Almost Lost in a Foreign Land Despite Knowing English -

While exploring Guangzhou, after visiting Viet Tu Park and heading back to the hotel, sudden rain poured down. I took shelter under the awning of a souvenir shop.

After a few minutes, the rain stopped. Looking around, my orange hat was nowhere to be seen. I asked people on the way out of the park... Everyone shook their heads, then exchanged bewildered glances. I followed the crowd, occasionally tiptoeing to get a better view but couldn't spot my familiar orange hat. I cried out, “Could someone please help me.” No one responded.

I kept walking and stopped young people who seemed like tourists. I emphasized the word 'tourist,' hoping this familiar term would make them understand who I was and extend a helping hand. But everyone shook their heads! From the crowded trees to an unfamiliar place with groups of people in swimsuits frolicking around a large pond.

I... burst into tears. I reached a 'booth' where someone wore a uniform similar to Vietnamese security guards. I pointed at myself, mimicking a tourist, asking to make a call. The lady shook her head, signaling me to 'go somewhere else.' I cried loudly, continuously pleading with tears in my eyes: “Vietnam,” hoping someone would understand and help me reach the consulate.

Perhaps seeing my tear-soaked face, the security guard seemed to understand my situation. She gestured that she could help. I gave her the phone number of the tour guide. She dialed the number in a rush, nodded, smiled, then hung up. She stood up, took my hand, and led me out of the water park (I call it that because of all the water-related games) just below the ground, bustling around. I didn't understand much, but through sign language, she indicated for me to wait here. I nodded, and without waiting for my thanks, she walked away, probably not understanding even if I had thanked her!

Ten minutes later, the tour group's van arrived to pick me up. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. I had been lost for nearly three hours. Throughout the journey back, I still couldn't shake off the nervousness, my chest pounding harder than a battle drum. Sometimes, looking back, I still wonder what would have happened if I hadn't noted down the tour guide's mobile number at that moment?

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Source: Travel Guide from Mytour – According to Youth.