Sorry for the lack of updates

Have to blame poor internet connections from the lack of updates during the last week in China. Everything went well, saw some amazing production facilities in south China...they put many of our American counterparts to shame with their level of control, cleanliness and dedication to high quality control. What is the difference you may ask.....well, for producing a typical shower gel or body lotion (non-medicated).....

America - refurbished production facility in 40-50 year old building. Production workers wear hairnets and street clothes (sometimes a lab coat). Standard air conditioning.

China - workers pass through a gowning area where they put on sanitized jumpsuits, head coverings, boots, gloves and masks. Pass through a blow-down airlock (high pressure air spray to remove dust/hair), then into the production area that is brand new (3-5 years) designed for the production of personal care products, cleanable walls, ceiling and floors, well lit, and amazingly clean. Positive air pressure in production rooms to keep 'dirty' air out.

An amazing difference...and this is for a typical personal care product. State of the art equipment and a high dedication to high quality products. Now don't get me wrong, I did see stereo-typical 'sweat shops' in China....rows of people hand painting Christmas ornaments or folding necklaces into gift boxes, etc. Average worker in China makes about $300-400 a month, but they do typically get free room and board from the company, as they live on site in dorms. Work 12 hr shifts 5-6 days a week as well.

Anyway, the trip in China went well. Spent a day in Hong Kong (very much like NYC)...visited the night market and picked up some more trinkets for the kids. Not any luck in jewelry for Jen, so I guess I'll make some jewelry store in the states happy with a nice gift when i get home....she has earned it in spades after the three weeks of me travelling.

We're in Frankfurt, Germany now. Spent yesterday at the Ambiente Home Fair yesterday. Largest international home furnishing, decorating and such show in the world. It is huge!!!! And my feet are feelin it this morning. Anway, dawn is breaking here in Frankfurt and I need to hit the shower to get ready for breakfast. More info later today on what we're doing here in Germany.
ttfn.