Paul

Exit 280 on I-55, just south of Memphis in Hernando Mississippi you will find Coleman's barbecue, a throwback to my childhood. The jumbo plate comes with slaw and beans, more slaw on the sandwich! Yum! Yum! We make this stop every time we drive I-55. Don't come this way often enough!

I-55 in southeast Missouri is a tough drive. Not much change in the view and long stretches of no services. Not a whole lot to keep me awake! The scenery is great if you get off the interstate, but that's not in the cards on this leg of our tour. Have to keep pushing south…

As hurricane Gustav pushes north into the gulf, we're heading south to Baton Rouge. Hopefully my good karma will help keep Gustav away from Louisiana! I've got a workshop full of friends and an event to benefit the Keys to Austism, none of whom I intend to disappoint. It is the 2nd anniversary of hurricane…

Home is the best! This was the longest August 20th I've ever experienced! At 5am Hong Kong time I loaded up for the airport. I saw Tokyo's airport, Chicago and St Louis too, and all in the same day. I am glad to be home in my own bed for a night! Next week: Baton…

Flying out of Hong Kong I am feeling overjoyed at the collection of memories I have acquired and the thought of seeing my family again. My heart is soaring enough to lift this gigantic plane into the sky. I'm flying on a Japan Airlines 747 to Tokyo. It is a double-decker with 10 seats across.…

Thank you China for showing me some of your amazing places! I wish I could stay longer, but other places are calling me. My reservoirs of inspiration are full to overflowing and I must return home to paint some of ideas you have given me! Thank you to China's watercolor artists and the watercolor societies…

This very cool Taoist temple is a piece of paradise amongst the skyscrapers of Hong Kong. It is frequented by businessmen and travelers seeking their future or to avoid illness. I am very thankful to be avoiding illness. I already know that my future holds good things! The gardens were beautiful. My favorite part is…

I have another 24 hours in Hong Kong but I'm already dreaming of my next adventure to Baton Rouge. I'll have enough time at home to do laundry before heading south to spend time with some good friends and some new ones at my watercolor workshop in Louisiana. I plan to demo a painting of…

I came too far up the hill to see this view. I figured I might as well stay awhile. It was worth the wait. A still photo just does not do it justice. Many of the skyscrapers have giant neon displays that flash and twinkle in choreographed displays. Somehow they all seem to be working…