The Camp David of China.........

, (click to enlarge, notice the Chinese tower in the backround on the left)

Back in Shanghai, it's Sunday night and finally able to through up a post!. On my second day in China, we went to Hangzhou and stayed at the Hangzhou State Guest House, this is the Camp David of China.......very nice. They do open this place up to people other than government connected types, not sure to who, saw quite a few families there. We were almost sent out, a President from an un-named country dropped in (we were informed that this was possible and to have backup plans in case) and we were confined to only a certain part of this guest house "estate". President Nixon and Henry Kissinger were here (Kissinger in secret) to sign the treaty that ended the Vietnam War, great history here as well as throughout China. Hangzhou is also produces the best green tea in the world, we went to a famous mountain

where the best is grown..........picked some, drank some....and bought some. Another few containers to add to my collection!

Pictured with me in the center is Bill O'Neill (sits on our Board of Directors) and on the left, a gentleman who has an incredible life, Mr. Stewart Stemple. Stewart, who's parents, who are from a small town near Lake Erie in Ohio, were missionaries in Vietnam during the '60's through the early '90's, was born in Vietnam. He lived there until he was 6, the time when everyone had to get out in 1975, and moved to Malaysia, then China, Thailand, then after high school in Thailand, went to the USA and graduated from Cornell, went to Brazil got his Masters, got another one at Pepperdine and another one in Jordan, 3 Masters degrees..........whoa. He is fluent in English (very clear and succinct and one of the best speakers I've ever heard), Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Malay, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic and French. He worked extensively with Coca-Cola in China, setting up executive management programs, and many other functions with Coca-Cola setting up different types of programs for executives and management teams setting up shop throughout China. He was instrumental in setting up a program for over 18,000 employees for Coke in Shanghai. He's now a sought after consultant working with HP, Coca-Cola, Motorola, E-Bay, Intel,, hell....you name it....he's a great guy to know and I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a few days with him. If you ever need a speaker......this is the guy!

I'm not really up to speed with what's going on aroung the world, I can tell you CNN International (can't find FOX) blows in a big way. When I get time, I hope to check on my favorite bloggers out there to get the best of the best of current events/news/insights.

Hangzhou is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in China and I am fortunate and thankful that I am able to be here. You would not believe how MANY people live here and the buildings......and buildings......and buildings......not too mention the driving here, NYC and LA have nothing on this place.

Bye for now.