As I pointed out in the news, today is Australia Day. First the new Australian Christine, then the accreditation baby, and now also a very nice Australian journalist who will report on our four orthopedic technicians from down under. Of course the fact that Otto Bock Australia has a lot to do with the origins of the Otto Bock commitment to the Paralympics was of interest to her. And also that Cameron, a member of our current Australia quartet, is still personally acquainted with the people who set up their small pavilion in Seoul 20 years ago.

 
Like so many things, this was revealed while chatting after closing time. The adventures of Ingolf Hentsch and Robert Laermann as cyclists in Beijing are also a hot topic. Which makes a nice segue from yesterday's column on taxi rides in this city. When he read the equivalent price of Euro 25 in the window of a bicycle shop, Ingolf simply could not resist. He really just wanted to see what kind of contraption he would get for his money. 20 minutes later, he was sitting in the saddle on Beijing's turbulent streets. Ok, so he lost a pedal during his first trip. But it was readily repaired back at the bicycle shop. It is safe to assume that all the orthopedic technicians in the Otto Bock workshop are quite capable of reattaching a bicycle pedal themselves. But without any tools in the middle of the city? Besides, there is nothing wrong with enjoying good service yourself after the end of a shift.

In the store, Ingolf met Robert who had also bought himself a bicycle. Ever since then, they have been pedaling through the metropolis as a duo. When they roll up to the agreed meeting place later at night, they always have tales to tell about the secrets of traffic in a major Chinese city.

According to them, driving on the wrong side of the street, with no light at night and with confidence while crossing eight-lane highways, is bound to be successful since it is the rule around here. By the way, the Chinese are very attentive and considerate towards cyclists. After all, cyclists have a hard enough time already since they have to brake with both feet.

According to Ingolf, the only requirement for trouble-free navigation through traffic is to make your intentions perfectly clear at all times. In this manner, our cyclists have already reached the northern lakes of Beijing City, circumnavigated the Forbidden City and visited the square of the Gate of Heavenly Peace. I can't wait to hear what stories they will tell tonight. On a day like today, I wouldn't be surprised if they were joined by an Australian.