Sunday 4^th July, 2021 1930

So this past week was pure films. As the term draws to a close, the timetable has really ground me down. The next two weeks are exams. And once again, they threw a spanner in my works.

My Wednesday class informed me that during the final week they have another exam at the same time as my class has been every week for the last eighteen. How can they do that? It was tempting to fly into a rage at the department (after all, how many times had I asked when I should finish?) but upon reflection I turned it to my advantage.

I told them I would arrive at noon (2½ hours early) and I would do the entire class in one sitting this week. That means Wednesday off the final week. Plus, my final Friday class only has 22 students so with their agreement they will start coming during lunch break and I will finish them in one sitting as well, meaning my final day this term I can leave at noon. And boy, I reckon I have earnt it.

Alice Wuhu will be arriving on the 22^nd for her course with some arty-farty title that means I have absolutely no idea what it's about. As our flight leaves here for Kunming at 0720 on the 30^th I decided to splash out on an airport hotel for the night before so we didn't have to wake up at even more stupid o'clock. And I'm sure Alice booked that course so I would pay for her flight to Kunming – and she knows I fly up front! Well she will be paying for first class train tickets in Yunnan!

And get this – the place is a typical airport hotel here. All the basics and this one allegedly has a restaurant. £15 a night. I have been booking and paying for rooms and flights all over China lately and the bank's computer decided all of a sudden that this transaction could be fraudulent! For fifteen quid! I really do wish they would remind their computer every year that not only do they send the card to China and I live here but also that every summer I go mad booking my travels.

I am hoping I get my favourite taxi driver again this week. She was there every day I leave early and it's wonderful to just get in and sit back. And her car is always immaculate.

I am doing very well with the beer ringpull competition. So far I have had 25 cans for 1¥ each and at present I have nine more tabs awaiting redemption.

I am not enjoying the Euros. The earliest kick-offs have been midnight (I made one match) and the rest are now all 0300hrs. I think it's about time they staged them in Asia.........