On the day we arrived in Shanghai, we were taken to The Bund area for a skyline view. We were given about 25 minutes before needing to meet at the bus pick-up location. We are most interested in historical areas instead of modern skyrises, so we jaunted quickly through Gucheng Park, down Yu Garden, to a Taoist temple entrance that dates to the 15th century. We were the only foreigners in the area and it was lovely. We rushed back, but were sidetracked on the way. I finally found a stand that had 6 cans of Coke Light! I bought them all. As we were headed to cross the street to our pick up location, an elderly man fell on the pavement. His head was bleeding and most of the people around him started to help him in various ways. We knew no way to communicate, but I had one thing that could help in this situation... the roll of travel toilet paper I kept in my purse. The offer was graciously accepted to put pressure on the wound while authorities arrived.

Needless to say, Ed was worn out after this brief sojourn. Our pick up seemed to be in an underground road adjacent to a shopping center. Ed's back and legs were tensing up and the cane wasn't enough to lean on. I saw massage chairs next to the door for our pick up. Luckily, I had the Alipay TourPass and could figure out the vending machine for the chair. I put him in one and turned it on. His facial expressions drew a crowd of Chinese ladies who began to interact with him without language. They laughed together and explained where each one hurt after a long day. It was such a joy to see him being as social as he always is, even without words.

There will come a day when he will have no words in any language to express himself. This trip and this experience brings me hope and warmth knowing he will not lose his entire connection to those around him.

MyUTOtrips #1 Amber, Soergel