Airlines are more often the target of criticism than praise these days, but I want to put my two cents worth of appreciation for the recent service I received from China Southern.

All airline travel is associated with a certain mild accompaniment of tension (Will we make it on time?; Why is there a traffic jam now!; Did I lock the cat in the bedroom?; Where's my passport?; Did I pack the documents for Gillian?) You know the drill. Well my recent flight from Chengdu to Guangzhou to Dubai to Nairobi was no exception. Especially when I noticed a 2 hour connection in Guangzhou - 2 hours in which to collect my checked bag, check in for the next flight (Dubai), go through all the immigration exit procedures, navigate in Mandarin, etc. etc. "Mild tension" is putting it mildly.

Well my mild tension was not helped when 10 minutes before departure, there was no sign of an aircraft at the gate. When we finally did board 15 minutes late, mild tension was as mild as a mild curry in Madras. We sat on the plane waiting for some indication of an imminent departure - nothing. One hour late, and we finally push back and trundle off to the runway. This would now give me only one hour to do all of the above. No way! - so my mind was busy computing how to find a hotel in Guangzhou, how to rebook flights on a Sunday, how to apologize to Tom and Stella in Nairobi, why I didn't study Mandarin, why I am doing this in the first place and what a great job a greeter at Wal-Mart would be.

With exactly one hour to next flight, we dock at the gate at Guangzhou. I elbow my way past pregnant women, old men and young children to be first out. And lo and behold, there stands a uniformed airline representative holding a tablet as important as the ten commandments with two words on it "Grant Thomas". "Yes, that's me". We scurry down a secret passage from the gangway to the tarmac beside the plane; we run around to the belly of the aircraft which is just opening to unload the baggage; he scrambles up and roots around the baggage hold to find my bag; and we race away in a van with the flashing orange lights that usually spell trouble. A crazy ride dodging airplanes, fuel trucks and baggage carts takes us to another secret staircase in the bowels of aviation logistics. Up the stairs and there we are at the check-in counter, like an oasis in a desert. They check me in, put my bag on an express conveyor belt, accompany me through immigration and walk me to the gate -- with 20 minutes to spare. As only regular Air Canada customers can appreciate, my jaw was on the ground, my only emotion was awestruck.

Hats off to the wonderful efficiencies of China and kudos to China Southern Airlines - they have a loyal convert.

The Origins of an Idea

You often never know where an idea may go and usually you can’t remember how the good ones got started in the first place. What do you think of this one?

When Tom Musili, DOT Kenya Country Director, was in Ottawa in May we were having lunch when Tom saw an elderly man going down the street holding onto and pushing a walker to give him support. “That’s what my Dad needs. He’s starting to have trouble walking. I have never seen a clever device like that in Africa.”

Well, as it turns out, Tom’s father is 108 years old and can be excused for having trouble walking and certainly has earned a walker. “Can you get me one?” said Tom. “Better than that, we could buy one now and you could take it home with you” said I. “No, no, you bring it with you when you come to Nairobi in June” and Tom won the carry-on-luggage exchange!

A week before I was leaving, I suddenly remembered the promise of the walker and to my dismay found that the stores were either very expensive or would only place a special order. Trouble. With DOT resourcefulness, I decided to ask the management of my father’s retirement residence as they must be able to help find me one. I explained Tom’s dad, Africa, no walkers and my flight in a few days.

“No problem. We inherit walkers all the time. In fact, they should be recycled more than they are”. And so Patricia, the manager, promised me one by the end of the week.

When I returned before my flight, I had the choice of two, courtesy of Chartwell Inc., the business owners. I chose the luxury model with the big wheels for uneven ground.

Then the idea ….. “You know” I said, “We recycle computers to Africa, books to schools, eyeglasses, etc. and all mostly for young people. Who is thinking about the elderly in Africa?” Patricia thought it was a wonderful idea and said that Chartwell, which owns many retirement homes in Canada, would be an eager sponsor and could donate hundreds of walkers and other devices on behalf of their elderly clients. Of course, Tom and his Computers for Schools Kenya know all about logistics and equipment refurbishment. A serious need in Africa, a generous source in Canada and a logistics partner: SERENDIPIDITY!

In Kenya, when we visited Tom’s village, the walker was a big hit, Tom’s father was overwhelmed (me, too) and his mom eagerly awaits the next one. I have posted some pictures.

And so an idea is born and we will see where it goes. Mobility Africa, Freedom for the Elderly in Africa, ElderAfrica??? …. Your ideas and support are welcome. Stay tuned.

Incidentally, as a gesture of thanks from the family, Tom and I were both given a live free range chicken to take home for the pot, but that’s a whole new story. Stay tuned.