We write ViaMei for you, the ex-patriots from China living in the US and for Americans living in China.
　We also write for those of you who spend much of your time traveling in China, or the US, but do go home.
　Like you, I spend much of my time away. Yet there is something that draws me to road that is in my blood. Perhaps it is the wandering Celt in my genetics. Or more likely it's the thought of meeting new people, experiencing new cultures, smelling new smells, tasting new food and experiencing first hand what most people feel they can only daydream about. Travel is my greatest joy. I love to be the only American in a new area.
　I know you are like me or you would not be doing what you are doing.
　So I ask, while you do what you do, please think about sharing your stories with us. Tell us of your trials, your tears, your smiles, your insights, the places you visited, the people you met, the business that intrigued you, the passion that gripped you, the knowledge you gained on your last expedition.
　Our goal is to make this a fun read whether we are writing of finance or flowers. We want this magazine to be a conversation between friends. We are looking for experiences that when you put them on paper, they explode in our minds so that as readers of your story, we feel what you feel and see what you see in your minds eye as you saw it live.
　We've asked you fill out the survey we stitched into the book.
　And we ask you to write stories for us.
　You can learn how to write in our style on our website at ViaMei.com.
　We know you can do it because as a leader who travels the world, you possess special communication skills that lend themselves to writing. You are a leader and all great leaders are great communicators, great story tellers. We want to hear both sides of the story—the Chinese and the American. Start thinking of those experiences abroad that bring a tear or smile. Write down. Send them to us.
　About this issue: We focus on Xi'an's sisterhood with Kansas City, Missouri. Both cities breathe heart and soul for their countries. Xi'an, the capital of China for 4,000 years, holds China's ancient artifacts and energy. The home of the Silk Road, Xi'an was the first city in the world to reach one million in population 2,000 years ago.
　Xi'an's people, art and culinary delights embody all that made China the star of the ancient world and all that makes her the rising star of the modern world.
　Xi'an's people's warmth mirrors that of the people of Kansas City. Welcoming and joyful, I enjoyed the best Chinese food and the warmest welcome from the people of Xi'an that I received in China. We laughed, we toasted, we talked late into the night. I walked the streets and visited the shops for hours.
　You see the great changes in China, in Xi'an. Uniquely Chinese skyscrapers tower above the ancient 4,000 year old city walls. While shopping for family and friends in Xi'an, I felt as easy as if I was walking shop to shop in Westport in Kansas City. I came away with what I felt my greatest gifts and the best deals I received in China.
　In Xi'an you feel the energy and life of China's heart—quick warm smiles, positive attitudes, great food, great shopping, great business opportunity and an opportunity to study China's 4,000-year history. 　
　By studying China's history in Xi'an, I realized the strength and resilience of the Chinese people. I realized their values lead them to overcome all obstacles and for 4,000 years they rise after every trial to greater success. I have been traveling the world for 30 years. My eyes have not seen this energy and sense of purpose sustained over years in the eyes of any other people from all the countries of the world I have traveled over the years.
　Kansas City vibrates with the warm heart of a nation of immigrants. These Strong willed men and woman of all races are heirs of those who jumped into wagons to set off into the unknown wilderness. Grandsons and granddaughters of Irish and Chinese immigrants who built the country's might railroads across an untamed, wild, Wild West.
　Today, the country's national political journalists come to Kansas City to measure the pulse of the nation. The people here exhibit an agrarian strength because many of Kansas City's citizens are only one generation removed from the farm. Here seven years of drought are often followed by seven years of plenty. This heave-ho of Mother Nature keeps Kansas City's people humble and honest.
　Xi'an and Kansas City, are two sister cities with a long history of a people with strong minds and strong spirits. Enjoy this issue.