I'm a citizen of the world. I like it
that way. The world's a wonder. I just think that some people are pretty badly
represented. But when you speak to the people themselves they're delightful.
They all want so little
- Billy Connolly
It’s now less than three weeks out and I am starting to feel
a bit less apprehensive. After long
periods of silence words of encouragement and anticipation are starting to come
from collaborators and friends from across the world. i guess nothing renews interest as much as an
approaching deadline. Or maybe they just wanted to be really sure that we were
coming before taking the trouble. I
would probably have done the same.
As it is now there are confirmed programmes in Penang,
Chiangmai , Yunnan, Chengdu and Almaty.
Once in Europe there will also be presentations in Utrecht, Copenhagen
and of course Stockholm. So eight stops
in about 90 odd days, with a wide range of assignments –ranging from a pink Harley parade through Georgetown, to a
full cancer programme in Kazakhstan with the rest of the NUH breast team flown
up for a two day programme. As far as I
can tell no repeats – all have asked for unique presentations. They range from surgical techniques, tumour
board discussions or some anthropological angle of why Asians are different
than westerners when it comes to cancer behavior. This bit of the trip really does not sound
much like a holiday. I think that aside
from a few clinic duties left the rest of the time will be spent either in
front of a computer with a lot of reading, or next to a stripped down bike.
The other main concern now is how to be an adequate
mechanic. I think as far as riding
skills are concerned we are going to have to go with what we are. So with most of the clinics closed over the
last two weeks I will be spending my time with Ah Chye from 72 Desker Road
mechanics. On Saturday we learned to
change engine oil and oil filter, take the tank off and clean the air filter,
bleed the clutch and brake hydraulics, change spark plugs, replace and adjust
the drive chain.
 |
| bleeding clutch hydraulics |
On Tuesday we will learn
to fix the gear shifter and brake pedal, and tear up some tyres to see how to
mend them. On the whole it has been an interesting
time. Whether operations on people or
bikes use the same part of the brain I’m not too sure about, but I have noticed
a lot of similar skill sets – dexterity and feel, planning ahead, keeping the
place uncluttered. It’s nice that bikes
don’t generally bleed through. A
standout distinction between the two is that while operating on people one
cannot help but be impressed with how we are all “fearfully and wonderfully
made”, whereas even on the relatively well thought through Suzuki I do wonder
WHAT the engineers said to the designers to put the front spark plug smack
behind the radiator jacket. And HOW
anyone could put an unprotected radiator THERE without a grille, which I will
now sort out how to make from scratch. Essentially the impression is that the
radiator is a bit of an afterthought.
I may have mentioned before how we have a video crew that we
are not too certain about. There are supposed to be two pre ride events for
filming but right now nothing seems too certain. The part that I am least comfortable with is
that mike and I may be called upon to carry the travelog like some kind of
professional presenter. This fills me
with some trepidation and should be an assurance of failure to make any
worthwhile documentary. The last professional film producer that we wanted to
get involved in our little project - he
has a Peabody and should know what he’s talking about – took one look at us and
said that we have the perfect appearance for radio. He promptly lifted the phone and started to
get hold of Ian Wright or the charming Asha Gill. He was keen to come, she curiously said that
she would be busy with her first child.
Curious because at that time we were two years before our leaving date. I like to think she was just being nice.
In any case
I needed some encouragement and education so I started out asking friends who
are “in the business”, meaning media and stage people. Like the previously mentioned collaborators,
silence. The only reply is from a
certain Lim Yu Beng, an old schoolmate of mine, who said that I had the
advantage over any presenter because this is my dream trip, my vision. I hope he’s right. A word with another friend Soo Hwang tells me
that I need to find out what kind of presenter personality I have. She breaks
it down into three kinds:
David Attenborough.
As reliable and trustworthy as Dad.
Incredibly fascinated and equally fascinating, peerless video footage.
Knack of making the remarkable commonplace, and vice versa. Slightly breathless more recently, and
noticeably more melancholy. Easy manner
to imitate, but just don’t, he’s too revered.
Michael Palin.
Obviously clueless, but loves the chance encounter. Naturally approachable, extremely wide
comfort zone, will eat and drink practically anything. Has a very nice manner, and works really well
with silence. I think some of the best
work I’ve seen him do is when he’s not doing anything. Just standing there, looking on, allowing us
to share his experience vicariously. 
Michael Parkinson.
Extremely well informed, he listens in a way that tells you he’s
listening to what you’re not saying.
He’s not thinking of the next question, or what he wants to get you to
say, he’s just listening and letting you come out. Very effective interviewer, I’ve always
learned something unexpected but I don’t think this method will work outside a
studio, too many distractions for that studied listening approach
My favorite, though I think impossible to even come close
to, is Billy Connolly’s travelogs. He’s
done a few now, the “World Tour” of England Ireland and Wales, Route 66, the
Northwest Passage. It’s usually peppered with some material from his standup
comedy which can be a little colourful, but this serves as a wonderful
camouflage. The Big ‘Un is very comfortable talking about art and artists,
and gives a very good opinion on both.
And the biggest secret of all – he’s not a comedian, but a very, very
good raconteur. That to me is the most
attractive skill on any travelog. The added plus is that he is a bit of a
biker. Or to be more accurate a triker –
a sort of three wheeled bike. Listen to
what he says about riding in into Los Angeles:”
"I've
got desert to my left, desert to the right, desert behind and in front.
California! where there's so much space who can resist tuning in, tuning out,
dropping in and dropping off. the land of wandering rockandrollers and
wayfaring wastrels. the only thing missing is Van knocking up with the
Doors". My favorite though is the
one about schizophrenia,
“Roses are read
Violets are blue
I’m schizophrenic
And so am I”
