Shanghai is Food for the Soul

In 2014 my family moved back to Canada from Japan. We took the long way home. We went to China by ferry, then in Bangladesh and India we travelled by train. Finally, we flew back to Canada from New Delhi. My husband suffered the most because he had to carry three enormous suitcases everywhere with us. In Shanghai, Kunming, Dhaka, Kulna and through India train stations had no escalators to help us with the weight! But my brave husband handled it like a knight! There were too many things I just had have in Canada with me. And I couldn't have sent them because I needed them with me upon arrival in Canada. The suitcases were packed to the maximum capacity with our personal belongings and remains of our household from Japan.

On the three day ferry from Kobe to Shanghai we befriended a lady who was coming back from a tour of Japan. She and her group were very nice and spend a lot of time playing with Alek and carrying him around the ferry. He was getting a celebrity treatment from them. On the last day before disembarking she asked us where we were staying in Shanghai because she would like to offer us an accommodation at her place. We had no reservations for that one night lay over so we agreed.

Rose was an amazing women. Her command of English was simple but she communicated with absolute clarity and ease. She was so positive and optimistic that it was contagious! We were contracting her power of happiness despite of being tired! Just imagine yourself coming back from a two week long tour. Do you:  a) worry about unpacking b) rush to do the laundry, cook a meal for yourself and go to bed as quick as possible c) invite guests to stay with you and babysit them for two days. Most of us would be too tired to even think about c) I don't know how she got all this energy and patience for us! Not only she had us over for the night, that same day she took us out to lunch and dinner, took us to the Bund (a spectacular place in Shanghai where you can see the panorama of the modern city, all in lights and colour) and paid for everything! She would not accept any money nor allowed us to pay for anything, not even the bus tickets and taxi fare! We have felt so indebted to her. She gave us Shanghai like we have never experienced before. City with a big heart and pure soul, giving, spectacular, mesmerising, charming and breathtaking!

We saw how the Chinese spend time in evenings. They still don't waste time in front of the TV. They ride bikes, go for family walks, Tango, play chess and fly kites. Yes, they fly big, colourful kites as a hobby! It was amazing to see people doing things for their body and soul, and stimulating their brains!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66YWxhAu3L8

Rose was enormously kind to us. I think the film speaks for itself how incredible our experience was thanks to her! The next day when we woke up she took us to breakfast and lunch, then drove us back to her place to pack and get our suitcases and took us on a train to the Shanghai Airport. She gave us a royal treatment because she herself will always be a Queen in our hearts. One can only admire this beautiful person that crossed our paths. Thank you, Rose, for all that you have done for us! We will never forget you for your big heart of gold!

P.S. I think of you every time I buy apples, Rose. I will never forget how you were looking for stripes on apples. You said they were the best. I always look for stripes on my apples!