Gastroenteritis Strikes American Couple's 10-Day China Trip

It was an ordinary workday morning in the summer of 2024 when I received a special inquiry. A couple from Colorado, USA - John and Sarah - planned to visit China for 10 days in November. John was a retired history teacher with a pair of inquisitive eyes beneath his silver hair. Sarah was a freelance photographer, her trusty Nikon camera always hanging around her neck, a companion on her travels through over thirty countries.

During our initial call, Sarah's cheerful voice came through the receiver, "Hey, you'll never guess what's on my study wall!" She had a large collection of Chinese postcards, from the corner towers of the Forbidden City to the Xi'an City Wall and the landscapes of Guilin. Her speech quickened, as if the postcards might leap out of the phone at any moment, and I could almost picture her gently stroking them.

Of course, I wouldn't let their passion go unfulfilled. I designed a "Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai" route for them, covering China's dynastic culture, modern metropolises, and the most picturesque natural scenery. Before their departure, Sarah specifically emailed to inquire about arranging some non-traditional shooting locations. She wanted to capture "the real China beyond the tourist lens."

But no one expected that Sarah would fall ill midway through their trip.

Acute Gastroenteritis Interrupts Xi'an Itinerary

On the fifth day of the trip, they arrived in Xi'an as planned. That evening, my WhatsApp buzzed urgently. Sarah had severe abdominal pain! The intense cramps made her curl up in bed, accompanied by vomiting and fever.

Likely due to acclimatization issues, I urgently contacted the guide to take Sarah to the hospital. This was no ordinary stomach upset. The final diagnosis was acute gastroenteritis, requiring immediate hospitalization.

Looking at the photos the guide sent - Sarah's brow furrowed in pain under the sterile hospital lights - I felt a deep sense of responsibility. John held his wife's hand, his eyes filled with worry and helplessness. What tugged at my heart even more were Sarah's repeated apologies, "I'm sorry for causing everyone trouble......" Her voice was so weak it was barely audible, and her spirits were low.

Extended Trip, Gastroenteritis Improves

I barely slept that night.

On one hand, I needed to ensure Sarah received the best possible treatment, and on the other, I had to consider postponing the subsequent itinerary. I communicated with the hospital to ensure she received excellent care while arranging for the guide to help John and Sarah communicate with the doctors.

Health was the top priority. I spoke with them about focusing on recovery first, and I worked overtime late into the night to prepare for extending their stay in Xi'an and rearranging the subsequent transportation and accommodation.

The next day at noon, I received feedback photos from John. Sarah was eating, and there was a hint of relief in John's tone. I softly told them, "Don't worry about the itinerary. Just focus on resting now. I've adjusted all the arrangements." To allow Sarah to recover peacefully, I extended their originally tight Xi'an itinerary by a day.

As that day in the hospital drew to a close, good news arrived. Sarah's condition had stabilized. The doctor approved her to continue traveling but advised her to avoid overexertion. After discussing it with the guide, I arranged a private car for John and Sarah, allowing them to visit the sights at their own pace while avoiding long walks.

On the Li River cruise, a revitalized Sarah took her most satisfying photos of the trip: fishermen working in the morning mist, children playing on the blue flagstone paths. She later told me that it was this illness that made her slow down and see the everyday life beyond the planned itinerary.

"The nurses who took care of me in the hospital, the bland meals the hotel specially prepared, and your professionalism and understanding. These are the most authentic Chinese memories," she messaged me on her return flight.

A month later, I received a package from Colorado. Inside was a carefully crafted photo album by Sarah. The last page featured a photo of them in front of the hospital. The album also contained a thank-you letter they wrote to Asia Odyssey Travel. The sincerity between the lines deeply moved me.

Now, whenever I see the photo of the Li River sunrise hanging on the office wall - Sarah's first shot after her recovery - I am reminded of this story that began with an unexpected event but ended with warmth. These small moments of kindness are precious!