At the time, the Chinese viewed foreign people as uncivilized and barbaric. Xuanzang pained a contrasting picture. He brought details about India’s social structure, educational requirements, legal and economic practices, social and cultural norms and eating habits. He was so influential, in fact, he contributed to an altogether new public outlook on India as a mystical land inhabited by “civilized” and sophisticated people.

When I first read about Xuanzang I instantly identified with him and he became my adventure travel hero.

As a Westerner, the notion of foreign peoples as uncivilized and even barbaric is something I grew up with. Prior to living in China, I’d not heard much of anything positive in the Western media, either.

But much like Xuanzang, as I immersed myself in a culture and people so different, I fell in love… Admittedly, with my Western suspicion, it took time but, as the years flew by, I could no longer believe that my exceptional treatment wasn’t genuine.

Whether I was given the “thumbs up” and, even esteemed by the Chinese after I identified myself as a teacher. Or when I’d go anywhere as a foreigner and being treated as an honoured guest. Or even the overwhelming kindness everywhere I went. Everything compelled me to contemplate that I might be immersed in a culture even more civilized and sophisticated than mine…

So, in the spirit of not forgetting about those not yet enlightened, my purpose is to spread this knowledge even if it’s on my own dime.