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By Debbie Wiles, Lone Star Chapter 1st VP
As I mentioned in the November issue, I participated in a professional communication delegation to the People's Republic of China in October 2002. This was my second journey to China. I was privileged to have also been a part of the 1997 technical communication delegation to China.
In the 1997 journey, I went with a romanticized vision of an ancient country and returned with less romanticism and the stunned realization that China's technical writing practice was still in antiquity. But the 2002 journey was different. 
This time, I went to conduct research to use in a major writing project for my master's program with Texas Tech University. I had a realistic outlook on the country and culture that I would experience, and I thought I knew what to expect from our Chinese counterparts. Again, I was wrong.
Our Chinese counterparts amazed me. They use many of the tools and technology we use. They're venturing into SGML and XML. They have up-to-date hardware in their briefcases and memory sticks in their shirt pockets. They're establishing style guides and searching for ways to introduce technical communication courses within industry and academe. Some are already beginning to offer it. They're ingenuity and enthusiasm for our field is refreshing, and I believe it's just a matter of time before they develop experts within our field.
I enjoyed my visit to China. I forgot about work and most of my obligations… even my Lone Star Chapter duties. Imagine that! Though tour guides kept us on a rigid schedule, giving us too little time at some of my favorite sites and way too much time for shopping, I can't complain. For the most part, I did what I wanted to do and had a wonderful time. The attached photo journal offers a snapshot account of my memorable journey.
Click to view PowerPoint (3.075 K).