WARNING, this entry is not about bonsai, but rather saga of my trip. So please feel free to skip this entry.
My first trip to Japan was in 1970. Since then I’ve had over 100 trips to Japan which were wonderful but not quite as exciting as this trip. Julian Adams joined me for a relaxing eight-day visit to the 99th Kokufu Bonsai Exhibition with a free schedule to visit the show and take a shuttle bus to the Ueno Green Club, the three-story building full of bonsai and even in the parking lot around the building is full of vendors. Since I’ve had a “tenancy” to fall down Diane will not let me go to Japan alone anymore, because it’s dangerous. Actually, she did not want me to go, even with my friend Julian.
I should have listened to her….
On the first morning, we took a taxi to the museum where the exhibition is held. I’ve been using a walking cane for some time now to help prevent falls. It did not work this time. Just as we were turning the entrance way to the museum I lost my balance and took out a few azaleas in a hedge. Julian could not lift me by himself and it took three strong men to lift me, then I immediately dropped again and again. I was not able to walk or stand alone. My saviors went into the museum and got me a wheelchair. Julian pushed me around the entire exhibition until 11:30 when we went upstairs for lunch. When I was nearly finished I had a few chest pains and got nauseated. Julian found a large trash can, but fortunately quieted down and we left. Even with a pacemaker and defibrillaodefri I still must be careful. Julian thought I might be having a heart attack and was quite concerned. Dying at Kokufu ten certainly have been eventful.
After lunch, we went downstairs to finish studying the small and shohin compositions. Then we started off to the Ueno Green Club for shopping, and reality kicked in. How am I to get to the shuttle bus, since I can’t stand? We decided to “borrow” one of the museum’s wheelchairs and return it tomorrow. WE quickly walked and wheeled out of the museum until a security cop caught and detained us. I tried to talk my way into them allow me to rent the wheelchair. The security cop, naturally had to call his boss. Not speaking English, we just stood around looking at each other until the museum director who spoke English arrived and we had more discussions. I was allowed to use the wheelchair on museum property but could not rent it or remove it.
So, I asked the three officers, what to do now. Finally, they took me away, (I thought to a Japanese prison,) a first floor exit and several more museum personal joined to question us. I was very fortunate to have my long-time friend Makiko Kobayashi, who had lived in the US and translates and writes bonsai articles in English translating for all of us. I probably would have ended up in Japanese prison without Makio’s assistance.
I said how about an ambulance to take me a hospital and then I thought rent a wheelchair. After a 30 minute discussion, the EMTs and driver and hospital the tried to find one which could help and accept me, during this holiday when most people are off their jobs. I was warned, several times, that if I must spend the night in the hospital, one of Tokyo finest. The daily charge would be about US $7,000 per night. At this point I’m not certain my Medicare or supplemental insurance would cover it.
After a 20 minute fast moving ambulance ride, complete with sirens, we arrived at very nice and clean hospital emergency room. They instantly checked my name and birthdate and put me a curtained area. My nurse suddenly appeared to help me. The chief doctor in the ER came to introduce himself and we chatted. He took blood samples while I was attached to an EKG, and having tubes shoved up my arms. All the nurses and doctors spoke English, and they all appeared to be than 40 years old. I have been in an emergency room “a few times” with waits from four hours to over eight before someone looked at me.
Following the testing the doctor ordered x-rays of my left knee. It was a very short time before they returned with the news that my left knee cap was fractured. They warned me to keep weight off my left leg because the fracture might travel and need surgery. They provided me with a leg brace, the X-rays, crutches, directions and prescriptions for pain relief. A special ambulance taxi to take us all, Julian, Makiko and her husband, who came bearing sandwiches to our hotel. The ambulance taxi was large and they transferred me into a comfortable chair like a Lazy Boy rocker.
We arrive at the hotel which only has an escalator which goes down not up. There was a steep staircase next to the escalator, and that went both up and down. The receptionist came and change the direction of the escalator. I hobbled to the escalator and held onto both moving handrails. There was one person in front and one in back in case I would fall.
I was so tired, and in some pain, I decided to return home today, on Monday rather than next Sunday. I did not want to miss part 2 of the exhibition and the suiseki exhibition as well, a most difficult decision to make. United Airlines wanted to charge me $500 for the date change. So, I told the customer representative that is ridiculous! This is a medical emergency change plus I’m a member of the Million Mile Club and have gold status for life.
I got home with no problem and pain. Got lucky both my flights were not full so had an entire row to keep my leg straight. One suitcase and I arrived on time, while the other suitcase arrived the next day.
Reflecting back, I did not purchase ANYTHING in Japan (a first) that was not consumable. Although I did have a taxi ride and three ambulance taxi rides to pay for.
My next blog entry on BONSAI will be coming soon because Diane will not let me off the sofa with my leg straight.
My next blog entry on BONSAI will be coming soon because Diane will not let me off the sofa with my leg straight.
