Back home

A long trip home, I’d previously mentioned the very ‘tight’ security in Shanghai in 2024 and I wasn’t looking forward to it again! The Frankfurt security was professional and not too daunting, and this time around I got through Shanghai on the outbound leg with little bother, although it was very much as I’d remembered.

There was one incident at security which was a little embarassing.... I have tended for the past few years to be prone to some serious nosebleeds. As air travel could cause one of these incidents, I carry a tampon (!) in my pocket - a well known emergency treatment for bullet wounds and nose bleeds....

After emptying my pockets at security the scanner still showed something in my pocket which security insisted I produce...The guy never even blinked when I produced said object.

Coming back we travelled via Beijing, compared to Shanghai, Beijing was far worse! I had to remove everything from my carry on bags, laptop out of it’s sleeve, JVC camera out of the bag, the security guy asked about other cameras and I had to remove the DJI (made in China) Action 4’s from their protective case, the power pack I had was examined for power output, the wireless mics (DJI made in China!) were fully examined, my camera batteries were examined, this was then all put through the scanners, meantime.....

I had to remove my belt and pass through the body scanner, on the other side I was subject to a fingertip body scan, professional pickpockets could learn a thing or to from these guys!

OK, so I did make it through with all my kit but it’s not something I’d really want to go through again.

I’ve started looking through some footage, one of the SECAF youth team, Gail was unable to carry on her education due to lack of funds so I mentioned it via WhatsApp to my church, Western Way Chapel in Dymock and they immediately offered to cover the £200 needed.

I asked Gail if she’d like to do a short ‘thank you’ video to show back at Western Way Chapel on my return - she said yes, and then the fun started with translation and understanding....I’ve eventually managed a short 90 second clip to show out on Sunday at church!

A short video, written and voiced by Richard Geary.