Mystery of the Orient

It was an unusual trip that was planned, stranger still that my Mother-in-law was the reason. A wonderful woman who was liked by all who knew her, kind, gentle, hard working, and grateful for the gift of reaching America to see her children and dreams grow. Young Chinese woman Leaving family abroad American dreams She wanted to see her home just one more time... a small village in China. Nixon's trip had made it more accessible, and she wondered what the old homestead had become. With a grown daughter she had not seen in 35 years, left with her mother because of difficulties in travel visas. Aching to see home A child she missed so much Excited to go. My wife, I, and young son accompanied her on this journey, meeting a cousin in Hong Kong after the long flight. I was surprised by the Cosmopolitan atmosphere, but then remembered it was still under British Rule. We spent the next day getting all the visas and passes needed to cross the border into "Red" China. Some sightseeing was done, but our train would leave next morning. Family affair Tokyo and Seoul connections Bureaucratic bunk. Our three drivers were waiting after our one night in Guanzu. Eager to prove their skill, we gave them nicknames for the style each one drove. "Speed Bump Racer" hit every pothole along the 200 mile trek. "Dead Man's Curve" would only pass on blind curves, and "Honkin' Hank" loved the sound of his horn. Each impressed me with their daring, especially with our lives in the balance. We were fortunate to make it to the village in one piece, even if the trip was a bit rough. Three idiots drove Putting our lives in their hands How did we survive? My Mother-in-law's home had not changed much, but the village had. A new Civic Center was the showplace and a feast in her honor to be held. Over 10,000 firecrackers to start a feast? This was to be her welcoming honor; we listened to continued blasts for five minutes. The entire village was invited to join. A whole roasted pig and other delicacies. Her oldest daughter, now married with children, family, and friends gave her a send off only a star would have appreciated. The trip home was anticlimactic. Who could know her thoughts? Deafening silence from her Tears of remembrance.