As I take care of some work around the house — a little planting for spring — I needed to take a little break to tell you a funny story.

On my way to the airport in Beijing, I was on the main drag outside of the Grand Hotel Beijing, on East Chang’an Avenue, and just in front of the Beijing Hotel, my taxi was stopped at a red light. I was anticipating my flight to Hong Kong and the many meetings ahead of me. Not to mention enjoying the city’s restaurants and shopping!

Suddenly, there was a big bang and a jolt forward. I looked to the cabbie who was as shocked as I. We immediately realized we had been rear ended. The driver put the car in park and got out to assess the damage. As he opened the door, another unmarked car pulled up and the two drivers began talking.

In a few seconds, the trunk of the cab was opened and my luggage and golf bag were transferred to the other car. My driver said “airport,” which I took to mean the other driver would be taking me to the airport. In the “rescue” car, there was another passenger in the front seat. I learned that the passenger was staying at the Beijing Hotel and the two drivers were friends. I went along with the whole ordeal.

Maybe this was not the smartest thing to do. In fact, and in retrospect, this could have been the perfect kidnapping ploy. But it was not — it was simply two guys helping each other out. The taxi had significant damage; the bumper destroyed and the trunk smashed in. It was funny, standing in the middle of the street and watching my things being transferred.

En route, I talked to the other passenger, who was from Jerusalem, and we laughed at the entire event. At the airport, I was taken to the terminal for my Air China flight to Hong Kong. I think I paid a bit more for this ride, but considering the events, I did not quibble.

It is always interesting traveling to China. I would recommend wearing your seat belts (I was not)!

— Fran Gallagher, publisher and CEO