Mike, I didn’t really have anything to negotiate; I just wanted to make sure agreed-upon things were well understood and being acted upon. No, no manly function massage therapy, but more on hookers later.

Paul, I suppose the connections between the Eastern Classics material and contemporary China (excepting maybe the analects) are pretty tenuous and superficial. As for what I think will happen in China as oil and gas are depleted, I’m not good at futurology even in my own society, but I don’t think it will be pretty.

I have long wanted to travel to China, particularly after going through the Eastern Classics Program, but now that it is becoming motorized, I have my doubts. It was good to read about your trip however.

Do you think that China will move more easily back to non-motorized transportation if the energy markets get tight, or have they already dug themselves in too deeply?

The vilage in the video looks fascinating. Really interesting to see a town that is not based around the automobile. The storefronts almost look like facades, an effect I’m assuming is being exagerated by the camera, but they do look almost 2-dimensional.

From my limited understanding of negotiation technique with other cultures, your silence on the way in probably enhanced your initial negotiation position. The ability to hold information – particularly to not blab, especially when nervous – seems to be held in high regard.

I take it you did not decide to have the obstacles cleared from your manly functions? ;-)

Great to read about your trip, I look forward to reading more, I put another link up to your blog from my blog as it fits in with the Chinese bikoftheday theme I have had recently. What did you end up bringing as gifts? Did you get into a whisky business dinner?

tarik