San Francisco Dinner

"Around the World in Seven Months: The Journey from Beijing to Moscow"

Thursday, May 15 - social hour 6 pm, dinner 7, show 8 - at City Forest Lodge, 254 Laguna Honda Boulevard, San Francisco (across from Laguna Honda Hospital and downhill from Forest Hill Station; take Muni's, K, L, M, or 43). Come early for street parking (no sidewalk parking please).

Our speakers, Bryan and Audrey Gillette, took seven months off work and away from their careers to make their dream come true - to go around the world - their way. Their way was not the usual way. It was not a guided tour. They will explain to you that it does not have to cost an arm and a leg to do such a trip, and you don't have to eat only noodles and sleep on benches in a park.

They spent a full year planning the logistics and spent a great deal of time agreeing on what they wanted to see and do. They ended up carrying 30-pound packs and found that the best arrangement for jumping onto airplanes and into taxis, being crammed into China's subways, and climbing onto elephants' backs. They will share tips on planning, clothing, and equipment for such a trip.

A trip around the world cannot be compressed into an hour, and so Bryan and Audrey have chosen to show us and tell us about the portion of their trip that includes Southeast Asia, China, and the spectacular 10-day train ride from Beijing to Moscow.

Bryan has an MBA and extensive experience in the corporate world, but more importantly, he is a traveler. In 1990 he completed a solo bicycle trip of 4,000 miles across and around the U.S. and has done many other long-distance bicycle trips. He has been to 28 countries on four continents, as well as 26 states.

Audrey has spent her professional career as a corporate-events project manager and also as a manager of food and music festivals. She too has traveled extensively, visiting 30 countries but only 23 states.

Reservations are required for this exciting evening (no attendance for program only). Non-members are welcome. Mail check for $13.50 made out to "Sierra Club, S.F. Bay Chapter" to Barb Bourns at:

274A Connecticut St.
San Francisco, CA 94107

Checks must be received by Mon., May 12. Specify which month's dinner your want. Bring your own wine or soft drinks. Glasses and ice available. Let us know if you are a vegetarian. Questions? Call Barb before 9 pm at (415)431-6054. Make reservations early.