‘As there was no one to aid us, the only way past them was to challenge them politely. I said to my wife, “Keep very close to me,” and we walked towards them. I said, “Excuse us, please,” and two of them moved slightly, if reluctantly, to let us through. I have no doubt that they were not used to polite requests, and yielded because the request was reasonable. We climbed the staircase, and they followed. One said, as if to make their purpose clear, “That’s a mighty heavy bag you got there,” but we both ignored the comment and kept climbing, very much aware of our vulnerability, and knowing they were close behind us. The foyer of the station was empty, so we proceeded to the exit as if we knew where we were going, and were therefore familiar with the neighbourhood. They followed closely, apparently curious to see where we went. We emerged into the street to be shocked at what we saw: a scene of devastation with abandoned old buildings decorated with vulgar graffiti and gutters cluttered with garbage. An old car with its tires removed and windscreen smashed lay crippled at the kerb. It was a sign of despair suggestive of an area of high crime. We kept on walking away from the station, and I became gradually aware that we were no longer being followed. They had lost interest in us by then.
‘At an intersection, I saw an elderly lady crossing towards us. I approached her and asked, “Where can we catch a taxi?” She looked me in the eye, and said, “Wait right here,” indicating that she understood we were in danger. I thanked her, and, within a minute, a yellow taxicab, as if on cue, appeared, stopped for us, and drove us to the museum without incident. It was a lucky escape.
‘I have no doubt that what prevented us from harm that day was our appearance of fearlessness. Revealing fear or remaining on that empty platform would have made for a very different outcome. I am sure that had I not had to confront troubled young teenagers as a teacher by that time, we might not have been safely delivered. I was then, and am now, many decades later, grateful. Do not go anywhere in a strange city unless you know where you are going and the safest way to get there. Better still, go with a trusted guide.’
