This past December I traveled to China for ten days with my business partner and a few other companions. The trip was filled with enriching experiences and it would be nearly impossible to identify a favorite place or event during the trip. However, one amazing person that we encountered on our trip was the taxi driver that we hired in Lijiang. In a matter of hours she had earned the title of Master Zhao for the three of us who had hired her. She drove us around for two days and stopped at the important sites along the way and she did it all for an inexpensive price. When we were hungry, we let her choose her favorite restaurants to take us to and they did not disappoint. We also let her choose the sites that we should see and they did not disappoint. Basically, she did not disappoint. Were it not for her, we would have never ended up under a flimsy tin roof eating delicious noodle soup and buns with the locals for about a dollar a person. Were it not for her, I would have never experienced eating a meal in which I was told I was too skinny because I didn't eat enough meat all while being stared at with a disappointed glare. Were it not for her, we would have never experienced a local favorite restaurant in Ringha that serves up delicious yak soup and a shoe shine. Were it not for her, we would have never experienced getting out of a massive traffic jam caused by an overturned truck because she called her brother and had him drive to the other side of the accident and switch cars with us. Were it not for her, we would have missed our flight because she grabbed our bags and led us through the accident to the other side. Were it not for her. I would not have stood in such awe of how strong some women around the world can be.
I love Master Zhao and her amazing taxi driving skills. I want to be like her.
