Friendly people and places.

For 9 years, the Yak has been on one fun-filled roller-coaster ride. Make that plane ride--to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, to other states and even to other countries.

Since 1995, he's visited northern and southern North America as well as Asia, Australia and Europe. He's hiked through ancient forests, floated down a wild and scenic river and explored sophisticated cities. He's eaten breakfast with chopsticks, snacked on wild grapefruit in the jungle and dined on juicy steaks on a cattle ranch.

Most importantly, he's met hundreds of wonderful people--kids and adults --from many different cultures. He's listened to them tell stories and sing songs. He's watched them perform dances, dig for fossils and build sand sculptures.

Each experience deepened his appreciation of our beautiful, fascinating planet. Each increased his awareness of being a citizen of the world--at home everywhere, always among friends.

In 1996, the Yak traveled to his first Olympic host city--Atlanta--shortly before the Summer Games. Eight years later, what he remembers best is his visit to Fowler Street Elementary School, next door to the Olympic Village.

The school's 244 students lived in some nearby apartments that were being torn down for the Games because they were old and rundown. All the kids had to move, which was scary.

"I feel sad because all my friends are moving and I won't be able to see them once school gets out," said Latandra Crowder, 12, a fifth-grader.