James 
Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon described a mystical, harmonious semi-paradise, gently guided by ageless Tibetan monks from a lamasery situated high above a peaceful valley enclosed within the western end of the Kunlun Mountains.
This wonderous place called “Shangri-La” has become a template for almost any modern earthly paradise, but is presented as a mythical Himalayan utopia, forever happy and healthy because it is completely isolated and insulated from the influences, wars, and diseases of the outside world.
In fact, in both the book and the 1937 Frank Capra directed movie “Lost Horizon” starring Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt, Shangri-La was presented as an Eden surrounded by nearly impassable Himalayan peaks. 
The story was very convincing and it generated feelings of hope that such a place could really exist, especially during the time of the Great Depression and the world-wide economic collapse that was leading directly toward the most devastating war in human history.
Many expeditions actually set out in the Himalayan mountain ranges looking for the fabled Shangri-La, even though it was only a fictional place dreamed up by Mr. Hilton. His description of the people living at Shangri-La as being nearly immortal, living years beyond their normal lifespan and only slowly aging in appearance, created an almost religious devotion toward finding such a place.
Today whenever we hear the name of Shangri-La we usually think of an exotic paradise somewhere in the Orient. Our friends and frequent contributors to Just One Opinion, Bob and Claire Rogers, are on their own quest to find their “Shangri-La.” As this is being written they are pedaling their tandem bicycle across the streets, hiqhways and dirt roads of southern Asia. Those of us at JOO will do our best to keep you up-to-date on their progress and experiences as they ride on toward their goal, their own vision of Shangri-La.
Here’s a link to Bob and Claire’s own article about “Shangri-La” published on their website: “Shangri-La: Journey into myth, searching for reality”
Check back daily at JustOneOpinion.com for updates (links are located in the right sidebar) and the Rogers’ own website at NewBohemians.net for the latest news about their progress. Bob and Claire will be uploading articles, photos, and videos directly to their website whenever and as often as they can. Wi-Fi is available throughout Asia, but there are huge gaps between available access. So bear with them and wish them luck on their long, arduous – but most exciting trip.
If you want to email Bob and Claire and send them your good wishes, try them at BobRogers@NewBohemians.net.
You can keep track of their progress on this special journal page updated daily at JustOneOpinion.com.
PDF 
Wonderful introduction to the concept of Shangri-la. Our search for Shangri-la is more an excuse for an adventure than any kind of research, but the things we are finding already are, as always in China, fascinating, and really deeper than imagined.
Shangri-La for me is wherever I am and whatever I’m doing. It means paying “Attention” to the moment, and giving the best that you can give. Loving your family, listening to your friends, savoring each morsel of food, and keeping a smile on your face. Shangri-La is anywhere and everywhere.