China next week... supposedly
Sep 30th, 2012, 04:56 AM
#21
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I am currently in Shanghai after traveling to Xi'an and Beijing. I was concerned about making the trip due to a recent case of tendonitis in my ankle. I was able to visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Great Wall but it was very challenging. The long distances to walk (no carts were available in either direction at TCW),the uneven stone pathways and steep inclines left me extremely sore and exhausted. This is not an easy country for anyone with a disability. Good luck if you decide to make the trip.
One other word: On my last trip I found the hard beds left me with an aching back in the morning. This time I am traveling with an air mattress so I can get a good night's sleep.
One other word: On my last trip I found the hard beds left me with an aching back in the morning. This time I am traveling with an air mattress so I can get a good night's sleep.
Sep 30th, 2012, 03:09 PM
#22
Yes, it's the Best of China Comfort Tour. I figured at the Longsheng Rice Terraces I could take a chair sedan. I'd never do such a thing under normal circumstances, but I've already realized I'll have to put my pride on the back burner if I go. I've actually had a really good day today and am feeling like I'm getting better, but yes, maybe i'm just trying to convince myself. The post about the wedding dress and the OP's mind already being made up made me wince - there's probably a kernel of truth there. Your comments are giving me pause. Perhaps I've underestimated the difficulty of China. Thanks, everyone.
Sep 30th, 2012, 03:50 PM
#24
Thanks. I appreciate the candor - I don't see it as negative, just helpful. I just called Julie (and realized once again how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful, caring daughter). She said it needs to be totally my decision and she'll be flexible either way. If we go, she'll help take care of me if needed - and she's willing to take it easy with me. If we decide to wait, she can work that out and reschedule her vacation for spring. She said even if I say yes tomorrow and on Wednesday change my mind, she'll understand and that'll be fine. So China or not... I sure am lucky.
And yes, this will heal and I should be fine probably in the next month or so. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and discuss the possibility of having a (second) cortisone shot this week and get his opinion on the trip in general given how I'm currently feeling. Will also call G Adventures and tell them my situation and see what they say.
And yes, this will heal and I should be fine probably in the next month or so. I'm going to call my doctor tomorrow and discuss the possibility of having a (second) cortisone shot this week and get his opinion on the trip in general given how I'm currently feeling. Will also call G Adventures and tell them my situation and see what they say.
Sep 30th, 2012, 04:10 PM
#26
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People tend to underestimate the level of fitness when traveling in China, especially N. Americans, many of whom aren't used to walk that much, especially stairs. Here are a few examples, some expected and some not.
1. My parents traveled with a group of elderlies across the Lowu border between Hong Kong and China. Usually, no stairs involved, but this day an escalator broke down. Majority of these elderlies simply cannot handle their luggage up the stairs, so it was down to the guide and my parents making multiple tri
1. My parents traveled with a group of elderlies across the Lowu border between Hong Kong and China. Usually, no stairs involved, but this day an escalator broke down. Majority of these elderlies simply cannot handle their luggage up the stairs, so it was down to the guide and my parents making multiple tri
Sep 30th, 2012, 04:24 PM
#27
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Sorry, hit reply too early....
..., so it was down to the guide and my parents making multiple trips up and down the stairs to help everybody.
2. Forbidden City. Yes, everybody knows it's a big attraction, but do you know that it's another half a mile from where you're dropped off to the main entrance? Worse, even longer walk amid chaos to find your bus at the rear exit of the Forbidden City, when your tour guide would likely hurry you through the crowd?
3. When I was in Beijing last summe, Olathe organizer took us to supposedly a good restaurant in the area we were. Well, it's a new building, but no elevators. Worse, the steps to the third floor were ridiculously steep - won't pass any building code in the US o Europe, but this is China.
The fact is that local tour guides and operators often cannot understand the importance of accessibility and short distance. Take the example of the restaurant. The guide probably never realize there is a problem with thise stairs - it's just the norm there. Or they may not understand how someone with mobility issues will travel around the world. Unfit people simply stay home.
It's not the "big things" like the Great Wall that will kill you, it's the small stuff like getting from the coach to your lunch.
..., so it was down to the guide and my parents making multiple trips up and down the stairs to help everybody.
2. Forbidden City. Yes, everybody knows it's a big attraction, but do you know that it's another half a mile from where you're dropped off to the main entrance? Worse, even longer walk amid chaos to find your bus at the rear exit of the Forbidden City, when your tour guide would likely hurry you through the crowd?
3. When I was in Beijing last summe, Olathe organizer took us to supposedly a good restaurant in the area we were. Well, it's a new building, but no elevators. Worse, the steps to the third floor were ridiculously steep - won't pass any building code in the US o Europe, but this is China.
The fact is that local tour guides and operators often cannot understand the importance of accessibility and short distance. Take the example of the restaurant. The guide probably never realize there is a problem with thise stairs - it's just the norm there. Or they may not understand how someone with mobility issues will travel around the world. Unfit people simply stay home.
It's not the "big things" like the Great Wall that will kill you, it's the small stuff like getting from the coach to your lunch.
Oct 1st, 2012, 07:55 AM
#28
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I totally agree with rkkwan, unless your doc has been to China, he won't know the small inconveniences that add up and make you frustrated and exhausted, especially towards the end of the tour. Since your DD has the flexibility, that's a big plus. Hate to see you not enjoy your trip 100%.
Oct 19th, 2012, 06:57 AM
#29
As some of you surmised, my mind was largely made up. I went and I had a great time. Yes, there were small inconvenience some of which were difficult for me, but I managed. I'll post a trip report and some pictures in a separate thread.
