Where is Charlie-Part I

‘’On the Wrong Side’ Trans-Eurasian Charity Expedition (OTWS)"How does Global Warming connect you in this world? Is it through people, ecology or the environment?

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rerux9I5E-0On May 19th, Charlie Frew left Cape D'Aguilar and crossed from Hong Kong into China some 12 hrs late due to 'irregularities' with Shenzhen Customs.  With a one way permit he was advised by immigration officers that 'to turn around would not be allowed once he left the Closed Border Area of Lok Ma Chau'.  With a yellow rain storm in full flood, he headed to Shenzhen across No Man's Land and looked back to see Hong Kong enveloped in a big dark cloud.

Over the next 12 days, he drove just over 4000 kms through the major areas of Huizhou, Gangzhou, Jiujang, Wuhan, Yichang, Xian, Yulin, Hohhot and Erenhot (Inner Mongolia).

Travelling along provincial roads, state roads and occasional expressways Charlie tracked down his own list of things to see including the Three Gorges Dam, Shenlong Forest, Huashan Mountain and what was left of the Great Wall of China.  Global warming connection interviews were filmed along the way.

Besides the long days in the Hilux, one thing Charlie will never forget nor understand is China's driving.  "Its pure psychological wargames.  The only way you really win is to put yourself in their mind and try and imagine the worst manouever they could possibly do and then expect something completely different.  Car mirrors and lights are just flashy ornaments.  If in doubt give way or slam on the brakes. And the really sad thing is that even he reversed down the expressway the wrong way after being given an incorrect direction by the mandarin GPS.

Some parts of the country are stunningly beautiful, but blotted by massive power stations and ugly factories.  The further north, the skies become clearer. Roads are congested with lorries carrying nothing but coal.  Train networks seem very scarce, with only one seen in Inner Mongolia carrying PLA war machinery.  People have generally been very friendly and chatty, and the Hilux certainly attracts attention especially from taxis. 

Driving through China has been tough with punishingly long hours yet there was never a dull moment.  Whether it be seeing a sign for an International Ski Resort in the middle of a forest or being overtaken by a car that had only moments before crashed into a barrier, close your eyes for a second and you miss something very unique.

Charities With variety Charity road shows and events, all donation & fundraising of this expedition will go to:

The Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF)   www.cncf.org SOS Children's Village                                           www.sos-childrensvillage.org

Shark Trust                                                         www.sharktrust.org

ROUTE in AsiaSTART Hong Kong Cape D’Aguilar Lighthouse (19th May 2010)

Asia - Hong Kong – Shenzhen – ChangSha – Hubei – Xian – Hohhot – Erenhot – Mongolia– Siberia - Arctic Circle - Northern Russia

ROUTE in EuropeEurope – Finnmark – Norway – Sweden – Denmark – Germany – Switzerland – France – Spain – Portugal

FINISH Portugal Cape Saint Vincent Lighthouse May 2011

For more info and keep track of the project, click on to:

Website: www.onthewrongside.info