Dad and Mom go on a trip

Author: Yang Jun, Zhang Ying
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-12-01
Features: A retired couple's self-guided European tour.
Old Yang and Old Zhang, a pair of ordinary retired elderly, without foreign language skills, traveled through five European countries for eighty-three days solely relying on the travel materials and maps they prepared. Recommended by Yang Lan, Yu Qiu, He Jing, and Ouyang Yingji! Hotly covered by major national media!
—The brave self-guided journey of two ordinary retired seniors, exploring art, cities, and life.
—Inspiring young people to have the courage to travel and helping older adults rediscover their joy.
Everyone fears aging, and even more frightening is the loss of hope. Old Zhang and Old Yang's journey has given them, and us, more hope.
—Yang Lan, renowned host.
Outside world may be interesting, but if you don’t have a peaceful and contented heart, you won’t see the joy. This book unintentionally conveys this attitude, which is unrelated to age, wealth, or gender.
—He Jing, renowned host.
As a true form of travel, Old Yang and Old Zhang, these ordinary Shanghai elders, have always been ahead of us all.
—Lu Yuenong, editor-in-chief of Traveler magazine.
Everyone has their own great journey. No matter how old you are, there are many paths to happiness, joy, and meaning. Without such optimistic and persistent parents, there would be no more creative younger generation. This book is dedicated to all aging parents and young people just beginning to set their sights on the distant.
—Kevin, column writer.
Popular work on Sina News Travel Forum, featured column in Traveler magazine, and selected by News Morning.
This book is far more than a travel diary—it’s a record of life attitudes and lifestyles.
Old Yang and Old Zhang, a retired couple from Shanghai, neither officials nor merchants, without foreign language skills or familiarity with the internet, traveled independently without joining tour groups or having guides. Driven by passion and courage, they embarked on an eighty-three-day self-funded journey through five European countries. In today’s China, this is undoubtedly an extraordinary feat.
The money they spent came from their own savings and their daughter’s support. From their words, it’s clear how frugal they were—typical backpacker-style travel for the elderly. The physical fitness, wisdom, mindset, and courage required for such a trip were all present in this retired couple.
This book is a collection of their observations, thoughts, and experiences—a calm yet enjoyable travel, and a reflection on foreign cultures shaped by their independent life attitudes and interests.
The simple yet fluid travel notes, combined with numerous ink sketches and photographs, leave a deep impression, earning admiration and praise for these two ordinary Chinese seniors who recorded such extraordinary foreign experiences.
We hope to dedicate this book to all who love life and travel, whether young or old.