Richard Bess grew up in St. Albans in Queens New York. Here is what he had to say about his book, Six Months on a Train:
I started writing this when I was sleeping on a park bench in Hong Kong.
My book takes place in the later part of 2013 to the beginning of 2014. During
that time, I lived in Mainland China. I moved all over and became familiar with
several parts of the country.
Before I started to travel, I taught at a college in New York and worked for a
tour company. My business venture ended badly. I left New York with the
intention of going to Beijing and studying Mandarin for six weeks before
returning home to start graduate school. I never made it to grad school, and six
weeks turned into six months.
Due to financial problems, legal/residency, and spiritual issues, I kept
changing jobs. I worked in and around Beijing and also in the far south. I was
able to interact with the immigrant communities that are springing up in that
region.
I took a job deep in China’s interior and wrote this book as a travel guide for
China, as the same scenarios apply to most of Asia. My book gives unique
insight into things a traveler may encounter in this fascinating country.
China is still a bit of a mystery to the rest of the world. My journey took me to
places deep in the heart of China that remain untouched by outside influences.
I also write from the perspective of a black man. I give my own explanations of
spirituality, especially regarding religious practices in cultures that are
considered taboo. I met some fantastic people along the way. His interview is under What’s Hot.
Black Asia Magazine 