Wednesday 13^th November, 2019 1930

I remembered two decades ago demanding spectacles from an optician and him telling me I didn't need them. I responded by saying I could no longer read the bottom line of his chart, my sight was failing. I was told that nobody is supposed to be able to read the bottom line but I always had. He also said that what I thought was flawed eyesight was still better than most people have ever had in their lives. Bit like telling Superman to be happy because he can still lift a thousand tonnes when he used to handle a million.

But I remember my prescription from back then. It was -0.75 and -0.25. Now it is -1.75 and -3.25, a huge difference. No cataracts though but I am wondering exactly how long it will take to get used to wearing my new encumbrances, I am thinking quite a few days.

So today I had the Royal visit by the Dean. And no, I hadn't forewarned the class. And as suspected, when I had finished my intro re 11/11 (what it means to them with singles day and what it means in the west) and my lament over what I had spent with Mr Zeiss, I asked for their “homework”, which consists of each class, each week, giving me three or more tales they found interesting.

Nothing.

Oh boy. I was both annoyed and happy. She was seeing the battle I face. And fair play to Delia, she stumped up a story after berating the class for being so reticent. Delia earnt herself a sweet and suddenly, now that my new innovation of bribery was revealed, I had no problem getting three more tales! In the end the class did me proud but the Dean now knows the truth.

She only stayed for the first period (normal) and then I had feedback in the break. All good I am happy to say but then I am probably the most humorous and “fun” teacher in the university, even if I do say so myself!

On the bus coming home (yes, I refused English corner, having attended last week) it was unusually busy but I did manage to get a seat. Two stops on, an old lady boarded, laden with no less than five shopping bags. Nobody offered her a seat, not even those sitting in the old people seats. However, the stop after, two boys (aged maybe ten) who had been sitting together, bade farewell as one of them got off, leaving a spare berth.

The old woman moved to stand close to the remaining boy who now had two seats. I watched as the boy studiously ignored the fact she was there, laden with more goods than I would carry these days. Nothing.

The biddy was going to be Chinese and say bugger all. The kid was opposite me. I could have done nothing but I tapped his upper arm and indicated he should shuffle over to make room. He did so, no doubt internally raging at the laowei, and the old dear took the now vacant seat. Not a Xi Xie came my way and I wondered why on earth I bother. When someone gives up their seat for me I never fail to thank them profusely but the elderly Chinese by and large just seem not to. It is almost enough to make me appreciate why the younger generation hog seats whilst geriatrics stand – I'd be pissed off giving up my seat for no display of gratitude!

And people wonder why I travel to termini to guarantee myself a seat, otherwise take a taxi......