The Elderly Man and His RV
In today’s booming tourism industry, countless people chase their dreams of faraway places, packing light and trekking through mountains and rivers to find the most primal joys in the midst of arduous journeys. Recently, Wu Peisen, a senior citizen over 70 years old from Nantong City, has also been preparing for his upcoming trip. His mode of transport isn’t a plane or car, but a simply modified tricycle with a canopy added on top—and his first stop is Nanjing.
The “RV” May Be Simple, But It’s Ready to Go Anytime
A simply modified tricycle, a roll of bedding that many young people would consider insufficient against the cold, some dry rations and cold water, plus the vehicle’s repair tools… These are all the “weapons” Wu has prepared before embarking on his “journey.”
When reporters arrived at the Sindati Residential Community on Ping’an Road in Chongchuan District, Nantong City, they immediately spotted Wu’s brand-new “battle vehicle” parked downstairs. Its unique appearance and eye-catching design caught the attention of many passersby.
Wu said he is 71 years old and used to work at the Nantong Yaorong Glass Factory. After a hard day’s work, what he longed for most was to travel around. Since retiring, aside from chatting in nearby parks, his only hobby has been cycling for exercise. The “dream of travel” has always lingered in his heart, but various factors prevented him from making it happen.
“The biggest resistance came from my family. According to my children, I should just enjoy a peaceful retirement after retiring and avoid going out to ‘cause trouble.’” Wu said it took him ten years to persuade his wife and children. Now, everything is ready, and he can set off anytime.
“I bought this tricycle on October 26 for 1,000 yuan. Over the past ten days or so, I hired a worker to weld a stainless steel frame onto the tricycle, which cost another 1,500 yuan.” Wu said the subsequent work was relatively trivial, but he barely touched his “travel fund” afterward—the windproof felt was patched together from discarded fabric at home; the bedding and food were all readily available at home; and since there was no socket inside the vehicle, he even gave up on his phone and other entertainment devices.
“Next, I’ll lay a wooden board inside and put a quilt on top—then my vehicle will be complete!” Looking at his masterpiece, Wu wore a proud smile, as excited as a child with a new toy.
Neighbors all know about Wu’s “feat” and often ask him about the latest progress of the project when they come and go. Mr. Ding, who lives in the neighboring building, was especially moved by it. He said he is a few years younger than Wu but no longer has that same “passion.” Most nearby residents hold a positive and supportive attitude toward Wu’s “endeavor,” though they also express concerns about his health and safety.
First Stop Is Nanjing to Visit Granddaughter
For this “trial run,” Wu chose Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology in Pukou District as his destination. The reason behind this idea is simple—to see how his granddaughter, who studies there, is doing.
Wu said that once everything is ready, he will set off immediately. He expects to arrive in Pukou, Nanjing, in about a week after departure and return home before the 10th of next month.
“I just sent a text message to my granddaughter a few days ago. She was very happy and kept asking me how the vehicle is coming along.” Speaking of his granddaughter, who just started university this year, Wu’s smile carried a touch of tenderness. He said his granddaughter is his biggest motivation for this trip. The thought of seeing his beloved family member fills him with energy. “I suddenly feel full of vigor all over.”
Wu has already made plans for his future travels. “I’ll start by exploring the nearby areas. Suzhou and Wuxi are both under consideration.” He said that once he gets more skilled at driving the tricycle and adapts to an unsettled lifestyle, he will go on “adventures” to farther places, with the northeast being his top choice.
“I’m not afraid of hardship, nor thunderstorms—but I’m afraid of being stopped by people.” Wu said that while he looks forward to his future journey, he also harbors some concerns—he worries that traffic police might stop his “RV” from hitting the road. As for the obstacles listed by his family, such as age, safety, and warmth, he doesn’t see them as real issues. “Even elderly people deserve their own private lives. If you want to do something, don’t worry too much.” Wu believes that dreams are not just for the young.