I believe I might be justified in remarking that today has been a hell of a day.
An early (and most unwanted) rise this morning at 0500 with the prospect of a long day ahead. And it was cold outside when I left, my laptop told me -4C. For the morning run it appears the big (and safe) bus is back, we have had the lunatic with the small one for the past week.
Even the class went well and when we finished they wanted to take me to lunch. When we left at noon I swear it was umpteen times colder than it had been at 0645 with a freezing wind biting through our clothes. It was decided we would go to a Japanese restaurant (well the food is but not the staff because when I practised what little I remember I was met with confused stares!) but first I asked if I could go to my little cigar shop on the way. Mayo. No cigars at all. Ok, not too dreadful, I need to go to BHG later and can get them there. If they can’t stock them then it’s their loss. On emerging I remembered there is a China Tobacco store nearby so detoured to that.
Bear in mind that since arriving here I have been paying either 20y or 28y for ten very small or slightly larger cheroots and you will understand my joy when on this occasion I spotted Wang Guan. My Chizhou cigars!! Not only that, where they had been 11y for ten in Chizhou, they were selling them for 10y! Hallelujah!!
Clutching 200 cigars, Sheila and I joined the others in Brother’s Boat - a fine and fitting name for a Japanese restaurant! It was nice enough with sushi, sashimi, grilled mussels and allsorts and of course they sold beer but only Japanese. Ok I enquired, is it Kirin, Asahi or what? The waitress will bring them to show you. I wracked my brains but couldn’t recall any other brands from my visits decades ago.
The waitress returned with a bottle each of Kirin and Asahi!!! That’s what I asked!! She couldn’t remember. Well she sells the damned stuff every day so I have no idea why not. 18y a 600ml bottle or 16y if you are a VIP member. Nobody was VIP. For those who have never been to China, being a VIP member doesn’t actually mean you are even slightly important, just that you have paid them money up front for a card on which you can spend and also receive a discount in return.
How much to be a VIP? I asked. 500y but we don’t want you to spend your money. Well that’s great but if I buy a VIP card you guys get a discount on everything today don’t you? Er, yes. Then I will be a VIP and you can pay me the money - simple! Considering the amount and quality we had I thought it reasonable for 331y for six people and they will give me the money in tomorrow’s class. The discount actually paid for my share were I actually chipping in.
Then it was back to school, for the students a class and for me the opening ceremony of the arts exhibition. Please remember that I am the only foreigner on that campus. I walked into the theatre and was confronted by probably double the number of students the Chizhou auditorium ever held, most of whom had never clapped eyes on me. Sometimes the confidence that comes with age comes in damned handy. I took my seat and waited.
No Chinese opening ceremony ever takes place without interminable speeches and a panel of judges on stage. Speeches over, as always, every dignitary, teacher etc has to be introduced and applauded. Some of them I know from the school bus (the dean and a pretty teacher who always has lovely shoes) and the Communist Party head. Then I couldn’t believe my ears. Bearing in mind my plan had only been to go early tomorrow to look at the art - not today, I suddenly heard my name being called! My God, they were only introducing ME! I hastily stood up to huge applause and waved to the audience, praying they weren’t going to expect me on stage to make a speech. They didn’t.
The show itself was fabulous apart from the fact it lasted too long and every single “act” was group dancing. No variety, just different dances. Very good ones though and stunning costumes. Sadly the stage lights were angled ever so slightly towards the audience and I was sitting too far back and had to use the zoom on the camera. meaning my pictures are not particularly clear. Nonetheless I am glad I made the effort and more importantly was seen to do so.
On exiting the theatre it was even colder and I had already guessed that with the number of teachers who were there for the show the school bus was going to be mobbed. I decided to take a taxi to go shopping at BHG.
However, as I arrived at the bus stop with the intention of hailing a cab, a number 12 arrived so I thought stuff it, I’ll use public transport. I was mystified as to why the bus was free. At the 3 Streams terminus when I changed to the number 15 that was also free. Now I was confused. Was it Xi Jinping’s birthday? Something to do with Mao? No. apparently due to road restrictions and pollution (I never noticed any of the latter) the government had decreed the buses were free today. I figured if I got off the bus at one of the BRT stops near where I live, I could also ride free all the way to the supermarket and indeed I did. I would have taken a taxi from Peili Square otherwise due to the heavy bag Suzy had given me earlier.
So I now have enough cigars to last until payday, wine and meat enough for a week and unless I really feel the need I have no need to do a big shop until next Monday. All in all, today was a good one.
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