Dear FFF:
Getting brave in my old age! Flew from Shanghai to Beijing on China Air (no English speaking here) but, thanks to my daughter in law Kelly, she booked me a four day flight/hotel package. Dave's driver, Jin Rong drove me to the airport and said he would pick me up on Thursday when I came back to Shanghai. When I got back that day, he was not there! I waited for half an hour before calling Dave (which was a challenge because there were no pay phones at the airport) I approached a guy and asked to use his phone. He didn't understand me so I got some money out...........he took and handed me his phone! I called Kelly at the house, but she wasn't there so Ayi answered phone and since she only speaks Chinese I didn't get anywhere. I then called Dave at work and he tells me I am at the wrong airport which is across town but that Jen Rong is on his way to get me which will take an hour because with 22 million people in one city traffic is rather heavy! I was booked for the Pudong airport but apparently if they don't have a full plane going to both airports they put eveyone on one plane and where you end up is your problem! The Chinese they were saying over the speaker on the plane was probably telling me that, but, of course I couldn't understand a word!
While in Beijing I took an English speaking tour to the Great Wall. One of the highlights of my trip! On that same tour we went to the Ming Toumbs, a jade factory, a clouisine factory, and to the Tea Doctor where we learned all about using certain teas for different ailments................very interesting!
Also while in that city I went to see the Chinese Acrobats.................absolutely one of the greatest shows I have ever been to! BUT, encountered a small problem there. I had taken a taxi for a 30 minute ride to the theater, but when the show was over and I tried to flag down a taxi, they refused to take me to my hotel (I would hand them the hotel card which had the address written in Chinese) I tried 4 times and got 4 refusals. Had no idea why, but now I was in a dark parking lot at 9:30 pm and had no idea what to do next! Saw a nicely dressed man in a suit headed to his BMW so went and asked if he spoke English. " Little" was his answer. I tried to explain my problem..............he understood taxi word and tried to hail one. The driver and he had a conversation which suited man repeated to me, which of course I couldn't understand! He finally took my arm and led me to his car and said "I take you" . I had been showing him the hotel on the map I had. I really didn't have any options so I got in the car! My reasoning was: very low crime rate in China because there are no guns there, so he couldn't shoot me. And I was about twice his size so figured I could defend myself if I had to. But didn't need to..............he drove the 30 minutes to my hotel and gave me his card. Turns out he was the manager of the three theaters in the city. I thanked him profusely and went into the hotel bar and had a stiff drink! After talking to the hotel manager I found out that some taxies won't take a long trip because they need to get back to there side of town and may not be able to get a fare.
Never a dull moment!!!
I decided it was time to go home when while out on a shopping venture with Dave's driver Jin Rong, he hit a pedestrian woman (it was really more of a bump) There are SO many people wallking, motor scooters, buses, cars and bicycles, that drive down any street is an adventure! And Jin Rong is a very good driver and so careful. Anyhow, the lady got right up obviously not hurt but her husband starts pounding on the hood of the car and a small mob starts to form. Poor Jin Rong, it was evident that he was shook up, but he called the police and told me to stay in the car. The crowd kept getting bigger with everyone staring in the car at me. She wanted money (very common happening there) but Jin Rong waited for police. When he got there, more shouting and pointing and I just stayed in car not knowing what was what. Jin Rong finally got back in car and said policeman told him to pay her 150 Yuan (about $23.00) and get rid of her! Jin Rong didn't get a ticket, which is what I was so worrried about because it might have meant his job! Whole thing took 90 minutes but we got on our way no less for the wear. Now I KNEW it was time to go home!
I am back and enjoying the conveniences we have here! It was a GREAT TRIP thanks to Dave and Kelly or I never would have been able to do the things I did. AND, the best part was spending so much quality time with my little munchkins, Murphy and Duncan!!
I am in Columbus for a couple of weeks, then to Tennessee for the end of November. Will be back in Hillsdale/Jonesville in December.
Love GG
