After Xi'an, we boarded another overnight train to head to Hefei, the capital of the Anhui province and Serena's hometown. 

Upon getting off the train and stepping into the busy station, all eyes were on us. This experience didn't stop until we hopped back on the train three days later to return to Beijing. Hefei is a bustling, growing city, but is not on the international stage. Foreigners usually have no reason to go there, so they rarely do. 

Our first event was a family reunion. About twelve members of Serena's family rented a room at a local restaurant and shared a large feast. Food was placed on the center table and served to everyone.

Every three to four minutes, someone would stand up and offer 'cheers' to another member of the family. They would both then drink a shot of báijǐu 白酒, a liquor comparable to vodka. 

Without being able to converse with us much, the primary method the family used to connect with John and I was to drink with us. Not wanting to be impolite, we accepted these offers. I've had my fair share of liquor in my life, but I can probably count on one hand (or one finger) the number of times I've been that affected during lunch. Everyone seemed happy, and John and I stumbled out onto the street afterwards for our next adventure.

Serena's house was beautiful. It was the penthouse (top two floors) of a large condominium building. In China, private ownership is a relatively new thing. Citizens can "buy" property, but after 50 years it belongs to the government again. The house was large, clean, spacious, modern, and had multiple guest rooms and modern amenities like a flat-screen TV and air conditioning throughout. 

After getting almost no sleep on the overnight train the night before, I was happy to see such a large bed waiting for me. Finally, I could get comfortable!

Upon pulling off the comforter, I discovered it had ZERO cushioning. It was a flat piece of wood, covered by a sheet. Instead of getting under my comforter, I slept with my clothes on and on top of the little bit of padding that my comforter provided, and asked Serena about it the next morning. Her response was that if beds are too soft they are bad for your back. 

We met up with Serena's high school friends on one evening and enjoyed a deliciously prepared... pigeon. The whole thing. 

The next night, John and I exercised executive privilege and said we had to go to a Western restaurant. We chose Pizza Hut, thinking it would be a safe and quick alternative.

Pizza Hut in China is a luxury restaurant. We waited in line for 30 minutes, and were then brought to our table. The wait staff was attentive and even brought us napkins without us asking. The choices were relatively American (they had BBQ chicken pizza, but not pepperoni?), and delicious. After we ate dinner and paid, John asked if he could get change for a 100 RMB bill (~$15). They said no.

See pictures from Hefei.