I promise not to complain about the 13-1/2 hour flight to DC

My ayi, the incredible, cheerful Xiao Ping, mentioned she would be taking some time off over Chinese New Year. She, like most of the Chinese population, will return by train to her home province. Her home happens to be Anhui, one of the poorest provinces in China.

I asked her how long the ride would take, and she responded:

It's not too long. I'll get on the train at night and in the morning I'll be almost there. It's only 17 hours. It will be even better if I can get a seat instead of standing room.

It's when I get there that it gets harder. From the train I have to take a bus, then when I get near my home I have to take a boat across a small river. The river isn't wide, but sometimes you have to wait half a day for a boat to come.