Sunday 31st March, 2013          1630

Two days on the trot it has been cold until midday then warmed up, making excess layers of clothing redundant. The trouble was, this morning I had to leave early togged up (and wished I had taken my gloves as well) and even so I didn’t feel warm on the ride. Had I taken the down jacket I would have been comfortable but sweltered later though.

One quick lesson and I went off on a mission. Tired of waiting for any movement from the school maintenance department I decided to see if I could solve my washing machine problem myself. I roamed the back streets for a few minutes (couldn’t for the life of me find the place Kevin showed me) and chanced upon a likely looking place. Absolutely no chance of communicating using speech but I got across roughly what I wanted because I was shown a tap. No, I don’t want a tap, just the thing that screws onto it. This got me shown another tap but this time it had a screw fitting on the nozzle that looked as if it would be perfect if the thread was right. Sadly they wouldn’t just sell me the fitting so I had to buy the entire assembly for the princely sum of 15y. Job hopefully done, I then went for an early lunch at KBW at 1030. Unfortunately it was too early for only half the dishes had been cooked and were on display so I had to wait ten minutes for the pork to appear. No big deal, I wasn’t in a rush.

Incredibly, Mr Halfwit from yesterday wandered in while I was waiting! I swear he simply wanders up and down all day popping into places but never eating or buying anything. God knows where he gets his money from because there is no real state benefit system here. Anyway, of course he spotted me and there was no way I was putting up with him sitting with me again so I tried Plan A which was to studiously ignore him. Plan B was to disappear upstairs once the food was available. Plan C was to get angry and D would have seen me arrested. I was hugely relieved that A worked, for he toured the place aimlessly and after a few minutes departed.

Once back at the ranch I tried the coupling. It fits. Except it leaks slightly when the water is on. There was no washer in the old one so I am disappointed but having tried a washer (not something I can just pop out for!) and finding it too thick - and in fact leaking worse than without - I have asked Kevin if he can get me a “skinny” o-ring while he is downtown. If that doesn’t work then as a trained electro-mechanical engineer I am sure he will come to the rescue! At worst, I can still use the machine but it will mean the corner by the drain in the balcony will get a bit wet. Seeing as I live in a country renowned for copying the latest technology they don’t half use some antiquated things - I have never seen plumbing connectors like it in all my years.

Tuesday 2nd April          1915

With a day as long as yesterday (ok, these days getting up at 0630 and finishing at 1700 IS long) I had no desire or time to blog last night. In fact the only sustenance all day was a cheese and onion sandwich for my dinner. I am rectifying that by having beans on toast tonight!

I had a little disappointing news yesterday when Qing phoned (mid-lesson) to tell me she wouldn’t be coming until Thursday because her mum was having an operation today. Having said that, as I am off Thursday, Friday and Saturday it is good because no matter what time she arrives I can go and pick her up - and if she comes late morning then we can go and have lunch downtown.

When I got on my bike yesterday after lunch to go and do my afternoon sessions Alice (Kevin’s version of Cinny) was running late and asked for a lift because otherwise she would be late for her class. No problem with that but she is somewhat of a motor mouth (Tina don’t you say a word!) and she spoke the entire way. It happened to come up that I had 8 lessons yesterday and I explained two lessons were because I had swapped the early Sunday morning class so they could have an extra day off and I wouldn’t have to get up so early. Oh my God, she then launched into the “have you asked the school?” bit - no - “but if they check?” - they never have all the time I’ve been here - “then you could be in trouble“. sadly I only had time to tell her she worried too much before we arrived, otherwise I would have pointed out that I would be fulfilling my obligations regardless and if anything was said I would highlight the fact that this semester I am giving 6 lessons a week  free of charge. She is so petrified of authority.

Today was my easy day with just the afternoon class. It would have been nice to sleep past 0600 but the furry ones won’t allow and so before seven I was out in the cool morning light with Pepsi. My class was really good and afterwards Kevin came to have a look at my washing machine plumbing. I have never professed to being mechanically minded, but as expected, he sorted it within ten minutes. If he ever leaves I will be lost.

Tomorrow I will be “busy” - changing the bed ready for Qing, last minute cleaning and hopefully baking her a cinnamon and raisin loaf in preparation which she loves. While I was out earlier having an ale at the shops, Joanna came for a chat. She wants a favour. Of course I would do anything for her if possible because she reciprocates. She has been asked by one of my few boy students who was asked by his “boss” another student majoring in chemistry, if I could be invited next weekend to a “spring camp” with about 30 students. This being popular lark is fine sometimes but it doesn’t half keep you busy. Of course I will do it if I can (Joanna will come as interpreter) and I have stipulated there should be beer on hand. It looks as if it will be Sunday afternoon but somehow I doubt there will be the usual free meal afterwards seeing as it is older students running classes for young kids. Pity, but I also said that if Qing is still here and wants to come (she may do simply to improve her English) then she is part of the deal. It is a pity it is not this weekend because aside from two morning lessons on Sunday I am free and Qing will definitely be here.

I am happy at the moment because my summer plan to visit the UK just received a boost. One of my brothers found me a Premier Inn for just under £400 for ten nights but I have since found a Travelodge for £265! Ok, room only (and Premier was likewise), but to save £1 a day by booking online for a  breakfast I may only fancy a couple of times and paying £70, I am going to book the room and if I want a breakfast I will pay the extra quid. Two course dinner with a beer is just under a tenner - not bad - but I think I will probably be eating either in my bother’s pub, ordering Dominos at my Mum’s or just getting a good old fashioned fish & chips!