Below is an index for Journey to the East, a series of essays recounting my venture to China.

1. Preface
2. Preparation
3. Flight to China
4. Arrival in Changsha
5. Arrival at the Condo
6. Countryside Villa
7. A Note on Chinese Feasts
8. Two-Thousand Year Old Mummy
9. Yeuyang
10. Shaoshan, Birthplace of Mao
11. My Birthday in China
12. Asking Mo Ya's parents
13. Theme Park
14. Computer Center
15. Conclusion

I have posted the pictures for the trip on Face Book. If you would like to view them, and are not Face Book Friends with me, just send me a message.

Also, I have attempted to post this series together as quickly as possible. If you spot any errors, please just send me a note. Thank you.

Rich Shay

Sunday July 11, Continued

At that night's feast, one of Mo Ya's relatives asked me how Chinese and Western food differed. I glanced at a chicken that, despite being cooked, had not lost its mind. And I responded that American food involves fewer heads. Mr Mo, perhaps noticing my eyes transfixed by this dish that could stare back at me, kindly decapitated the late foul and had its head whisked away.

That night, the four of us went to a Chinese theme park. Mr Mo's best friend had given him a pair of tickets. And while Mo Ya's parents had planned to remain in the car for our visit, thankfully Mo Ya and I were able to talk them into enjoying the park with us. I had a fun time at the park, which was designed to resemble a miniature Disney World, complete with fantasy castle in the distance. Despite being at night, the park was kept open on account of some soccer game being played in South Africa.

We were initially greeted by statues, including replicas of David and the Discus Tosser. Inside, Lady Gaga continued to sing ``Monster'' repeatedly, the entire duration of our visit. And inside the park stood our old friend Chairman Mao, flanked by replicas of other Chinese leaders.

We rode a two-story merry-go-round. I watched Mo Ya and her parents on some cruel ride that spins and flips its victims and different angles, thrilled to have opted against riding it myself. It was the second-best moment of the day. We then strolled through the park in nocturnal darkness, the well-lit concrete walkway beneath our feet. In a clear attempt to mimic Epcot, we passed buildings designed to resemble houses from around the world. I appreciate the American ``cowboy house.''

Next, at Mo Ya's suggestion, despite the hour, we called Mo Ya's older and younger cousins for some karaoke. Upon arrival at the karaoke venue, I purchased snacks for the six of us in a small store that was part of the establishment. Then, we were shown to our private room. As in a Chinese feast, Chinese karaoke involves each party being given its own private room.

Mo Ya sang songs by a singer friend of hers, whom she met at Boston University. Her big cousin demonstrated considerable vocal skill, opting for ballads. Her father let forth a deep, impressive baritone that well accompanied traditional Chinese music, performing a love-song duet with Mrs Mo. Not being adept at singing in general, and my voice quite hoarse from the flu, I made rather pitiful attempts at ``Dust in the Wind,'' ``Stairway to Heaven,'' and ``Eye of the Tiger.'' Gracious as they were, I still received applause for my efforts. It was a harmony joyride.

I took to bed after an exhausting day, Mr Mo staying up to watch the final game in the World Cup. For my American readers, the World Cup is a soccer tournament held every four years.

Monday July 12

Though neither Mr Mo nor I are eager fans of imbibing, he wanted to share a modicum of Chinese rice wine with me to begin our final full day together. This cordial gesture involved an extremely potent substance, which burnt viciously while in the mouth yet left no aftertaste whatsoever. It certainly removed any trace of sleepiness from my fevered mind.

The day's activity was visiting a Chinese computer retail center. And I was entirely unprepared for the behemoth that awaited me: and entire shopping district dedicated to computers and related paraphernalia. There were half a dozen gargantuan stores, each about four stories tall, filled with computer products for sale. The streets were lined with smaller stores, and even tents selling technical wares.

In general, hardware was more expensive than in the US, while software was much cheaper. Laptop computers were more heavily marked up than their desktop counterparts. Laptops were around twice as expensive as in America, while desktops had a markup of around one third. Interestingly, Apple products were sold at a price fairly similar to American prices. I saw an iphone for sale for around $600, with no attached service plan. The Apple products in question appeared legitimate.

Speaking of legitimate products, the software in China was sold at low prices, even for legal versions. On the fourth floor of a large computer mega-store we found a myriad of small booths, each selling software. Illegitimate software was sold in the same flat plastic packaging as illegitimate movies elsewhere. But, likely due to to the abundance of cheap alternatives, even the legal software was not very expensive. Games that would have cost around $40 to $50 in the US were on sale for about $12. It makes one marvel at how great an impact our American copyright laws have on pricing.

Because of my flight, I would need to awaken at 4:30 AM the next day. Given this, and my illness, I spent much of the remainder of the day asleep.

Tuesday July 13

My final morning in China arrived too quickly. I showered, and then wheeled the suitcases that Mo Ya and Mr Mo had helped me pack the prior day by the condominium door.

Mr Mo had taken me to purchase baked goods for breakfast the prior day, thinking I would depart too early for a breakfast to be prepared at home. Nonetheless, Mrs Mo had prepared dumplings for my breakfast. Even here, in the final hours of my stay in China, I continued to be impressed by the hospitality of my hosts.

This fifteenth essay marks the end of my journey to the East. I must reiterate how excellent Mo Ya, Mr Mo, Mrs Mo, and their relatives treated me while I was a guest in their country. I had been nervous about what may have occurred, and was certainly well-outside my comfort zone. But my hosts made certain that I was comfortable throughout my stay.

They fed me well and saw to my physical comfort, even making sure to have diet soda to drink at all times. They took me to sights around their city and beyond, and guided me through Chinese culture. A foreigner, I never felt like a stranger. Far from home, I never felt lost. My trip could not have been such a positive experience without their thoughtfulness and care.