Thursday 6^th February, 2020 1245

Well, Brenda also informs me next term won't start until 1^st March, although I think she should have added “at least” in there somewhere. Again she implored me to remain at home, conveniently forgetting I have basic needs such as eating, drinking and smoking and it's not as if I can get Tesco to deliver to my door. I did comment that it was a damned good job I can cook, otherwise I'd be up a creek. Eating out in crowded restaurants every night seems to me to be somewhat imprudent, although when we get paid I am determined to treat myself to a BK Whopper when I go and stock up on cheese and stuff!

She thinks Nordine the French teacher will return but confirms I am the last native English speaker standing at our school. And no, I am not going to attend every poxy English corner! But I do sense an opportunity to press my case for two more years of employment in return for unswerving courage in the face of the enemy!

In response to a question asked of me last night, namely, are the banks all closed? I answered they weren't as far as I knew. As it involved someone outside China enquiring as an outstanding business debt was being avoided using that as an excuse, I contacted Capt Roland, seeing as the debtor also lives in Shanghai.

The banks are indeed closed. I wouldn't have known because I get my money from an ATM around the corner that is not actually attached to a bank branch. Cash can still be obtained though and I am rather hoping that online transfers still work so that salaries can be paid! I will be pretty narked if I have to dip into my UK fund but I will know the answer either tomorrow afternoon or Monday.

Yes, I am still focussed on it being still possible to have a getaway with Joanna in summer. Quite where she will be working I know not, it's highly unlikely her company's move to Kuala Lumpur will happen any time soon.

Roland seems to have more access to news than I do (well, I certainly get fed fake news a lot more! The latest yesterday was that the USA had a vaccine but Beijing has blocked its use. Complete claptrap, the earliest for even testing one on animals is the UK next week so it will be months before it can be used on humans) and by all accounts provincial governments are mulling over suspending all rent and utility payments due to the fact many people cannot go to work and earn. If that happens then fair play to them. He also told me that none of the British expats he has spoken to have any intention of leaving China after the FCO warning – that's the spirit!

1730

Just went out for my daily tipples. Previously I said to Jody I wanted an easy time of cooking today so would she be happy with beans on toast? Oh no, I will go out and get noodles today. Well where the hell are you going to go for them – they're all closed around here!? What, even the one near the little supermarket? And it's a fact, all the restaurants are shut. No idea about the ones downtown but it now seems being able to cook means the difference between eating properly or pot noodles! Or begging. And Jody can't even boil an egg!

Mind you, she has got some serious eating problems which make life difficult. No cheese. Ok, common with the Chinese, not really in their diet. No eggs. Not sure she is actually allergic or just isn't keen on them. Not too much meat (what??) but prawns until she is stuffed. Ok, I will make you a prawn and mushroom curry tomorrow. I don't like curry.

Give me strength. Prawns and pasta with chilli, tomatoes and peas then? Oooh yes please!

Haven't had this much fun since I was in hospital.

One thing's for sure, I won't forget spring festival 2020 in a hurry......