Knights in Shining Armor!

After a difficult and uncomfortable flight, we finally landed in Tel Aviv, Ben Gurion Airport at
4.30 am, after an 11 hour flight. By this time, I was so piled up with blankets and pillows propping up my leg, that I was almost hidden as I lay there waiting for all the passenger to
descend.

An airport official, armed with walkie talkie, came and explained to me that my amazing daughter had arranged for an ambulance to come and transfer me from the plane to their
waiting vehicle. I have to explain first who these wonderful ambulance team were. For those
of you who read this blog, in Judaism, there are many types of people, religion being practiced on
many levels, the highest known as Haredim or Hassidim. These good people have long side locks, where black skull caps and adorn a four fringed garment over or under their clothes, with
long strings hanging down from its four corners. They are often under attack for being lazy,
eccentric or some other such complaint, but in truth like every community or sector, there are
good and bad people. This particular ambulance service, gave their time and energy for FREE!

Two burly, gingy bearded men came to introduce themselves. Upon seeing my predicament
they asked to borrow the collapsible wheelchair from the National Airline that we were flying
on, to transfer me to the airport cargo truck that was waiting attached to the plane. Again this
was easier than it sounded, as I had to jump once again over the arm rest and propel myself
without further injury into the chair. Successfully having done so, we now proceeded down the
aisle smoother than our entry, but to my disappointment once again in my countrymen, we were
accosted by the same unfriendly stewards, who instead of wishing me well, shouted out twice
that they should be sure to return the chair to its place; totally ignoring me and my discomfort
at their rude and inappropriate behaviour!

At the entrance to the aircraft their was a large blue cargo truck, that was fitted with elevator
facilities and I was lowered slowly to the waiting 'Lancelot' chariot. Here, I transfered on to
a collapsable bed and was comfortably placed inside and the offending chair returned to the
surly staff of the airplane. Security check was brief and warm, with well wishes given and at
the entrance to the airport, the doors opened and my wonderful daughter alighted to join me
on the rest of my journey. What a sight for sore eyes.

We then began our 50 minute journey to Jerusalem, to the Hadassah Hospital in Ein Kerem
where I was taken to the emergency room for the next stage of my unplanned and painful
adventure.

Disappointment in 'Flying the Flag!'

The smaller, narrower white wheelchair was uncomfortable and rickety, but even so, I fitted into it snugly. Tearing down the ramp to the entrance of the plane, holding on tightly to my bag and
the side of the chair, we were greeted by two airline stewards (male) of around 40 - 45 and two
young flight attendents. The greeting that I received was not one of may we be of assistance, or
sorry to see your plight, but pure surliness and aggressive behaviour for the inconvenience I was
causing, the flight being slightly delayed due to my mishap and the fact that the wheelchair would block up the aisle for some time as they took me to my seat.

A quick decision was made as to which aisle I should go on and I was passed through Business
Class. I admit, till this moment I thought that the seat I had paid for and been allocated was in
this section of the aircraft, where I would be able to extend my leg and keep it in the required
outstretched position. But, I was told in 'no uncertain terms' that this was not so and that even
though there were spare seats in this area, I was forbidden from sitting there, irrelevant of my
predicament. I begged the head steward to reconsider, explaining that there was no way I
could sit in a regular seat, but he firmly, rudely and aggressively refused, even though I offered
then and there to pay an additional fee for this purpose.

Flabbergasted, in extreme pain and tears, I was dragged through the cabin, past uncaring,
curious as well as annoyed faces, to the middle of the aircraft, where I was told I would now have
to jump over the arm of the chair, holding my leg in the air, in the limited gangway on to a row
of three seats, that were available for me to lie down on, but where the two individual arm rests
of the seats, could not be lifted up to an upright position, but would keep falling down on me
pressing me onto the seat, unable to move, only wriggle, throughout the following 11 hour flight!!

Impatience evident, my smaller bad was placed as a pillow for my head, my larger case next to
the seat next to my ankle, blankets and pillows brought for mere to place around me, an extention
seat belt so that I would not roll too far off the seat and I was left to my own devices.
Here I was, flying the national airline, lying across three seats, two arm rests laying over my
upper chest area and the other over my thighs, my strapped up ankle resting on a mixture
of blankets and pillows, scared, uncomfortable, thirsty, hungry and in terrible pain.

A Mad Dash

It sounds easier than it was. Picture the scene, myself sitting in a wheelchair with no leg rest,
surrounded by two airport orderlies that were to push me through and take my bags, my agent
and her family as well as my friend laden with all the food stuffs from my fridge in my g appartment. The race was on. But, how to let them go quickly and efficiently in the rickety chair
that I was sitting in.

Holding my laptop on my lap, I had an idea on how to hold my leg in the air; I took the thick strap of the bag and looped it around my leg, put the computer on my lap, holding on to it tightly
whilst putting pressure on to my hands to hold my leg up in an upright position! A quick hug, kiss and thank you to my friends and away we went. Passport control was relatively easy, but
the security check proved to be long, annoying and extremely thorough. The culprits of this
hold up not being my shampoo, that they quickly removed, or my perfume, that they let me
keep, but the party hats for my grandaughter and candles that had been thrown in at my request into the suitcase!

Having already had a small overnight case packed on the first visit to my appartment by my
helpers, on the second return trip I requested that some presents that were allocated to a
special corner in my appartment, for my grandaughter accompany me on my journey, as well
as camera (I needed to take pictures of her) and my computer. This of course entailed leaving
behind clothes, make up, jewellery, books, relevant telephone book etc.... for my only thought
was not to arrive empty handed and to write a list of all my work in Beijing and to whom it
should be allocated to, as to leave no problems for the scheduler behind!

After this frustration and trying to keep my leg held high, restrain annoyance at my pushers
who every time I said ouch! would immitate me, but were doing a good job and were in their
innocence, just trying to keep my spirits up, we arrived at the check in desk situated next to the
plane doorway. Now, I would once again have to transfer myself, my computer holding my leg
up by its strap on to a very narrow looking wheelchair that would escort me to my seat on the
plane, through the narrow aisles. This did not look like fun!

Harsh Treatment

Time was ticking by, the flight was to leave at 22.00 and I still did not have either a ticket, baggage or confirmation if it would all come together. Going on the assumption that it would
all come together, my daughter was to make all the arrangements on the Israel side, all I had to
do was get on the plane. My agent made her way to the airport and telephoned me from there
around 20.30 to tell me that they would not sell her a ticket! I immediately asked her to hand
me the person and I would talk to them and in no uncertain terms, I made it plainly clear that
I had to get a seat on that airline due to my broken ankle and urgency to get proper medical
treatment in my limited timespan.

Crisis over, my attention now turned to getting myself released, arranging for an ambulance to
come and take me, as well as my friends to return with my few possessions. Now the fun began.
An abulance arrived at the clinic, time was now limited, my colleagues had returned and with
well wishes, had left my fellow teacher remained with me, insisting on accompanying me to the
airport. But, the ambulance was now refusing to take me, they insisted that the distance was to
far and they did not want to get caught up in the traffic!! I could not join in the arguing, as my
Chinese is reserved to a simple right, left and straight on! but after some heated discussions, they were persuaded to take me.

I wish I could tell you that it was a smooth and comfortable ride, instead of one of bouncing
around in pain and discomfort, but to give them credit they got me to the airport in record
time, with minutes to spare. Creating a true entrance into the main doorway of the airport,
we were waved past the first security gate, straight into the care of my agent, her husband and
young son, flight attendant and wheelchair.

There was little time to spare if I wished to catch this plane, the way to the carrier was long,
further than European flights, for security reasons and after changing into the airport chair,
that had no leg rest, it was a mad dash to get through passport control, security checks and
reach the airline on time before take off!!

Flying Doctor!

Sitting in the clinic was difficult, not because of the pain, but what to do. Work, responsibilities and finance all being of the upmost importance and made the decision more confusing and
difficult to make. The option of flying to Hong Kong seemed the best idea at the time, as the
doctor in charge assured me that the operation would be a simple procedure and I would only
have to stay there for 3 - 4 days maximum. I would then return home, but would somehow be
able to manage to continue working, even if it meant sleeping for a while on work premises. But,
after a long deliberation of where, what and how, the choice was made for me by nature. In Hong Kong the next day there was reports of a typhoon and the ex pat hospital in Beijing did not
invoke enough confidence in me, so I telephoned my wise daughter, who immediately told me to
come home! Which is what I did.

During the hours that I spent in the hospital, two young Chinese colleagues came to help me out,
by going over to my house and packing me an overnight bag and a few belongings that I wished
to take with me, I know that it was not easy for them, one having given up her free day to do so,
but I shall always remember their kindness. But, it was the unexpected that warmed my heart,
not only the offers of help from a couple of my male counterparts at work, but the unexpected
sight of a fellow female teacher who came and held my hand, massaged my back and offered
warmth and support throughout my ordeal, she knows who she is, bless you, I will never forget
your help in those difficult hours.

After the decision was made, it was now time to find a flight. I called an ex colleague now turned
travel agent and enlisted her help. The doctors had agreed that I could make the flight home, but were unwilling to take responsibility if something should happen to me along the way. They
bandaged my leg as best as they could, armed me with pain killers and arranged for an
ambulance to take me wherever I wished t go. My agent explained that all the offices were
already closed and the only place to get a ticket was from the airport itself. After having my
daughter check on the internet, we found out that there was one direct flight leaving that day
in under four hours! This was the only direct flight to Israel until Sunday, otherwise it would
have to be a connecting one on the following day.

This for two reasons would be too late. One the operation was urgent and there would be no
way that I would be able to transfer myself to a different plane, it would be hard enough to
even get on the first one. So, sending my fellow teacher and our Chinese colleagues beck to
the appartment, to empty the fridge of my two weeks shopping, I sent my agent friend to
the airport to buy a ticket, while I waited nervously in pain, at the clinic.

August 21 2008!

This to you may seem like an unimportant date, but for me, it changed everything.
I woke up as usual that morning to go and teach my student, but more often than
not, we check in with each other to make sure that she is on time, in the country or
generally able to have the lesson. Unable to reach her, till well past the starting time
and already being near her place of work, I nevertheless agreed to cancel the lesson
as it would interfere with her work starting time if we began late, or in turn she would
miss part of her class for the same reason.

So, I decided to stop by and visit friends in the same area, after a cup of coffee and
chat, I left to make my way to work and my next class. It had been raining heavily and
I am always especially careful as I tread in my Crocs not to slip. But coming out of the
elevator in the appartment block, I slipped on a wet patch obviously left by someones
dripping umbrella and found myself twisting my ankle, which I heard snap, and falling
in slow motion to the floor.

On recovering myself and in terrible pain, I saw that my right foot was now twisted
completely around, under excruciating pain, I quick thinking turned it back. Trying my
hardest not to get into panic and pass out, I attempted to reach up to the lift, but that was
an impossibility. So I reached into my handbag and pulled out my cellular phone. It was
to my great distress, impossible to get a connection, either due to the heavy storm outside
or the echo of the building that I found myself in.

This was a real predicament and I had to stop the trembling of my leg that was causing my
whole body to shake uncontorllably. I pulled myself across the floor to the staircase, crossing
my left ankle over the right one, to hold it in a reasonable steady position. I screamed at the
top of my lungs for someone to help me, but this just fell on the echo of the building. This was
in a large residential block, but probably due to the bad weather, most people were staying
indoors and there was no one in sight.

Screaming at the top of my voice, for assistance and calling every number I knew for rescue,
I was finally heard and assistance arrived. Not being able to of course speak Chinese, if took
a further 10 minutes, after the 20-30 that I had already been lying on the floor, for it to be
understood that I needed ambulance assistance and wished to be taken to the ex-pat
(people who are foreigners in China or another place of residence, not of their own nationality)
emergency clinic.

The most brave and calm in the situation, was a young 10 year old, who sat holding my ankle
in place, whilst her mother and another kind woman took care of the explanations to the rescue
ambulance service. When they arrived, the medic in charge splinted up my leg, but I knew
immediately that he had done this incorrectly and tried to gesture for him to do otherwise, but
of course with the lack of adequate words, it was ijmpossible. Nevertheless, with sirens blazing
I was whisked away to the clinic.

There the doctor in charge arranged for an x ray and informed me that I would need immediate
surgery. Now the question was where, how and what coverage did I have? This was besides
the fact that I was in an incredible amount of pain and trying to hold myself together to
coherently decide what would be the next best step to take.

The Eve of the Big Day!

It was decided that Friday 8th August, was to be a 'holiday' for the city of Beijing, enabling all
the organisers and participants as well as guests, to have easy access to the Olympic area.
For the first time in a while, having a free day from work, left me at a loss what to do. So after
some deliberating, I arranged to meet one of my students and her husband for lunch and set
off to immerse myself in the excitement and atmosphere of the coming event, that had taken
hold of the city.

I decided to go to the city centre. Cola and other major companies had set up 'fun' sites
at major spots in Beijing, as well as enormous TV screens where one could see all the major
activities and sport events. I wandered into one of the shopping centers and browsed,
mingling with the crowds. There was an atmosphere of carnival in the air and people
were generally window shopping, except for the shops that had gone on Sale, were doing
roaring business, as if they were giving it away for free!

Lunch was a pleasant affair, in a restaurant that sold a mixture of Chinese, Thai and other
provinces food and for the first time I felt that the food I chose was similar to that that
I would eat back home. After lunch, we leisurely browsed through one of the multiple
bookshops that adorn Beijing and was thrilled to find, at a reasonable price, the 'Hello'

Ending the afternoon early, we decided to set back for home as we heard that all the streets
were to be closed and the possibility of catching a taxi seemed difficult should we wait too
long. Well, after standing out on a Friday night outside my office on a number of occasions
in the rain, unable to catch a cab and being pushed aside by an assertive Chinese boyfriend
wanting to prove his machoism to his girlfriend, I was determined to show my powers in
grabbing a taxi as it drew up!

On arriving back at my appartment, I settled down to watch the programmes that were
leading up to the opening ceremony of that night. I must admit that I had the feeling of
butterflies in my stomach, this was for me what I had come to Beijing for. I had chosen
China above other country possibilities for I wanted to be part of the Olympic experience
as well as see it with my own eyes.

As the show unfolded, there were moments as I am sure many an individual can vouch for the
same feelings, of wonder, beauty, amazement and pride. Yes, pride, even though this was not
my country, this was for me an alien place, so different of any other that I had seen or been
to in my life, I was proud at this moment to be there and experience these sensations even
though I was unable to afford or find an opening ceremony ticket, I think that the view on
my own television screen, was more than adequate.

The next day, I had a spring in my step, having watched a couple of weeks earlier how China
had opened its Shanghai doors to the refugees of Europe, the Jewish people who were trying
to escape from the tyranny of Hitler, I felt pride as I looked around the streets at the
beautiful floral arrangements that were lining the streets, admittedly the only thing that I
did not like, were the large red lanterns hanging from the lamposts, that I truly found a
little tacky.

Having been born in England, I was used to a country that is a specialist in putting on a show
of pomp and ceremony, but there is no question, that China surpassed itself in imagination,
celebration, ceremony and occasion. My only suggestion for future Olympics is that the
parade of the participants, which is their moment of glory, should somehow be reduced in
timing, either by letting them enter from two entrances at the same time, to shorten the
time spent, so reducing the level of the previous excitement felt at the show itself.

Well done China, I am truly happy and proud to have been part of this event, actually see
some of the sports taking place first hand and being able to discuss the events and feelings
together with my students, it was an honor and my only regret was that I was not there
for the closing ceremony and consequent discussion that would have taken place thereafter.

Sorry, I have been gone.../Shanghai.

Apologies, apologies, apologies, but if you read on through the next few entries, you will understand why I have been out of touch and not just remiss. Over the first two entries I

will continue where I left off in Beijing and then continue my tales of where I am at this

moment.



Lucky me, I was sent on a 'business' trip to Shanghai and had a chance to see this modern

architectural city albeight in the rain! The trip to this large modern city is simple, check in

fast, but the waiting for the flight itself, long. Be sure to choose the correct airline to avoid

delays and be served more than a 'local' snack on your travel.



Upon arrival in Shanghai, depending on whick airport you come in at, the dsitance to the

city is around 45 minutes. The purpose of my short stop over in this particular city, was

to give a full day writing workshop to a major corporation and the hotel booked was the one

that would also be used for this purpose, so was not completely centrally located in the main

city. The long drive in to the accomodation, was peppered with different sites. I must admit

I could not contain my disappointment at my first glance of this 'cosmopolitan' city. The areas

we passed were a mixture of rundown and modern. It was the strangesgt sight and for the

first time, I could appreciate the Government's decision to tear down most of old Beijing and

replace it totally with new, for this mish mush, mixture of the two, was extremely strange

and took away from the beauty of each individually and showed the weaker of the two up in

a very unsightly way!



The hotel. one of the Crowne Plaza chain, was welcoming and business like, the room large,

airy and pleasant. On this trip I was accompanied by a senior colleague and we decided to

go out and explore the city. Like a good adventurist, I had planned carefully the sites that

I wished to see and enlisted the help of the concierge in deciding what would be the nearest,

most practical and enjoyable in the rain. Both due to distance and wish, we decided to visit

the local 'flea market'.



Driving through the rainy busy streets, peering out at the strange combinations of buildings,

with antennas or helmets appearing to be perched on their rooves, was rather exhilirating

but made me feel that I was stuck inbetween a time warp of two ages, both the futuristic and

the long past. We arrived at the entrance to the alleyways that led into the market and begun

to browse with no particular treasure in mind.



With the rain starting to pelt down, probably our best bargain of the day, was arguing for an

old slightly leaky umbrella, for 10 yuan!! Clutching some treasures to mark our trip and

not the customary memrobillia, we made our soggy way back to the hotel. But not so fast!

As we begun our journey back, my companion realised that she had misplaced her glasses

at a stall in the market and after some sign language and persuasion, we returned to search

through the market. Running through the rain, unable to pick my way through the heavy

raindrops, I was unsuccessful in my endeavors, so returned soaked to the skin, to change

and rethink our next plan of action.



We decided to stay local and once we were refreshed, went to the local shopping center.

There is no question, that in every major city of China, there are shopping malls in every

corner of the city, with prices ranging from the moderate to the most expensive! We were

surprised to find, favorably, a different kind of fashion (not clothes) in this city, but on

observing the women's dress, could not fathom why this city was considered the better

dressed and more modern.



An important tip for all you glasses wearers. In China, maybe because so many need to

enlist the help of eye glass wear, the choice and facilities are large. Should you require

special narrow glass, to make your glasses look more normal and not magnified, this

requires some weeks of ordering, but if your number is low, it can be immediate. Seeing

my companions discomfort on losing her glasses, we stopped at a local optician and found

an appropriate 'temporary' solution for just 40 yuan!



Feeling happy, refreshed and optimistic, we spent the next hour and a half happily browsing

through the accessory department of the local store. Hungry and ready to eat, we returned

for dinner and a good nights sleep. The next morning, after eating a european style breakfast,

I gave a successful 'writing' workshop, to a very receptive and co operative audience. It was

then with a happy step that we left this city.

The opportunity for me to see and visit Shanghai, even though for a limited period, made me

realise how happy I was with my decision to live in Beijing and appreciate the efforts that the

government had made in decorating the city to be the most welcoming it could possible be for

the forthcoming olympics, whereas I had found Shanghai to be the complete opposite, but

nevertheless interesting. I have to also comment, that even though my Chinese is limited

to just a few words, I found it almost impossible to converse and give the simplest directions

there, without the use of sign language!