Saturday 10^th August,2019 1030

Yesterday after breakfast Alice sallied forth to meet Rabbit for a planned trip up the Pearl Tower. That left me alone in the hotel which suited me fine while I recuperated from the night before.

By now the vanguard of the year's strongest typhoon, Lekima, was showing a presence. Nothing to shout about (yet), just a bit of a breeze and a fair amount of the wet stuff. Alice and Rabbit had to queue for ages to get tickets to go up the tower, even in dreadful weather it seems it is still a popular attraction on a weekday.

Later they went to the Bund to see the light show on the tower blocks but were prevented by the police who had closed the riverfront off. I can't fathom why because it's a bit early to be worrying about the Yangtse overflowing – maybe later today or tomorrow when the full deluge hits us.

Anyway, last night once I felt human again, I went to Big Bamboo, was joined later by Roland (I try to take advantage of Happy Hour) and then of course Joanna, something I keenly anticipate all year. Having been thwarted in her attempt to see the Bund lightshow, Alice followed not too long after. Dinner was a sharing nacho platter and I opted for a rather disappointing pitta, hummus and crudite affair. I should have just gone for chips!

Much pool playing took place but sadly the evening had to end.

Today the wind is stronger, when I went outside the hotel for a gasp it was becoming difficult to stand still and it doesn't take a genius to know that sometime later the heavens will open with a vengeance. Rabbit is too worried about the typhoon to join us this evening (the headlights got her!) but four of us should be leaving Big Bamboo at six to go to Zizzi. I've heard of the chain but never been in one. Mulan says she will meet us there. I just hope we can get a taxi, by all accounts they were thin on the ground last night. I must remember to take the camera this time.