Dad's Rooftop with the Tree - Great View Guanghai Zhen, China Taishan

I returned to the house my father was born. When I was there a few weeks ago, we noticed there was a huge tree growing on the roof which was causing considerable damage. The roots had grown through the main drain pipe of the house and spread several spider type of roots throughout both floors. Access to the roof was not easy as there was a very heavy iron door that had not been opened in years. We did manage to climb the roof to see the tree and what needed to be done to chop it down. Dad has a really nice tiled roof - great for tanning...rooftop parties, etc. Great view!

I would love to return to China again with enough money to fix this house up. I realize it would be best to tear it down and rebuild, but this house has sentimental value to me. My grandfather (who I never met) owned almost all the land in this village. He was a generous man and let others build houses on his land. This is why the families nearby watch over the house. Great community spirit!