The Kid is Back in the U-S-of-A and brought a Melting Pot With Me

Pic from The Great Wall of China....A simply amazing experience.

I am sitting in the Detroit airport after waking up at 5 am and left Beijing at 8:30 then made it to Tokyo. Left Tokyo and 12 hours later I am back in the States. It's still not all good yet as I have to go to Memphis and then on to Mobile. Looks like I will be home around 10 p.m. WHEN everything goes smoothly.
On another note, as expected, there were many Asians on my flight to Detroit. However, When we got to customs there was a very short line for foreigners and a very long line for U.S. citizens. Since I travel often I really began to think about it and realize that this is the case of every country I fly home from. Our country really is the "Melting Pot". I would like to expand on this topic and address why we are so hated, yet so admired as well. But for now, there is no time. My plane to Memphis boards in 15 minutes and I have 2 more Coors Lights to drink. I have had the luxury to travel the world and make many friends in many places. There is the loft in England and the country house in Tuscany (Italy) or the home in Beijing, Bangalore (India)and Malta that I have access to for vacation (or holiday as they call it) anytime I want to go. Yet, if anything, my travels and experiences has taught me to embrace the local culture and not just "become a tourist" and hit the major spots, enjoy it and move on. Suck it in, live it and try anything! Man, you would be so surprised of the things you would have never thought you would do, things you would eat and people you would meet....and REALLY enjoy every bit of it. So, in my closing thought until tomorrow, most likely, the next time you travel (even if its to Jackson, MS) embrace the local flavors and people and really take the time to enjoy it. And, if you have the great pleasure of traveling abroad, suck it up learn a little about the language and cit(ies) before you go. Well worth it. I would like to discuss these topics and more after I get past flights 4 and 5 then golf tomorrow. I cant wait....crap.....it isn't going to rain is it?!

Pics and more pics and thoughts to follow. Until Then.......BOG