Sunday 23rd June, 2013             2100

And what a bloody day it was too.

I delayed my trip downtown until one fifteen because I had promised Joanna if it wasn’t raining I would take her in. On the way I asked her if she wanted me to wait to bring her back as well but she said it wasn’t necessary. I then said I would have to eat alone instead because I thought we could dine together. No it’s ok. It’s just that I haven’t eaten Korean for a while. Korean? Oh ok, if you’re sure! The truth is I love her company and I would rather eat with her than on my Jack Jones.

That left me with two hours to kill and because of the heat I didn’t dare buy the meat too early so I found a restaurant and sat having a couple of cold ones and wishing I had had the foresight to take a book to read. Eventually I did buy meat and left it in a locker outside the supermarket, which is in the basement of the commercial centre as is the Korean place.

I wanted to buy some liver but there was none on display. That’s not a problem in Lottemart as A) they know what I buy and B) if I point to the correct area of my body they know their anatomy. Not in that place! By the time I had exchanged messages with Yvonne asking her to text me the Putonghua for liver I had lost the will to live and bought chicken breasts instead.

And guess what? When I went to go to the bike to go and fetch Joanna it was chucking it down. I waited until it eased somewhat and decided to head off but first I had to get the bike out of the space where two others had very kindly put their contraptions so close to mine it was impossible for me to access it. In high dudgeon I selected the lighter of the two vehicles and dragged it out. It was fitted with an umbrella (they are more for keeping the sun off than rain because Chinese girls consider tanned skin ugly) with a tail that tilted upwards, creating a natural reservoir which most annoyingly emptied about two gallons of water straight onto my head. In view of the lack of consideration displayed by the owner and the uncomfortable indignity I suffered, rather than returning it to the space I simply left it in the way of any cars and never had the slightest pang of guilt.

We both got wet backsides but at least we were fed a little while later and I enjoyed the chat. Upon leaving we found it was still raining and I briefly mused on the idea of giving her the cape plus my pocket contents to put in her handbag and simply getting drenched as we rode but then I considered the fact that whatever happened she would still get damp and so gave her the money for a cab. This time she flatly refused and insisted on taking the bus, so while I got yet further wet, when I got back I waited at the south gate so I could take her to her dormitory block.

It is still raining a little even now and because I took Pepsi out to the campus shops my bum is still damp. Still, it’s not as hot as it has been although it’s a trifle depressing looking at the forecast which is for rain all week. But then until Friday I only need to go out for leisure/pleasure.