Knocked out by Sibelius

I shall remember my visit to Helsinki and how the national monument to Sibelius knocked me out.


I had just taken this photo when the heavens opened and in the rush to avoid the rain I race forward, along with others, to seek shelter under this stainless steel sculpture.

Bang! I walk straight into one low-level tubular steel piece.

I tumble backwards and people rush to help.

(But in all the kerfuffle I am happy to report I did not let go of my camera.)

Total strangers proffer an endless supply of paper hankies to stop the flow of blood, which, mixed with the rain, makes it look like a major injury and I am escorted in great ceremony back to the coach where the driver wants to call an ambulance.

“Not necessary!” I say.
It all feel so dramatic and I seem to be a spectator in all this.

I get to sit in the front seat of the coach where the driver administers first aid.

He sticks a big patch on my head.

Strangers ask after my welfare and advice flows from all sides. I have never known such kindness.

Should I visit the ships doctor or not? People talk ominously about concussion and insurance so I do.