I was a little worried about the language issue as we started this trip. I had done a good bit of research and felt we would be OK. After all, Tokyo, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, do qualify as major international cities.
The backup language in Asia is English. While the primary signs may be in Japanese, Mandarin, or Cantonese, the backup language is English. At times, it was easier to navigate the airports and subways than in Europe. In Europe, you do not always have a backup language. It is the local language or nothing.
There were a few times we could not get through the language barrier. In each instance it was OK, we were able to find a way to communicate.
One of our favorite stories occurred in Beijing. I was trying to by a Pasmo equivalent and accidentally bough 5 one way tickets. No problem, we all used one ticket to the next stop. At the next stop, we bought Connor an “IC Card”. Mary and I would use the last two tickets. This is when it gets interesting. While entering the subway, Connor passed through the ticket line, Mary and I were stopped. After explaining the situation to the ticket agent, Mary and I were allowed to pass through. Problem resolved right? Not really.
When we tried to use our ticket on the exit, we were stopped again. So now here we are in Beijing China, our son is on the other side of the exit and we are not allowed to pass through. Remember this is in CHINA. You do not break the law in China. The ticket agent comes up and does not understand a word of English. His coworker does not understand a word of English. We cannot go through the gate. Connor is on the other side. How would you handle this situation?
We were calm, pleasant, and tried to be as cooperative as we could. After 5 minutes of trying to communicate with each other, the ticket agent just opened the gate and let Mary and I through. Connor, Mary, and I were reunited again.
This is important while traveling. Stay calm. Be patient. Be polite. Remember you are in their country and not the other way around.
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