawaii, Alaska, Seattle, and South Africa. Wow! Not once mugged!

I want to dearly thank those people who so frequently wrote me emails (and/or Instant Messaging) to encourage me and to ask questions about my experiences. You know who you are. Your emails and messages carried me through tough times. I guess you realized that this trip was no holiday...but a mission which I had to complete. I want to particularly thank the following people for their regular contact with me while on the road: My good friend Chi Ho (Hong Kong), Joe (Taiwan), Yuri & Elana (Moscow), Jennifer (London), Max (Quito)...and -- during my first 6 months -- Daleen and Erica (South Africa). Thanks to all others who even once in a blue moon wrote to me or checked into my blog to see if I was still alive and moving along. Also thanks for those who kept me in their thoughts and prayers.

Last but certainly not least, the many fellow travelers along my path who spent good times with me, as well as the many locals I met along the way who took time to show me their country ....here I got to mention the following people in particular: Yuri & Elana (Moscow), Fernando (Buenos Aires), Rene (Valparaiso, Chile), Luis (Rio de Janeiro), Gabriel (Mexico City), Carlos (Bogota, Colombia), and Jose (Panama City).

This was a very challenging mission for me and the 26,034 pictures I captured attest of the wonderful experiences I have had! Though no pics can tell the whole story!

Its not over...as I am planning my next trip which will start around mid June. Keep in touch.