The Shanghai School for the Blind

One of our stops on our half day tour yesterday was the Shanghai School for the Blind.  This is the school that HanRui has been attending.  She stayed here Monday through Friday and went back to the orphanage on weekends and holidays and summer vacation. 

The school year just ended last Friday so she got to finish out the year with her friends.   She has completed the second grade.   At home,  she is set to go into 4th grade based on her age.   We are grateful to know that she will be in Neela's wonderful teacher,  Patty's hands.

While we knew that it was summer vacation and we may not be able to get in,  we hoped for the best.   Unfortunately we could not go in.   I thought we were in luck when a guard came to the gate and he actually knew HanRui. 

Maggie explained to him the HanRui was leaving with her new parents and wanted to show them her school first.   He said no.  There was renovation work going on and we could not go in.   "Safety first!"  

Safety first.  That has got to be the most ironic statement to be heard in China.  (Reference previous posts from our time in China last summer.  Bungee corded baby seats to scooters.  Crazy drivers everywhere. Elevator in our 16 story highrise apartment building with worn out belts that have no replacement parts available.   Taking the stairs 14 floors in the dark with piles of broken glass and garbage everywhere.)

Maggie argued with him over and over.  We would not leave the gate.  He continued to say "no". We asked if we could just walk around the areas which were not under construction.  Clearly, there were many safe areas.   No.  We asked if we could drive inside and stay in the van and take pictures.   It is a complex of 10 or so buildings and we could see a bit more.  No.

Eventually we resigned to walking around the outside and having her tell us some things about it.   But mid way into her descriptions, she announced she had to go to the WC. 

Maybe this will get us in!   No. The bathrooms are under renovation also.  But what about the bathroom for the staff who are working there.  A woman also working near the gate said,  no, she has not been able to use the bathroom all day while working there.   You have got to be kidding me. Safety first!

Ah, so it goes in a country in which there is no exception to the rule and there is no backing down on what you have said.   Saving face is the name of the game. Not even when you might make a little girl and her new family's day. Sigh.....