Blind People, Massage Therapy, and the Metro

In mainland China, there is a lot of prejudice against disabled people. In Hong Kong, there is much less, however, it still exists among some local and indigenous communities. In an effort to support the disabled community, the Hong Kong government offers massage training programs for the blind, so they can learn a trade using the senses they have and make a living for themselves. Yesterday, I ventured out to one of these "massage therapy centers of the blind" to see what they're all about. 

It wasn't like any other massage I've ever had. Rather than dressing down and getting under a blanket, they give you gym clothes to wear. The entire massage is done by putting light silk blankets over you to make it smooth, rather than using lotion or massage oil. Otherwise, it was a pretty standard massage. It was super painful and not very relaxing, but I feel amazing today!

I was feeling so tranquil after my massage, I decided to take the metro home. The metro systems in China are pristine. No nasty rats or urine odor - a la NYC - just clean, air-conditioned platforms with a revolutionary invention called a "wall" to keep people from falling and/or being pushed onto the tracks (hmmmm perhaps the MTA could put this into practice?).

I no longer fear for my life while waiting for the train...

Another perk of the MTR (HK) vs MTA (NYC)? You tap your "Octopus Card" when you get on the metro and again when you get off, so you only pay for the distance you travel. I love that it doesn't cost me $2.50 every time I get on the train - if I'm only going two stops, it's about $0.50. 

One thing that isn't different in China? Will is sill working around the clock - I've only seen him a couple times since we got here. Bleh.