International Blog Man, Day One.

Hi. My name is Andrew Weakland. I am a young entrepreneur. Seeing how this is the very first post and all of a dozen people will ever see it, the formality will end shortly. I want this space to be a public record of my experiences as I take the path less traveled and attempt to be self employed at 22, as well as take the path more traveled and use horrendous clichés such as "the path less traveled." Ed. Note - Clichés may in fact be a vital part of entrepreneurship, more on this later.

Last year, one of my closest friends and I had a few good ideas and incorporated together in the state of New Jersey. As of now I have decided to dedicate myself to this venture fully, and forgo other employment. From here on out it is do or die. Wish me luck.

I am currently at 32,000 feet somewhere off the southern coast of Alaska on a Boeing 747 en route from Shanghai to Chicago, the on to New York. Unfortunately this 747 was manufactured before the seat-back personal video systems and serviced by post-bankruptcy union employees. At least the booze is included. As I sit here, bleary-eyed and cramped, I was thinking it was as good a time as any to get this blog off the ground.

I can't deny it, China was an amazing escape from my former reality. Despite Shanghai's urban mystique and international flair, the Chinese culture is still present in daily life, enough so that a foreigner such as myself could never confuse it with their western home. The myriad experiences I had in China will stick with me forever, I am sure I have already forgotten many, only for them to show up later through nostalgic recollection. I have no doubt that China has changed me, and I am eager to learn how those changes will manifest themselves as I return home and continue on the journey that is Altitude. For now, all I want to say about China is that I am glad I went. More importantly I want to extend my thanks to all the kind and generous friends I met there. You are all an inspiration. Special props to Wu Laoshi. You opened the doors to so many experiences that would otherwise be unattainable, and I am sure your advice will prove invaluable.

In a few hours I can begin experiencing the reverse culture shock (and start reacquainting myself with NYC prices). I hope my friends are still my friends and gas is less than $10 a gallon, and I hope I can get back to work as soon as possible.