Great Leaps

In Great Leaps, Colin Flahive explores China's rural-urban migration against the backdrop of his own transition from Colorado to southwest China. There he partnered with three friends to open a café that became much more than simply an outpost of Western cuisine in a far-flung corner of the world. Over the course of a decade, Salvador's Coffee House became home to more than 50 young women from mountain villages in the surrounding countryside. Most knew nothing about coffee or Western food, but they moved to the city to work at Salvador's and earn their independence. Great Leaps follows the challenges faced by Colin, his partners and his employees as they leave their old lives behind to make a new home in a foreign land. They encounter unlikely successes, endure heartbreaks and nearly lose everything. But by taking the leap together, they all find their own places in the modern Chinese dream.

American-born Colin Thomas Flahive has been living and traveling in China for more than 16 years. He currently lives with his wife in Kunming, where, in addition to writing, he runs multiple businesses and social enterprises.

Foreword Pronunciation Guide Chapter 1 From the Countryside Chapter 2 Sharks and Margaritas Chapter 3 China's Dammed Chapter 4 Moving East Chapter 5 A New Home Chapter 6 Down to Business Chapter 7 A New Partnership Chapter 8 To Kill a Roach Chapter 9 Traveling Circus Chapter 10 Ice Cream Diplomacy Chapter 11 Raising Ducks Chapter 12 The Republic of Salvador's Chapter 13 Wind at Our Backs Chapter 14 An Unexpected Guest Chapter 15 Damage Control Chapter 16 Blade to the Chicken's Throat Chapter 17 Haunted by Ghosts Chapter 18 Country Lessons Chapter 19 American Dreams Chapter 20 A New Direction Chapter 21 Joining and Departing Chapter 22 Scene of the Crime Chapter 23 The Art of Baking Bread Chapter 24 Dirt Dumplings Chapter 25 Uprooted Chapter 26 Taking a Leap