Thanks to those who read and commented on part 1, our stay in Iran. The family returned to England on May 15th, and I got ready to go to Japan. I had some time to spare, so planned to see a few places on my way. My first thought was to fly to Moscow and take the train to Vladivostock, then boat to Japan, ethnically interesting but 3 weeks on a Russian train sounded a liitle too much.
First stop was Delhi, the capital city of a country (and people) that I have enjoyed ever since, sometimes nervously. India hit me with a kaleidoscope of colors, energy, traffic chaos, strange sounds (and smells), spicy meals and a stomach upset. Flame trees and bougainvillea. Bicycle “taxis”, tuk tuks, wandering cows. India is an extraordinary juxtaposition of Victorian Britishness (Luytens buildings of New Delhi, much English speaking, steam trains, bureaucracy) with ancient traditions and magnificent palaces. And a lot of poverty.
Ghandi memorial 
A long (and scary) bus ride to Agra showed me a countryside of small farms, working oxen and elephants. And the magnificent Taj Mahal.
I have returned to India too many times to count since that time, and have been greatly impressed by progress in so many areas, not least medicine, as I have written in a previous piece about a recent visit to Hyderabad. Marion and I had a great tour of Rajasthan on the “Maharajah’s train” with friends some years ago.
Where next? I had hoped for Nepal, but there were no flights, so straight to Bangkok (with great views of the Himalayas). Bangkok was hot as hades, also charming but less chaotic than India. Did the tourist things too quickly, floating market, giant buddhas and temples, and great street food. Have enjoyed Thai cuisine ever since.
No time to explore further, so back on a plane headed for Hong Kong.
Hong Kong has long been one of my most favorite cities in the world. I am so impressed with the energy, charm and efficiency (and wonderful food). It was then still ruled by the Brits, seemingly rather well. English speaking everywhere. As everyone must, I took the Star ferry to Kowloon side and the tram to the peak of Victoria island, with a lovely view of the bustling harbor, and a few “high rise” apartments. The same view is a little different 50 years later!
1971 
2019
Tempting cheap cameras and electronics and many beautiful things in the shops, including one selling imports from the mainland. Jade carvings, porcelain, paintings. Took possession of a suit 8 hours after my fitting.
The Olympus company (that made and makes most of the endoscopes we use) had arranged for their reps in Hong Kong to show me around. Very helpful. One looked like Charlie Chaplin, with baggy trousers, a baggier umbrella and always carrying a bottle of whisky in a brown bag for some reason. They introduced me to a surgeon, Frank Cheng, who took me to the famous JUMBO floating restaurant in Aberdeen harbor (that burned down afterwards, the restaurant, not the harbor).
I mention Frank because, some years later, he recommended that a young gastroenterologist should train with me in London. Joseph Leung arrived in 1981 and has been a special friend and scientific collaborator ever since.
Young Joseph 
In London 
Hong Kong leader
He returned to Hong Kong to set up the combined medical/surgical endoscopy unit in the Chinese University in nearby Shatin. It quickly became and remains one of the most respected endocopy centers in the world, especially for its extensive education work throughout the region. These efforts were greatly enhanced by the contacts and guiles of Dr Wiliam Chao, and were anchored by the popular live demonstration workshops that Joseph and I started in 1985. Joseph fathered a dynasty, training and eventually handing over to Sydney Chung (an amazing surgeon, endoscopist, trumpeter and windsurfer), who trained Joseph Sung (who did tremendous clinical research and would become President of the University), who passed the baton to James Lau, etc. There seems to be an unending supply of brilliant academic clinicians.
Willy Chao, Moi, Joeph Leung, Joseph Sung 
Young Sydney Chung 
The first workshop 1985
Shatin is about 30 minutes from downtown Hong Kong. A fishing village not long ago, it is now a significant vertical city and home to the Prince of Wales hospital.
Prince of Wales hospital
Some more touring, including the rural New Territories, a complete contrast from the big city, and a visit to Queen Mary Hospital, famous for its liver work and research.
A second visit to the peak, where I saw someone who I had met at the Taj and at Bangkok’s floating market. Time to leave the tourist trail and get to work in Japan.
But, just a moment to comment on the extraordinary changes that have happened in the region in the last 50 years. The countries have all developed amazingly, and China is Hong Kong on steroids.
I have had the privelege of lecturing in more than 50 countries. If you want to learn more about my adventures, check out my book “The tunnel at the end of the light” . Available from https://drpetercotton.com/shop/
Next stop Japan and the beginnings of ERCP
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