Monday 16^th September, 2019 1930

That was a day and a half.

The last two classes, both of which I need to make up classes from last Monday for. Comparing timetables, the only way it can be done is by my foregoing my Friday off and working both morning and afternoon on Friday next week. Not looking forward to it.

More students from Anhui and Uzbekistan today as well, and surprisingly a girl from the latter too.

I also had yet another first. In my initial meeting with them it's a meet and greet affair and everyone introduces themselves, including of course me. Three-quarters through the students in the morning class, a girl, when invited to stand when it was her turn, looked at me, pursed her lips and shook her head! She absolutely refused to speak! I enquired of the class as to whether she was unable to speak (the class majors in translation ie written and so theoretically she can still do it and you never know what problems people may have) but was told she was “shy”. Well it's a bloody pronunciation class and I'm not telepathic.

I have to own up and say I was thrown. Shy or not, next week she will be told in private that her actions, if they continue, will definitely mean a zero in the exam. How can I test the pronunciation of a mute???

And during one of my breaks at a corridor window so I could smoke, I couldn't believe my eyes. Among students walking to classes I observed what I first believed was a child. As she approached nearer I realised she was in fact a student. I am no giant at 5'7” (I used to be 7¾ but I assume advancing years have reduced that) but this girl would not even come up to my hip! She cannot possibly be more than 2'6”! But hell, she was carrying her books and keeping pace with her compatriots so fair play to her. I hope they gave her a bottom bunk though.....

Joan has informed me she cannot come on holiday. I am very disappointed and did ask if she was going to say “sorry, can't” in three years when it will be bar opening time, however she says she is determined she wants to do it and be her own boss – after any bank loan is repaid of course. I hope she doesn't chicken out because that's where I have put my retirement eggs.

So I have asked Joanna if she wants to come although she is so busy I know the probable answer. By then Alice will also likely be doing other things (she graduates next term) and so it may well be a solo summer next year.

It would mean I could easily afford a business flight to the UK instead but do you know what? I honestly don't want to. Sri Lanka still on the cards and if I pick one of the cheaper hostelries (which are also highly rated by the punters) if I wanted I could stay a month for around £350! I did look at Peru but the flights are exorbitant and it takes nearly two days to get there from here. Alone though, the world is my cockle. Now there's a thought! Cockles in malt vinegar on a bar counter on a Sunday lunch with a cold Stella! Oh....stop!!!