By HAMRAWIT ABEBE, 7/01/2012. They may not be written, articulated, or learned even, but with kindness, tolerance, and a sincere respect towards the host, one can easily feel at home in Kunming, as I have. Having never been to Asia, I was looking forward to a major culture shock. An environment, a culture, and language so different from the Western world, and completely unfamiliar to an Ethiopian eye; instead I was met with the recognition of one in the other. A smile will take you further to the heart of the residents making it easy for them to welcome strangers with open arms, eager to share their culture and novice craft of living that’s unique to them. And indeed no less apparent, we too get to share each of our own unique story as they observe how we each carry ourselves in a strangers land they call home. A wonderful experience that’s currently hard to author in just few words, our journey continues … Looking forward to it.