The ancient town of San He. http://www.china.org.cn/travel/2013-05/01/content_28704165_4.htm It was an interesting day. The driver picked us up about 9 AM and drove to San He. It was about 50 K. After we got there we walked for a little bit over an hour. It was at least 100 degrees F and humidity of 90 – 95%. It was a beautiful old city but the heat and humidity damn near killed me. I sat down next to the creek and Kate and Lizzie went exploring. They came back about a half hour latter to find me par-boiled. Kate suggested an air-conditioned coffee shop which was about 30 yards across the street. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. After about 45 minutes Kate got bored and went exploring while Lizzie and I talked. A wonderful treasure ... read more

Wow, has Hefei changed. The new airport is about 35-40 K outside the city or a 45 minute cab ride. As you get about half way to the city, it is built up with factories and apartments. The Holiday Inn is right on the canal bordering the old city. In general, Hefei has been on heavy steroids for 13 years. Take Eau Claire, Wisconsin and make look like Chicago in 13 years. Hefei is roughly the size of Chicago, about 7.8M people. Xi’an is a tourist city while Hefei begins work at 7 AM. We are staying in Hefei until Tuesday morning and then taking the fast train to Shanghai. On Monday we are going to the orphanage in Chua Hue. Between now and Monday, it is adventure time in Hefei.... read more

We are getting ready to take the train to Xi’an. We had a bit of a change in plans. We take the train to Xi’an but then we are staying at a hotel. Rather than take the overnight, 3rd class (hard seat) from Xi’an to Hefei we will fly. Ah, back to civilized sightseeing, thank you, Kate. I don’t know if she is changing plans for Lizzie or I but thank you Kate. The fast train is unbelievable. They post your speed on a constant basis. We were usually going 295 kph (196 mph) but got up to 305 kph. The thing I most enjoyed was seeing the country side. It is beautiful. I think the track for the new fast train was built so it did not go through too many cities and the train ... read more

We took an air-conditioned bus to the Great Wall, Mutianyu - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutianyu. We then took a sky car to a place near the top of the wall. I met a family from California and talked to them while Lizzie and Kate trekked about 8 K up and down the wall. We then met at a very nice place for lunch. Met a few really nice people on the trip. One couple was newly married. He was from France and she was from Chile. Another couple was living in Southern China. He was Mexican and had lived in the Twin Cities with Rotary. She was Polish and worked in Germany. Both couples were interesting and a lot of fun. I love civilized sightseeing and really needed a day of rest and BSing.... read more

Introduction: This blog recounts a two and half week trip to China with my daughter, Kate and my granddaughter Lizzie in July of 2014. Lizzie was born in China, Anhui provenance in March of 2000. She was adopted in March of 2001. While it is very interesting to see the changes in China over 13 years, the real treat for me was getting to know Lizzie as a person and not just as my granddaughter. I would also like to thank Cathy Olson for cleaning up the blog with correct grammar and filling in the words in my mind but not on the page. Also thanks to Sam Hanson for his technical help. Jim Collins 7/14 It was a long flight but well worth it. My granddaughter Lizzie is so excited about experiencing China. I believe ... read more