8_once_around
Once around prose Saturday, 09.09.2000, by fetching my starting-number for the
23th Berlin-Marathon I have seen an announcement for the Great Wall
Marathon! An URL: www.great-wall-marathon.com. I was on fire
immediately! 3 Travel-agencies for the runners from Germany. One in
Berlin. This one demanded for the supply of a visum 100 DM, 45 $!
For a Visum a passport is necessary I applied for it in February,
it should be ready mid April. Luckily it was. The visum needed at
the Chinese embassy 4 labour-days, DM 30,- The time schedule: 1.1NIEDBALLA/ANDREAS MR Sunday, the 06.05.01 Monday, the 07.05.01 Monday, the 14.05.01 Tuesday, the 15.05.01 Wednesday, the 16th of May01 THURSDAY, the 17th of May 2001 FRIDAY, the 18th of May 2001 SATURDAY, the 19th of May 2001 SUNDAY, 20th of May 2001 MONDAY, 21th of May 2001 TUESDAY, 22nd of May 2001 WEDNESDAY, 23rd of May 2001 THURSDAY, 24th of May 2001 FRIDAY, 25th of May 2001 SATURDAY, 26th of May 2001 SUNDAY, 27th of May 2001 MONDAY, May 28th of 2001 TUESDAY , May 29th of 2001 WEDNESDAY May 30th of 2001 THURSDAY May 31th of 2001 SATURDAY June 2nd ofi 2001 SUNDAY June 3rd of 2001 MONDAY June 4th of 2001 WEDNESDAY, June 6th of 2001 THURSDAY, June 07th of 2001 FRIDAY, June 08th of 2001 SATURDAY, June 9th of 2001 SUNDAY, June 10th of 2001 MONDAY, June 11th of 2001 TUESDAY June 12th of 2001 WEDNESDAY June 13th of 2001 THURSDAY June 14th of 2001
The German travel-agents offered different prices, from 1600,- only
from Beijing to 4000,- for a complete tour from and to Berlin This
was out of question for me, because I wanted to visit my old
acquaintance Kopi (Andreas Kopac) in Shanghai .
A former brother-in-arms, partner in manufacturing meade and now
close friend lived there! I was even guest at huis religious
wedding in Hoexter. I booked at the agent answering 2nd, because he
was 1600,- cheaper than the one in Berlin. Later he upgradeded his
offer 400,-, but I accepted. Only 2 days later the 3rd one brought
in his offer, which was the cheapest of all. Unfortunately I had
already signed. Kopi recommended the tailors in Bangkok, which are
said to be the best of Asia.
By fetching the starting-number for the 25km of Berlin on Saturday,
the 05.05.2001 I met a commilitone from the study of chemistry at
the TU Berlin. She told me from a cheap travel-agent, the successor
of ARTU. Kilroy-Travels in the Hardenbergstraße! Around the world
for DM 3000,- (~1 364US$)! For I had no flight to Beijing yet, I
visited them. There they recommended me a
„Wold-travel-ticket“,which costed me, as I do have
finished my studies and am older than 32 years; DM 3 849,50 (~1 750
US$). 6 stops were allowed; as my pen-pal Loni from British
Columbia had told me in advance she wasn´t at home the time I was
practically around the corner from her, I had to re-arrange.
Therefore I added a stop in London.
1 LH1727H 17MAY 4 Berlin - FrankfurtHK1 1225 1335
2 TG 921Q 17MAY 4 Frankfurt - Bangkok HK1 1505 0645 18MAY 5
3 TG 662Q 21MAY 1 Bangkok - Shanghai HK1 0045 0600
24th of May to Beijing, 26th GWM, 28th back to Shanghai
4 AC 6H 02JUN 6 Shanghai - Vancouver HK1 1655 1245
5 AC3912H 02JUN 6 Vancouver - Montreal HK1 1415 2151
6 AC 772H 06JUN 3 Montreal - Newark HK1 1100 1218
7 ARNK
8 UA 956H 10JUN 7 NYC JFK - London HK1 1855 0655 11JUN 1
9 LH5981H 14JUN 4 London City - Berlin HK1 1925 2220
25km of Berlin! A light rain-coat, but before the start this to the
exchange-clothes,onto, the truck. On the Reichsstraße my former
kommilitone overtaken!
To the Institute for Tropical Diseases, a vaccination-counsel. The
advices were immediately brought into reality: 1st agaist
Hepatitis, one against Polio.
The week before the yourney the exchange-counter in the
Europa-Center, travellers-cheques for 1000 $, 100 $ in cash und for
100,- Thai Baht.
13h to my financial manager Ralph Drabe, Effectiv-Finanzpartner.
Nordinvest-shares sold, they had costed the time of purchase TDM 30
für Nordasia.com and 10 for Nordgenetics; plus Templeton, Frankfurt
Trust and Oppenheimer. For 40 Immo-shares signed. DM 6000,- were
destined as cash for the journey; supposedly more than enough by
far.
Again to the Institute for Tropical Diseases, die 2nd vaccination
against Hepatitis, 1 against Cholera.
In order to find my luggage easier on the big airports I planned to
mark it with a big red X from textile adhesive ribbon, but our
household´s supplies were enough only for my ¾ of my suitcase.
The Lufthansa was on strike on Thursdays! Kilroy gave me an
info-telefone-number.
There I learned that it wasn´t sure if the strike was to be
continued, but my ticket for the flight would be valid on the ICE
(rapid express train).
Again had a close look on my pass-port and the visum for China.
Luggage finished. A big blue Samsonite (with a big red X on the one
side and a single red stripe on the other) and a big grey
traveler´s bag. Both were half empty!
Got up at 5.00 a.m., called Lufthansa: Strike goes on! My Mom
brought me by car to Bahnhof Zoo. As I like riding by train and as
ICE is the best of it, I wasn´t sad for the change. On time in the
train. Merrily expecting things to come! 1st stop Spandau. 2nd stop
Potsdam. 3 rd stop Magdeburg. 4th stop Brunswig. We were good in
time, my good mood was even increasing!
I was completely equipped. The tickets, my time-schedule, my money,
the traveller´s checques, my luggage, my passport, my.... Wait a
moment. The passport?
Did I pack it back again after admiring it yesterday?
Of course I didn´t. That means: Back to Berlin! Re-booking
everything! At the arrival of my train into the station of Brunswig
I saw the other ICE heading Berlin waiting. A fast prayer!
I asked the train-attendant to call the other train to wait for me.
My traveller´s bag and my suitcase flew literally out of the train,
down the stairs over to the other platform and upstairs again! I
actually ran to the ICE, which luckily had waited indeed. THIS WAS
A GOOD START!
I took the ICE just until Spandau. 1pm back in Berlin again! From
there the S-train to Zoo; there I stocked up my foreign currency
with 34 english pounds, then I RELAXED with an excellent ice-cream.
As I didn´t think of locking my luggage at the Railway-station, I
didn´t go to Kilroy-travels immediately, but went home. At least I
informed the Bangkok tailor that I would stay two instead of three
nights, that was cheaper for him. Good thing, this e-mail! Then I
called the travel-agent and went there. Extra costs: 100$ for
re-booking, DM45,- the ticket for the ICE from Brunswig to Spandau,
finally about 140,- for a return-ticket to Frankfurt am Main.
Cheaper than a one-way ticket! Home, early into bed.
Again got up early. Underground to Zoo Station, there into the
ARPT-Express-bus to Tegel. Departure today LH1041 10.21 am for the
connecting flight from Frankfurt to Bangkok with the Thai Airways
TG left 2.45 pm. Seats here comfortable also, food delicious (my
choice was duck on rice) and the drinks exclusive. I didn´t save
myself of a ´99er Chardonnay. As I took my personal
hygiene-bag with me into the cabin, I was able even to brush my
teeth in the evening. A screen on the front side of the cabin
showed the relative position of the plane!
There weren´t too many clouds above Bangkok! Because we were flying
against the Earth´s spin, we arrived after 14 hours of flight (in a
Jumbo-Jet) 19th of May 6.45 am. The Airport was outside the city!
The tailor warned me about the taxi-drivers: They´d bring me
ANYWHERE, where they´d get commission by the host.Therefore I
didn´t take a taxi, but a shuttle-bus into the town. Kopi had
telefaxed me an advertisement of the tailor´s, on which there was a
map with his studio. Sukhumvit Soi 7, Sukhumvit Road, latitude Nana
Station. Therefore I got out Nana Station! Luckily my suitcase had
rolls The studio was on road-level! But at 8 am not opened
yet. I had to wait. The other side was a snack-bar, from
which came a delicious smell. Despite in the plane there was
supplied a light breakfast, I was hungry now.
Thai “snacks” are much more ample and various than I am
willing to list at this place. At about 9am a young man aproached
the studio – but he had no key. Finally one arrived who had
and let us in. Inside I asked for my mail-mates, Bob and Raja, to
learn they were at a clothing-exposition in Frankfurt/Main the
moment. Instead I was served by a Sikh named George. Very pleased!
I was to choose cutting fashions for the blazers, a collar style
for the smoking (finally no tuxedo) and fabrics for everything. 10
different shirts, 5 knickerbockers, 3 trousers, 2 blazers und 1
smoking. I was supposed to return 3 pm. At first I wanted to look
around the town. And that´s what I did! At first to a shoe-shop,
new slippers. Costs about 33 US$! Into a pharmacy, little
leather-pads to glue into the shoes and various multi-vitamin
stuff. Sukhumvit Road was busy shopping-road with many mobile
merchants offering virtually everything.Best I liked coconuts with
thin cover, little meat, but plenty of juice! A very pretty young
lady offered her company and tried to make me take a coser look
onto the displayed goods. But when I communicated that I was not
willing to buy anything, she was rapidly gone. In the department
store “Setan” I bought a youth-backpack with
Mickey-Mouse on it, for my luggage on the day of the run and as
souvenir for Erik. Later, on Sukhumvit, red textile-reinforced
adhesive tape. I told the tailor to put the buttons on handles,
like mushrooms, that I wanted to pass my left hand through the
closed left cuff and that the right arm had to be as well longer as
more wide. And I payed: Altogether 612 US $. Lodging I should in
the Metro Palace, Petchbury 13, at the Petchbury Road.
The taxi-driver crossed a road with a big sign of the hotel,
despite I told him to go there! Afterwards he made a
sight-seein-tour with me. I told him that the tailor would pay him;
he didn´t want to let me out, before I had payed. When I demanded a
receipe, he let me get out. In the hotel I had a pretty room,
refreshed myself and relaxed. In the afternoon came a parcel from
the tailor, the shirts. Midnight the 2nd one, with the blazers!
Today I wanted to see something of Bangkok! I bought a
multi-ride-ticket for the Skytrain and got off. Bangkok has two
Skytrain-routes; I took each unto both ends. The weather was grey,
so I had no good visibility; the photos became unspectacular. But I
got massaged; for in Berlin „Thai-massage“ has the
odour of red lights, I immediately told the clerks I wanted
„No nude“ and „No sex“. The massage did me
very well! The girl massaging me looked at me from the side for
long times and said repeatedly „Mei luuu“ in a soft and
tender voice, whatever this may mean. Back in the hotel: A man
wanted to speak to me, said the clerk at the reception desk. For I
was tired, I told him I expected noone; therefore he sent him
away.In the evening I rode around midnight to the airport, where
very early tomorrow my plane left.
At exactly 0.45 am! Thai Airways Int´l, TG662. Check-in half an
hour earlier. The usual security-program. A snack, little, but of
excellent quality. 0600 arrival in Shanghai! On the old
City-Airport. On THIS airport lots of dredgers were active, trying
to abduce me. When I told them I was waiting for a friend, a young
woman claimed he was waiting for me; I was supposed to follow her.
Luckily I had his phone-number and called. He was already gone;
shortly later he actually collected me. We drove by taxi to his
firm in the Change-Road, later to his flat in the Hongshen
Dalo(Tower) in the Dingxi Lu. 14th storey! It was still under
construction. But in luxury! Marble, stucco end engraved glass in
the doors. We had lots to talk! For sleeping we found a place in
their sleeping-room, which wasn´t yet equipped, but at least there
was no work done.
Looked around in Shanghai, my friend´s wife showed me the
clothing-market. I bought one pair of trousers and one pair of
shorts. Sightseeing! Looked around for a pharmacy to get
nourishing-salts for the yeasts. Finally I was at a chemist´s. Jana
Kopac ordered a plane-ticket for me to Beijing. In the evening we
were eating out, with staff of his company and customers. A very
noble Japanese restaurant!
On the Campus of Shanghai´s University ran about one hour.
Sightseeing. With Kopi eaten mongolic at a kiosk. Delicious! The
meade prepared: Tokay and Bourgund.
From City-ARPT early to Beijing, a domestic flight. Service
exquisite nevertheless! The cabin-crew spoke a little English. One
of the stewardesses was the most beautiful Chinese girl I had seen
until then! I gave to her my calling-card. Taxi to the
Quianmen Hotel. Quite nobel. The cabby drove circumventions! In the
evening conference about the schedule.
Today walking the route! Departure 5h bus to the starting-point. We
walked the part on the wall and the parts in the valley. Inthe
hotel bought a belt-bag branded „North Face“, about 50
US$! In a supermarket I bought knee- and ellbow-protectors. A
millenium-old stone-wall is very inconvenient ground to stumble and
fall down. I was searching for a straw-hat for the run, but I found
none. Except on another customer´s head! I tried to ask him, where
he got it from, even to trade it off him. It was futile. Sadly I
stole away to pay for my purchases. Suddenly the man was there: He
even gave me the hat as a present!! I was happy. Back in the hotel
I got a massage. When I wanted to get money to pay for it, my
bank-account was suddenly empty!
Today was the great day! Departure at 3 am, just the knapsack with
me. Breakfast in the bus. Relaxed. The place: Absolutely
picturesque! Great weather! Speeches of various government
officials, music. Clothes in the knap-sack, last time to the loo,
then onwards! Exact description of the route and 2500 fotos at
www.great-wall-marathon.com! I´m runner # 39, the one with the big
straw-hat and the little sun-glasses. Not to get into the throng on
the steep steps to the wall, I took care to be the last runner to
cross the starting-line. What isn´t put down there: On the wall I
was careful; even climbed backwards if the path was difficult and
the securing rope was on the right hand. But in the valley I
hurried to catch up time. I stumbled and fell. My precautions payed
off! No bruises on the knee, neither on the ellbow! But as
it comes: I was that fast as to overthrow and hurt my shoulder. To
clean the wound, I had nothing sterile with me, but I had
elektrolyte drink! Isotonic and in the composition are an
acceptable approximation to Ringer-solution, which in medicine is
generally used to clean wounds. Of course not sterile, but of
drinking-water quality and GUARANTEED with less bacteria than the
Chinese street-dirt I was washing out This year even the
winner needed 3 hours 50´! My own time was 7 h 18´ 05´´. Limit was
8 hours. After finishing I went to the 1st-aid-tent and had my
wound properly washed out and disinfected. Later I bought postcads
and a painting of the wall. Finally back to Beijing.
The day for free disposal; in the evening gala-banquet. Strolled a
litle by foot through the sorroundings of the hotel, I asked where
I could get a railway-ticket. As I was very low in cash, that was a
better way to return to Shanghai. Ordered the ticket in another
hotel. My empty account was annoying! With my very last bank-notes
I bought the ticket; it was just enough for the cheapest class,
„hard seat“. But today I needed no money; the banquet
was included in the journey´s fare. At Photoloader, the Danish
photographer, for 100 US$ the „Gold Pack“ ordered, many
photos, 1 CD ROM with 100 fotos. Looked at all, 3x I was 3 times
on! But had no money for a down-payment.
The food was appropriate to the journey´s price! Beijing-duck and a
giant buffet. Aside I found some odd-shaped, decorative fire-red
fruit looking like fresh peperoni. Curiously I ate one. Chinese
peperoni are hotter than western ones by far!
Very early made my luggage ready, 12am the room had to be left. I
had my luggage locked away. In lobby of the hotel they had
touch-screen-telephones giving access to the Internet! I mailed the
taylor because of my trousers. Then I went to the other hotel to
collect my ticket. In the end I took a taxi to the railway-station
because of my luggage. I had to wait some time, but in the end it
was a ticket for a reserved seat. Departure at 6 pm. The train was
VERY crowded. But despite the confining narrowness a relaxed, even
happy mood! The Chinese seem to be used to confined spaces. One of
my neighbours spoke a little English, that made the trip even
pleasant. There were even foods and beverages supplied! To be payed
extra, but ridiculously cheap and of good quality. The Chinese even
gave me readily space to eat more comfortably! Could it be that
later, in God´s Kingdom, an overproportionate number of Chinese?
I met in the train even two other Europaeansr, two girls
from Island on a hiking-tour with whom I spoke English. As my
immediate companions were not too shy to stretch out on the
„hard“ seats to sleep and this picture was to be seen
throughout the cabin, I made myself comfortable also.
In the morning one could purchase breakfast on the train. Arrival
in Shanghai at 7.45 am. The station was gigantic! As the one in
Beijing. Staf was as friendly though! One employée offered me to
wait in her bureau and even made it possible for me to call Kopi,
to pick me up.. The rest of the day was to re-create. In the
evening eating out with his company´s customers in a noble Japanese
Sushi-restaurant, in the evening to a „KTV“-,
Karaoke-Bar. Very strange to me, but most of the Chinese did amuse
themselves greatly. There were also hostesses present, partly
singing duetts with the guests. A Lady which Kopi later introduced
as chief of staff of the girls sat aside me claiming „I love
you“. Really.
Today Brunch in the Sofitel Hyland Hotel. We tried to invite his
Partner Cheng Ching Chung (for Europaeans „Peter“), but
he wasn´t free, Genny, the KTV-Lady we didnt reach. „
Sky-Lounge“, the restaurant on 33. floor, was furnished with
much style! Classical music live on a grand piano, the other young
Lady was accompanying on a violin. Buffet at it´s best!! Salads,
soups, meats, fishes, crémes, caviar more than enough!
All of it for about 25 US$ each.A beautiful sight over Shanghai!
Many photos taken; one moment without concentration, the camera got
open.
Kopi had a favourite shoemaker on the streets, who applied into my
shoes from Bangkok leather patches into the back side. Moreover he
showed to me the old house where he lived earlier and the
street-markets. Most important: His source for Suntory-beer!
I needed decent shoes. In Shanghai there were settled shoemakers
also. I had measure taken and ordered 2 pairs, 1x with laces , 1x
slipper.
Sightseeing! Nangking Road, the largest shopping-street. Like
Berlin´s Ku-Damm, but pedestrian-area! Place Of The People,
harbour... Shanghai has an exquisite river-face with pompous
buildings back from the colonial era! My wounded shoulder turned
out to be infected in the end. Therefore I was with Jana in the
Poli-clinic. There I got prescribed a broad-spectrum-antibiotic,
which I was able to purchase right in the hospital´s pharmacy.
Expensive, about 45 US In the hospital´s pharmacy there worked the
(in my eyes) most beautiful Chinese girl I had seen so far. A
colleague! :-x
FRIDAY June 1st of 2001
For soybean-milk is a product of the country and is pressed fresh
daily, in the morning I went to the street-market to buy some. But
I was late! It was sold out everywhere. As a replace I bought from
a little supermarket open 24 hours a day milk from cattle. Today
Kopi gave me a guided tour through Shanghai. More of the
university, shops. He highly recommended Chinese snacks, as dried
meat and roasted field-beans. He didn´t promise to much.
Delicious!
My schedule was to depart today, but as I had no accomodation in
Montreal I decided to stay 2 days longer in Shanghai. Place Of The
People, river-port, parks. There they tear down buildings which in
most other cities would be regarded as „middle-class“.
This is called „Slum-sanification“!
Kopi had shown to me an „investmen-ruin“ in the best
area of Shanghai, at which the promoters shortly before the
installation of the windows ran out of money. They´re in search of
partners! Maybe I know the right people. The shoes were ready!
Custom-made in superior quality for about 40US$ the pair.
Departure! A taxi ordered. To Kopi´s bureau 1st, he brought some
e-mail for me, to my mobile address nitus324@yahoo.com. From my sis
Annette. Then to the ARPT-bus to Pudong! This time Air Canada.
French-speaking! Pudong is giantic. But clearly arranged! Again
flewn into the night. Air-staff was friendly again. Across the
Pacific ocean, to Vancouver. Arrival 12.45am. Here I just saw the
airport! But I bought picture-postcards and a city-guide. 2.15pm
the connecting flight was scheduld, but it was delayed around one
hour. Therefore I was only at about 11pm in Motreal/Dorval. I took
the ARPT-bus into the city. Another passenger from the ARPT
descended also at the central bus-station; a young Lady from
France, de l´Alsace We had a very inspiring talk for 3 hours!
;-)
TUESDAY, June 5th of 2001
At the bus-port there were about half a dozen hotels and pensions,
some beginning with 25 Can$ the night; but those were completely
booked out. At about 4 am I finally found an accomodation. The
„Hotel Visitel“ in 1617 (Rue) St-Hubert for 50 Can$ the
night, for 2 nights 70, as the 1st was almost over. By carrying my
heavy suitcase upstairs to the 2nd floor I lost my balance and got
a deep abrasion at my left ellbow. The friendly hotel-clerk from
the reception heard the noises and came upstairs immediately and
helped me to transport the suitcase into my room. I looked after my
wound, refreshed myself and got to bed. The early afternoon I tried
to phone my „mail-mate“ Trixie, but she wasn´t at home
yet. Then I went to buy some food; fresh bread, milk, some fruit
and a meat-pudding. I was searching for a laundry, found one; but
it was expensive and I´d have had to stay there. The hotel-clerk
showed me the hotel´s laundry-room! There I put my shirts and
trousers into the laundromat. I went again to buy a bus-ticket to
Dorval-ARPT and a road-map from Montréal. On the road close to the
hotel a quite pretty young woman asked me: „Do you want a
girl?“ All I could do was smile to her and say: „Of
course!“ She answered: „For an hour or a half?“
My smile became broader and I replied: „For all of my life.
To marry!“ There she became sad and she objected she had a
„friend“. Sympathetically smiling I wished her a good
bye and went away. After I had eaten, I looked up the street where
my friend lived and went there by bus and d by subway. She lives
pretty! She got one of the Chinese ink-drawings, one Jade-ring and
a tea-pot. In the evening she ordered a taxi for me. Half way to
the hotel I realised to have left my belt-bag with Trixie! So we
had to return. For I knew where I had put it off, It was quickly
found. Back to the hotel. Tired, but lucky I felt asleep.
Of course I had breakfast 1st, got ready and packed my luggage. The
personnel of the hotel gave me one dozen calling-cards.
www.hotelvisitel.com! Departure 11 am from Dorval. My luggage
contained no potential threat to air-security, so the check-in was
quick. In the plane (AC 772) and out of the windows I took again
many photos! The most out of the window. 12.18 in Newark! A little
bit out of the town. In the foyer of the ARPT there were some
agencies supposed to distribute the passengers to the hotels. At
one of those agencies I bought a bus-ticket to Brooklyn With that
into the city. The ride was the 1st sight-seeing tour! Very in
contrast to the subway. A brother from Berlin had informed me that
the Bethel was close to the subway-station Borough Hall. There to!
Station Borough Hall is in Brooklyn, some hundred meters from the
Bethel („House of God“). Luckily I had bought at the
ARPT a map of the subway-net, so I got along. I often asked
trespassers to the way to the „Watchtower-Building“.The
complex was gigantic! At a smaller street, the Adams Street, I saw
people coming out of an unpretending entrance - No.117. I rang
there and it was opened. A small, plain ante-room – and
behind another door a flat, but VERY extended reception-room. At
the long desk there were only 2-3 brothers working. One of them
answeered a telephone-call - „Watchtower House, Lobby one
– Good afternoon!“ With a very melodic, almost singing
voice. The pleasure in serving Jehovah was clearly recognisable at
him! The brothers were so friendly to look for a hotel nearby; the
1st having a bed vacant was the Courtyard by Marriot, in the
Central Park Way. At first I tried to get to Manhattan Island,
where the Central Park is. The subway was partly under
re-condtruction! Therefore I was wandering about the tunnels with
my heavy bags. The rolls of my Samsonite-suitcase had already on
the ARPT of Shanghai begun to squeek, probably because of the ample
dust on the construction-site of Kopi´s flat; on the way to the
Bethel it became unbearable. What could I do? I asked the brothers
for an oil-can. Futile. There I had an idea: For the Marathon I
brought an ointment based on vaseline. But how to get it on the
place? As I had nothing better, my tooth-brush was sufficient. The
succes: The suitcase rolled even swifter and more silent than as it
did when was new! The hotel was close to the La Guardia
ARPT. That I had to find 1st! Easier said than done. As I was low
in funds, I wasn´t able to just catch a taxi! The ticket-machine in
the subway accepted my German cash-card for a week´s ticket.
Finally I found the way: Subway-Station Roosevelt Avenue, then bus
Q33.
New York´s subway goes partially above the surface, as elevated
railway, on a scaffold. For I didn´t posses a „Major credit
card“, I had to pay in advance! „Watchtower-rate“
119,- US$ + tax. My cash was sufficient for just one day! This one
I payed, then felt into my bed as tired as dead.
Breakfast in hotel wasn´t included into the Watchtowr-rate. As an
iron ration I had dried fruit from China and electrolyte-tablets!
Under the viaducts of the elevated railway of Jackson
Heights/Roosevelt Ave. There were shops in the houses on the sides;
this morning I had Indian food. On my map the distance was tiny;
from my hotel in Queens to the Bethel in Brooklyn just18 cm (6´´)!
First some stations with the bus. Line E to p.ex. Canal Street,
then take the A or C on to High Street. This is the direct way
already! 18 stations, some very far apart. As „tourist“
I wanted to see the production-works described so fascinating in
the video „Organized...“. It was even greater! Among
others tumble-washers with drums the size of a Volkswagen Beetle! I
was all eye. Even afterwards on the way to the hotel! Without the
mega-heavy suitcases the subway was real fun! From Lobby 1 I called
back home to have money sent to me. A Moneygram.
Today the departments „Shipping“ and
„Bureau“. At parts I got an extra-guided tour, just for
me! It´s really fascinating whereto all over the world literature
is sent! On my way to get there I saw much of New York´s streets. A
pen-pal of mine lives in Columbia-street. I found one in Brooklyn.
But in the given number she doesn´t live! I was searching for an
exchange-shop; with my passport and the secret pick-up-number I
finally got the money. How beautiful and pleasant there are people
as parents! On the way I was addressed by lots of people
if I wouldn´t also like this one great program of the democratic
party. Finally I helped myself saying: „I already voted. I´m
a loyal subject to Jehovah´s Kingdom!“ There they left me
alone. Accidentally I met two young men looking strangely familiar.
One of them carried a thick book! There I asked him: „Excuse
me, is this a New-World-Translation?“ The two were on their
way to their book-studies in the Columbia-Street! Of course I
joined them immediately. As it was to be expected I was accepted
heartily and even got the opportunity to give comments! From there
I have got my Creator-book in English. The way back down the
Columbia Street I enjoyed the georgeous skyline of Manhattan! With
many fotos, of course. In the evening I called my pen-pal: She
lives in Manhattan, not in Brooklyn!
As I was REALLY hungry, I asked the doorman of the Courtyard where
I could get reasonably priced breakfast in the neighbourhood. He
recommended 2 streets away the „Buccaneer“. Thereto I
relocated immediately. Reasonably priced indeed! The dishes were
slightly more expensice than in a fast-food-restaurant, but the
portions were much bigger! And very tasty. I had been trying to
locate my other mail-mates in NY, but I didn´t succeeed. Out of a
beautiful habit I at first payed a visit to the Bethel; also to
tell everything went all right. (Psalm 84:10) For a day in your
courtyards is better than a thousand [elsewhere]. I have chosen to
stand at the threshold in the house of my God Rather than to move
around in the tents of wickedness.
Today I enjoyed the walk over the Brooklyn-Bridge! And I documented
it detailedly. I was in search of a gift for my father, best would
be an extravagant cork-lifter. But even the department-store in the
World-Trade-Center had nothing adequate! Furthermore I wanted to
visit my mail-mate Dawn Griffin! I had already bought a road-map of
NYC; the Columbia Ave. Was about 2km away. Nevertheless I took a
taxi. The driver brought me to anywhere! When I realised we were
going into the wrong direction, I mentioned it; he didn´t listen.
Finally I demanded: „Let me get out!“ He claimed that
he had understood „Columbia Street“! The driver
fidgeted, but in the end brought me to the real place.
„Please don´t tell your cab-drivers at home about
this!“ As I had this way a nice sightseeing-tour I paid him
US$ 15. Well, my acquaintance was at home, she accompanied me some
way to my hotel. As she hadn´t told at home, she didn´t come all
along. That was it I bought the teapots and Jade-rings for! Then I
returned to the hotel.
There was not much to pack in, as I had done most of it yeasterday.
For the staff had shown generous with the paying the bill, I gave
to the chief of the reception for his colleagues US$ 50. To
Kennedy-ARPT! The hotel offered a shuttle-service. Aside me two
families used it; they needed another airport! The driver brought
them first. Result: I got my plane just in time. United Airlines UA
956 at 6.55 pm. Now across the Atlantic Ocean!
6.55 am landing on Heathrow! A little bit larger than Frankfurt. I
took the opportunity to get a breeze of the wide world on the
tourist´s lookout-platform! I hadn´t locked in my suitcase, so I
had to carry it halfway upstairs. The gorgeous view onto landing
and starting airplanes paid me amply for this effort! As the
underground-traffic on the line to Heathrow was interrupted, there
was a bus instead to Acton town. In the entrance-hall of the
underground-station I caught a glimpse onto a familiar book-cover.
The creator-book! The pretty young black Lady holding it in her
hand was a sister! Immediately I asked her for the next
congregation. One station towards Heathrow, South Ealing, then
left. There the speech for the public had just begun! The WT-study
was very edifying, again I was able 2 give comments. Then the
brothers explainesd to me how to get to the Bethel! Underground
Mill Hill East, then walk or bus.
The Bethel is situated in a real park! There I got some
telephone-numbers of various places to stay. The only vacant this
fast was the as Cumleigh House Hotel in the Nether Street. But for
one night only! This afternoon I met brother and sister Rawn, who
invited me for supper tomorrow. After I made myself comfortable in
my room in the hotel, I wanted FINALLY AFTER SOME YEARS to eat
Fish´n Chips!!! I didn´t fidget around, but asked any trespassers I
met on the street: „Excuse me, Sir. Could you please tell me
where I could get some decent Fish ´n Chips?“ In the end I
was directed to a street up-way, there would be more life. I found
the little way, named „Lover´s walk“. At it´s end a
young man crossed my path. I immediately shot my question off! The
stranger smiled understandingly and even helped me to search! We
mutually introduced ourselves: Francis Antoniadis, from the Greek
half of Cyprus. At a time he asked me what made me come to London.
Now it was my turn to smile understandingly: „ I hope to find
some of Jehovah´s Witnesses!“ He was a little taken aback
first, but then he said to my great enchantment with a friendly
grin: „At least ONE you have found now!“
As I had to leave the room before noon and had no other
accomodation yet, I packed my luggage and went to the Bethel. There
I joined in a guided tour! It was still impressing, although the
plant in NY was even bigger. At one address for „Bed and
Breakfast“ we were successful at last! At Mrs. Harris, 1 High
Mount, Hendon Central. „A Jewish Lady, but she cooperates
with us.“ As it turned out later, she wasn´t really Jewish,
for she didn´t believe in God. But she was an Israeli patriot! Even
for auxiliary defence-service in Israel she volunteered! Later I
was in town to search for a museum. What I found instead was a
computer-shop from which I could access the Internet! I sent mails
to my parents and Rosie, whom I hoped to meet. 6.30 pm with Francis
to the congregation´s meeting! In the evening supper at the Rawn
family. As was to be expected the dear brothers had prepared a
banquet! We prayed and then started. It was to much by far to even
take a pick from everything! The brothers are the same worldwide!
Then there was talked a lot. When I arrived at my
accomodation, Tomiko opened, a Japanese girl living with Mrs.
Harris constantly.
Today I wanted to buy presents and see something of the town.
Francis brought me to a department-store, where I finally found an
indigenious cork-lifter for my father. And a hang round-bag for
Christian service! Tottenham Court Road, Liverpool Street, Tower
Hill... In the evening Francis took me to a restaurant where the
Fish ´n Chips were supposed to be the best of all London. Something
with „Brother´s...“. They weren´t bad indeed!
Astonishing was the Brits don´t have their „Chips“ not
like the continental „Pommes Frites“, meaning fried
crusty, but rather like stick-shaped fried potatos fried with much
oil. At his home Francis showed to me a very beautiful
service-satchel made from leather which he would like to give to me
in exchange for my plastic-bag! He had stored it 5 years in his
cupboard only, unused....
Today it meant say farewell to England! I asked Mrs. Harris what
was more important to her: Peace or security. She didn´t have to
consider for long: „You can´t have the one without the
other!“ Wise answer. So she got both! In form of the
correponding Chinese signs with ink on bast-paper, from the market
in Shanghai. I brought my luggage to the left-luggage-office in
Liverpool Street Station and went to Tower Bridge! There I wanted
to visit the museum in the bridge´s towers. Really a rewarding
trip! Look onto the photos also. Time flew away! In the end I had
to hurry to get my plane! Liverpool Street fetching my luggage,
Tube Station Canning Town the bus to the City ARPT, departure
LH5981H to Berlin-Tegel at 7.25 pm; again good food, good wine ( a
Chardonnay). Arrival in Tegel scheduled 10.20 pm, we even were a
bit quicker!
FromTegel by bus to the U-Bahn-station Zoo, from there U9 bis
Rathaus Steglitz, Bus 148 bis Habelschwerdter Allee/Drakestraße,
then with the 111 bus to Ehrenbergstraße, the last150m by foot.
At home again!