http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865558889/Big-Bear-Village-is-a-vacation-getaway-for-more-than-just-Californians.html?pg=3




New article written for the Deseret News on Big Bear California

Very excited! After 6 months without publishing a travel article for the Deseret News....My Turkey/Istanbul article was just published today online. Hopefully it will be in the paper tomorrow!

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865557135/Enjoying-Istanbul-a-true-Turkish-delight.html

An amazing trip to Beijing

Kim and I on the Great Wall of China

Tiled 9 dragon picture in the Forbidden City

At the Forbidden City

Amber with Flora, our tour guide and new friend

 Because I take advantage of my flight benefits from working for a major airline, I've had the opportunity to visit many countries around the globe. Never have I had as much trepidation to leave America as I did the first week of May of this year. When asked where she wanted to go, my twenty year old daughter Amber answered definitevly with "China".
 I said, "Okay, we can do that." but I really wasn't convinced. Yes, my airline had service to Beijing. Yes, I had worked enough overtime to pay for any expenses. Sure, there were lots of cool things to see. But, this was a Communist country that I had read really didn't welcome westerners, let alone Americans because of our views on democracy as well as supporting a free Taiwan and Tibet. Also, I'd already found out you had to jump through hoops to even get a visa to enter.
 Not wanting to disappoint Amber and my wife Kim, I went through the motions of planning and acquiring everything we needed to go.
 After arriving in China, it didn't take long before all three of us were convinced it was well worth the effort. That is not to say that there weren't any difficulties.
 We had reservations at one of the most charming hotels I've ever stayed in. Within the midst of surrounding skyscrapers in the business and shopping center of Beijing, is the nearly hidden oasis known as the Beijing Jingyuan Garden Hotel. More than two centuries old, it was once a large one story house which has since been converted into individual rooms for visitors. Within the midst, is a large, beautifully kept garden with covered walkways and numerous plants. Staying in such a place, helped convert our western way of thinking into a more traditional Chinese cultural attitude. Kim spent every morning and evening listening to the birds sing while sitting under the stars and marveling at the skyscrapers towering above the tiled roof of our little inn.
 Abandoning our western thought was essential for our survival in the busy streets of Beijing. Visitors should keep in mind that the lines on the roads, which we call lanes, are merely guidelines for the Chinese. We also found that crosswalks did not guarantee the right away for pedestrians. More than once we were almost brushed by a city bus and even a police car.
 Another concern we had, was the quality of the air. I remember the news reporting the problem for the athletes health prior to the Beijing Summer Games in 2008 and apparently nothing had changed. Getting enough satisfying breaths of oxygen was similar to my gasping for air in the high altitudes of Cuzco, Peru a few years before.
 One last negative before I hit the magical and amazing aspects of our trip to China. For us, getting a taxi to take us to our destination, was paramount to Chairman Mao parting the East China Sea with a wave of the hand. It's not the cab drivers fault that most Americans can't read or write in Chinese characters. Communicating what we needed, was a major problem but somehow, after time we still managed.
 Chairman Mao once said "If you haven't been to the Great Wall, you aren't a real man." Fortunately for me, visiting the most famous of border structures was on the top of Amber's list of things she wanted to see. I'm pleased to announce my maturation process towards masculinity is complete.
 A couple hours north of Beijing, is the less crowded and touristy section of the wall known as Mutianyu where we boarded a gondola that took us from the valley floor to the wall. Honestly, I have never seen anything as impressive as the Great Wall anywhere in the world; at least not anything that was constructed by man. After walking along the precipice a little way, Kim and I sat down and waited for Amber to run up the incline to a watch tower more than a mile away. We looked around, marveling at just the one section of the 6,000 kilometer long wall. Kim, being a little more in tune to her spiritual side, practically felt and heard the ancient voices of the men guarding the northern border with an occasional dog barking in the distance. For me, I could only imagine what it would have been like centuries before.
 As equally impressive is the Forbidden City right in the heart of Beijing. From the outside, you can't imagine how expansive it is until you buy your ticket and enter. Structure after structure separated by enormous courtyard after courtyard; all having a similar appearance.
 Home of twenty-four emperors between the Ming and Qing dynasties, the once imperial palace is now a thought provoking museum of surviving treasures, thrones, gardens, and incredible tiled art. We walked through the ancient city for an hour looking for a tiled picture of 9 dragons which didn't disappoint. Unfortunately, for the Chinese, most of the artifacts are now on display in Taiwan; a sore spot for the Chinese government.
 During our stay we also visited Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, the Llama Temple, the Ming Tombs, and even the Beijing Zoo to see a real, live Panda. We sat through a never-ending performance of the Peking Opera as well as an incredible and rewarding acrobatic show the following evening. I highly recommend the latter but the former, well, eh........ During both performances we listened to people talking loudly on their cell phones without even a thought of consideration for the patrons or the performers.
 No matter where we visited during our stay, Kim and I were amused to see family after family ask if they could take a family picture with Amber. We guessed seeing a tall blonde girl in Beijing was not a very common sight.
 Someday we will visit China again. Once you look past the little idiosyncrasies' of China and the differences between east and west. The land of guardian dragons and Tai Chi in the park is a magical place to visit.

Tomorrow afternoon we leave for China! Kim, Amber and I are catching a flight to Chicago and then on to Beijing. This will be my first trip with Amber since we went to Munich Germany four years ago. Really, really looking forward to it.

Why is travel so important? This is a question I've been asked and I have a variation of answers.

First, I've always taken my kids on trips because its a great bonding time with them. Over twelve years ago I started taking my kids on international trips and I've relished the time spent with them while we experience new cultures and cities. Amber has personally been to Thailand, Greece, Germany, England, Italy, New Zealand, Brazil, Costa Rica and now China.

Second, Americans sometimes act as if they are the only people in the world. My kids have learned that there are other people and their feelings and lives deserve our consideration. My children will not act as the "ugly Americans".

Third, the experience. In Thailand, Amber sat with a full grown tiger in her lap. In Paris, Kim and I watched a chamber orchestra play in a thousand year old church. In Ireland, Heather and I stayed in a real castle hotel. And in Belgium, Kim, Logan, and I had lunch one Sunday with friends in Brussels. Each of the trips I've been on to over 25 countries have had memorable and special experiences.

Fourth, it is in other countries that I'm inspired to write my stories. Who knows what being in China might bring to my imagination.

How fortunate I am to have a wife who loves to travel and experience the world as much as I do.

Easter Sunday and my dad

Today is Easter! What a beautiful day too. The skies are overcast so the temperature in north Texas is not too hot. Birds are singing outside my open window. And, today is the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection.

I have a profound belief in the resurrection and eternal life. Thank heaven, literally, for this knowledge that we will all live again. I love my Savior and appreciate what he did for me and all of us.

Two weeks ago today my father fell while trying to get out of his wheel chair. As a result, he broke his hip. When the medical staff taking care of him found his injury, the performed surgery to alleviate the pain he was in and unfortunately, he never really came out of it. He sweetly, and quietly, passed away with my brother Gary sitting next to him in the hospital room.

The funeral was on Thursday, the 6th of April. It wasn't all that easy for my family to get there. On Tuesday, I inadvertantly stepped on my glasses and smashed them flat, fortunately they didn't break (yet) and they were able to be straightened so I could wear them. On the same day, tornadoes ravished the DFW metroplex which jeopardized our flight to Salt Lake City on Thursday. 65 of American Airlines' planes were damaged and hundreds of flights cancelled. We were able to go standby the day before and even sat in first class. Our struggles were not over however. On Friday, Kim, Logan, and I woke up in a hotel that wind had knocked out power. We had no electricty and no heated water for showers. Also, my talk that I was to give in just a few hours, was still on my computer and I had no way of printing it. That morning was spent jotting down notes that I could remember and that was what I based my talk on. It also snowed that night and dropped into the 30's.

Everything at the viewing and the funeral went remarkably well. My dad was burried in Salt Lake City Cemetery with an honor guard from the disabled veterans. It was quite a tribute and one that my dad, Clinton Hale, definitely deserved.

My dad was the most amazing man I've ever known. He was humble and quiet. He went about his career and his church jobs with a dedication I've never seen in anyone else. He was my example, my friend, my home teaching companion as a youth, my mentor and teacher. He was my father.

Dad, I'll always love and miss you. Godspeed!

Your son Chris.

2011

It's been an interesting year to say the least. As I look back, I'm grateful for so many things. First and foremost, I'm grateful for my wife Kim and my children Megan, Amber, Heather, Connor, and Logan. Where would I be without their love and support.

Of course Kim is my biggest support. Late last year when Deseret News contacted me about writing a travel blog for their paper and the Mormon Times, Kim was right there supporting me. The first article about Thailand's tiger temple was printed in the newspaper on New Year's day and I've had eleven more published since. Kim was there to offer advice, help with descriptions, and edit the final piece. Several of these pieces are still available in the online edition at the following links.

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700203391/Costa-Rica-Land-of-orchids-volcanoes-enchantment.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705363351/A-thrilling-visit-to-the-Buddhist-Tiger-Temple.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705364538/A-modern-day-exploration-of-the-medieval-city-of-Ghent.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705387057/The-Netherlands-Keukenhof-offers-awe-inspiring-array-of-tulips-in-bloom.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705376286/Paris-welcomes-you.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705373120/More-than-one-day-is-needed-to-visit-NASAs-Cape-Kennedy.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705390928/Former-missionarys-return-to-Atlanta-filled-with-beautiful-sights.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705372225/Emerald-Isle---a-beautiful-and-historical-treat.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705369008/A-taste-of-three-Greek-Isles-in-one-day.html

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705389389/A-ride-in-history.html

In adition to these, I also wrote one on the international firework competition in Montreal every summer and another one on Peru's ancient Inca civilization.

I love writing, I hope to continue to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you Deseret News and my family.

CAH

This really sucks!

For over 16 years I've absolutely loved my job working as an Aviation Maintenance Technician for American Airlines. I've survived a pilots strike and a generally miserable relationship between management and labor. I was there the morning of 9/11 and listened to the deafening silence that night at work when all the planes in the country were parked, not being allowed to do what they were built for.

I've so enjoyed the travel benefits afforded to me and my family and for those who follow my books and articles in the Deseret News, you know how much I enjoy travel.

Now AA is faced with another challenge, one I'm not sure my seniority will survive. Three days ago, they petitioned for chapter 11 bankruptcy in a New York court. Now starts the painful scaling back as American becomes more lean, shedding unprofitable routes, escaping their massive debt, and scaling back numbers in the rank and file. (which may include me)

I've watched my company make bad business decisions continually. With our last CEO...Mr. Don Carty, we tried to save Canadian Airlines buy investing millions of dollars in hopes of keeping them as a Oneworld partner. After the expenditure, Air Canada purchased them and our money was lost. Mr. Carty also tried more room in coach by having the mechanics remove seats giving the passengers more leg room. Personally, I loved the extra room in my travels but we lost millions of lost revenue which resulted in us puting the seats back in. Mr. Carty also had to be the biggest airline so he purchased TWA after their 3rd entry into bankruptcy. Idiotic - almost criminal. He sold the cool routes and most the airplanes and kept the people. You may ask yourself why and all I can do is shrug. Carty is an idiot. BTW, he is now the CEO of Virgin America....he should be in prison in my humble opinion. He started our decline from profitability eleven years ago with his stupid decisions.

I think the worst thing Mr. Carty did was in 2003. During the economic downturn and post 9/11 reluctance for people to fly, he wrestled the labor unions into signing concessionary contracts which was suppose to keep my loved airline out of bankruptcy. Peronsally, I gave back 17 per cent of my wages, a week of vacation, sick time, and other benefits with the rest of my work group. We never got any of that back. But after all unions had signed on the dotted line, the news broke that Mr. Carty and the rest of the criminally minded executives gave themselves literally millions of dollars in bonuses, having taken the money from us. Nice...literally felt like crap after that one. And now we are in bankruptcy anyway.

I have no idea what the future holds for me. I hope I can keep my job but even I've applied for other airlines. I can't imagine not having the ability to fly around the world. Once you have it, its a hard thing to give up. I want to keep writing my novels as inspiration directs. But, unfortunately, its not up to me anymore. I do pray, not only for me, but for the rest of the work groups in my airline.

Hopefully, we'll be okay.

CAH

'The Inca Prophecy' for Christmas!

So who has family members who like to read? Well, what better present for Christmas than 'Whispers from the Past' and 'The Inca Prophecy'? Both books are written for teen age and up and have been enjoyed by all who have read them. Both books are available in paperback from amazon.com or from me personally. Contact me and I'd be happy to send a copy of either for only $10.00 plus shipping. Or, you can order a paperback from amazon.com for 10.95, or 6.95 for the kindle or nook.

Listen to professional Utah model Reesa Marie and get yours today. "Another fantastic easy read... Well written, adventurous & exciting! As always I can't wait for the next one :)"

Home.....and already missing the city of Istanbul.

Been home now for 2 days and already missing Istanbul. Kim and I had such a wonderful time and found the people to be extremely helpful and friendly. For example, we were sitting outside the Suleymaniye Mosque when a local dentist asked us where we were from. We ended up eating lunch with him at a local outdoor cafe.

Ancient inverted Medussa Head in the basilica cistern

Kim inside Hagia Sofia

In addition to the people, and waking up every morning to the mosques call to prayer, the Ottoman architecture was amazing. Between the mosques and the palaces, we were both very impressed. Also pretty cool was the Basilica Cistern which is basically an ancient underground water tank. In addition to the Ottoman influence, there is still Roman relics which include the Hippodrome and the aquaduct which were both pretty cool.



The ancient Hagia Sophia



We took a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait and even went to a dinner show where a belly dancer mugged me...too bad the flash on the camera didn't work when Kim tried to snap a picture.


Pretty talented dog. (check out his shades)




Kim looking at the Asian side of Istanbul



The Blue Mosque

 Turkey is an amazing country and we're so glad we could both spend a week there. I hope you enjoy these pictures.

First day in Turkey

Our first day in Turkey was pretty casual compared to previous trips Kim and I have taken to Europe. But, we did see some "must see's" within the city of Istanbul and the area of Sultanahmet. We were able to see the "Blue Mosque" as well as the Hagia Sofia museum. (Hagia Sofia was a Christian Basillica by Constantine and later a mosque when the Ottoman Empire took over.

We were also able to see the Basillica Cistern which was pretty impressive too. It's like a very elaborate underground water tank with 336 columns holding up the ceiling. This column, and one other, show a Medussa head and was probably pillaged from Christian structures before the cistern was built.

Turkey here we come!

It's been a while since I've posted anything and for this I apologize. I've been consumed with some events going on in my life which have kept me from not only posting here, but I've not written an article for the Deseret News for some time either. Hopefully soon!

Two days to Turkey. Kim and I decided we would throw caution to the wind and head for Istanbul on tuesday. We debated for several weeks if this was where we should go, or should we try Scotland or Italy instead of our original choise of Turkey. Right now, things look good for traveling standby as long as we can get to Washington DC to catch our international flight.

We have some wonderful plans and I'm sure an article will come out of this trip at least. Who knows, maybe I'll be inspired to continue my Daniel and Kylee stories with a trip to Eurasia. I'll keep you all posted.

I'll definitely keep this blog up to date while we are gone.

CAH