Taike is not only my friend, but I admire him. Talk about a real renissance man! He lives in an area with a rich, complex, historical culture. He is literate in many languages and has an understanding of cultures and peoples that you can only gain by "being there". He's a devoted dad and father, and is certainly in the top group of intellects I've know in my life.

He's a educator, who, unlike many I've known, is doing it to teach and enlighten others. He supports those who need the help. He supports Monks from his area...certainly an admirable gesture and an indication of his character.

"Da Dude", his son, "Little Wolf" is going to be a fine man with the loving help of his fine parents.

The amaising thing is, he's a lifetime friend I wouldn't have met had we not been here on the "zone". He's thousands of miles away; yet he's on my "short list" of favorite lifetime acquaintences.

I so look forward to his messages. The last few had beautiful photos of Laos, his family and other interesting things from his part of the world.

Taike...a person of real substance...an increasingly hard characteristic to find.

Russ

[This message has been edited by captain Russ (edited 08-15-2009).]