Wednesday 26^th September, 2018 1000

I turned in early on Sunday and duly roused early on Monday. Monday of course was a “bank holiday” (no such thing in China, they are open all year) and feeling rather pleased with myself because I could go shopping and cook that pie without rushing, I made a mug of coffee and sat down to read about what was happening in the world.

I was somewhat startled when, at 0730, a body appeared outside my study window. Lo and behold if it wasn't one of the workmen! On a national holiday at that unearthly hour! Damned good job I was up and about because if he had woken me I would have had a fit.

But it did mean he should be finished early and I could still fulfill my plans.

Half a dozen skinny tiles, the removal of the plastic membrane protecting the new panels and a shedload of mastic he managed to splatter all over the place later(the toilet looked like it had been self-harming for decades), he left. Job done.

After clearing up as best I could I showered and went to brave the holiday shoppers in the supermarket. On my return and immediately I offloaded my bags from the taxi, yet another of the workmen (who had clearly been awaiting my return) accosted me with a barrage of Mandarin. What now?? I indicated to him that everything was finished and he was not required but he signed that I should wait and he would return. I was baffled but I needed to unpack the groceries before popping to see Mr Jing Jo.

The next thing I knew the workmen dragged his fifteen year old son and a mid-forties male neighbour of his into my home. Ahh! He wanted his son to practise his English! Well I have never refused anyone that and so we spent five uncomfortable minutes running the gamut of “nice to meet you”, “where are you come from?” etc before a very relieved young lad was able to take his leave.

They did have plums in BHG and I had bought 25y worth for my pie. I had also bought a lemon to juice for a bit of tartness and was staggered to find it cost me a pound for ONE.

Yesterday's meal was ok, can't really go wrong with a Ruby, the cheats' paratha merely needed heating in a pan and the only thing I hadn't a clue about was the bhajia mix. The end results were so-so for most (although not unpleasant, despite my having used far too much onion) but Stephanie liked them so much she took the leftovers home. I will make them again, however next time I need to find a method of slicing the onions more thinly. For anyone tempted to have a bash, they are surprisingly simple to make, getting them perfect is the goal.

Today is the day my passport and new residence permit are ready for collection – on production of a 400y fee. Peace Corps get theirs free as they are volunteers, I have to pay and reclaim from the school, that can take months.

With the Xining trip looming next Wednesday, I was getting twitchy over my bank balance. I have repaid a sizeable loan from my sister and was regretting perhaps leaving myself short.

Hotels in China almost always demand a deposit on top of the room fee, this is fine if you possess a credit card as they simply pre-authorise the amount and re-credit the balance on departure. I don't have a credit card so need to use cash. They are bound to ask for 1,000y on top of the room and that's no problem because I can sign for drinks at the bar and suchlike and they simply deduct it from my refund when I leave. However as I am paying for dinner on Thursday night in the Brazilian restaurant in the hotel (expensive) and I am unsure whether it is affiliated to the hotel or merely an independent franchise, the thought of an embarrassingly large bill I need cash for was worrying.

I was saved by a chance remark. Brenda is taking Eli to get his passport on Friday! She can withdraw the 400y before she goes so I asked her if she would collect mine for me – those souvenirs I brought back for her were worth every penny!

And the picture quiz? I tried it on my dinner guests last night and after the odd hint they got nine correct. I think I will be happy if my students can get five!