Thursday 28th May, 2015 1345
Just making a start before leaving to be a judge at a drama contest. I cancelled my class as it was inferred that English month was more important. I wait with bated breath to see how many of the acts are in fact performed in English (or French for that matter).
I am still suffering from digestive problems although I have started being “a good boy” by eating the occasional plum or banana etc - quite how long it will last I know not. I hate forcing myself to eat something I don’t want, in the past my body has told me when to eat things by giving me a sudden craving. I think the current situation can be attributed to the arrival of tortillas on the scene and my embracing them for a week as my exclusive diet!
I got up early to go for a McBreakfast and get the makings of a salad for Joan and I tonight. I really can’t fathom McDonald’s in China. Now I realise working for them is hardly a career pinnacle and that regardless of country there will always be a sizeable staff attrition rate but it doesn’t seem to work that way here.
Every couple of months, rather than see the odd new face arrive and a familiar one depart, the whole shooting match is changed in one hit. Such was the case this morning. It wouldn’t be so bad if they actually trained the newcomers first but as far as I can see there is no evidence, even among the management. Having asked for a Big Breakfast I was prompted to remind them they should really start frying the hash browns (they take 3 minutes) and then there was a fiasco asking for salt, pepper and jam. It took five minutes to find the salt, another three to locate the pepper (which I helpfully pointed out just might be in the storeroom upstairs - and it was) and they had no jam at all. As a consequence my meal was stone cold before it was ready.
I didn’t lose my temper with them but I hope that on my next visit they will have learnt the requirements which should be close to hand in the future - I mean, it’s hardly me being pernickety.
My annoyance was increased in RT Mart at the checkout. I had bought pre-packed salad vegetables so as to avoid having to get my things weighed and checked. I wanted to get back home for a nap before the contest. In my “stupidity” I never realised the celery (which was indeed pre-packed) had no price sticker on it. Why the hell put it in a nice bag if you aren’t going to price it up? And just try to get an assistant to whiz off and have it weighed for you! No chance, and still carrying a limp there was no way I was doing it so all I can hope is that the four day old stuff in the fridge is still crisp.
Saturday 30th 1615
Well I did start this entry, just never managed to return to it!
The drama contest was quite fun to judge (noisy onlookers excepted - who prompted Kevin to berate them to hush on two occasions) and we were treated to ten mini plays entitled, inter alia, Cinderella, the Monkey King and one about stinky feet which was rather amusing.
Yesterday was wet. It started just after I commenced morning class and thankfully was over at lunchtime. When I got home I found there was no light in the fridge and wondered why because the school hadn’t lost power. One of the breakers was out and wouldn’t reset. I systematically unplugged everything one at a time to no avail. I had no lights and worse no computer or internet. I sent a mayday to Cinny but being lunchtime she never looked at her phone. After sitting for a while the light bulb above my head suddenly turned on as I remembered the extension lead which leads outside for charging my bike.
Except I couldn’t unplug it because it was behind two cabinets and my attempts to shift them (one on top of the other) were in danger of seeing the top one crash to the deck, shattering the glass doors in the process. I enlisted Ollivier’s help and sure enough that was the culprit. Capillary action (for the sockets were under shelter and on an elevated section of concrete) had seen an ingress of water into the junction box. A few hours of being placed in a position to drain it sorted the problem.
Last night Elizabeth invited me for dinner and we went to Popofish. I have been to one in town and rather fancied a sizzling prawn platter but just my luck, they don’t do it in the Business Street so we settled for a fish and veg hotpot. I confess I didn’t eat much but did enjoy the quail’s eggs.
This morning I went for breakfast and a shop (salmon and new potatoes for Joan and me tomorrow) and earlier had a much needed nap, although annoyingly despite my tiredness I couldn’t sleep as long as hoped. Very shortly Kevin and I will be going for dinner as Mr Wu’s guests in town. He is a fellow teacher (no idea who from the name but no doubt when I see him I will) but he caused great concern to me earlier in the week.
Kevin had been invited some time before but not me and he had said Mr Wu was one of the university leaders. Didn’t ring any bells with me but I thought nothing of it. We both assumed it was a farewell dinner as a thank you for the past six years. When a couple of days later I was invited I almost soiled my underwear - nobody has thus far said a word to me and now I am being invited to my own farewell dinner! I subsequently found out he is a fellow teacher. Mind you I won’t be best pleased if he starts telling me how sorry he is to see me leaving……………watch this space.
Sunday 31st 0230
This won’t be posted until later today but at least when I do you will have plenty to read!
Kevin and I set off at five for the meal and fair play to him, he found the place. It wasn’t just Mr Wu, in fact I think with two children there were eventually ten of us, including Dr Wu from chemistry in Nanjing university.
The surprise was that either most of those present never knew Kevin was leaving or were feigning ignorance until told. And of course, this being China, any free dinner other than an official school one, far from being a farewell to a colleague job had to be paid for. On this occasion I suspect they were fishing form help on something the university has tasked them with - how to improve the Chinese education system.
That’s a laugh really. Neither Kevin nor I are qualified teachers. Granted he has probably a decade of teaching under his belt and now I have a lustrum but we have not been trained per se. perhaps they simply wanted the foreign perspective because schooling here is utterly different to that in the west - Confucius vs. Aristotle. Aside from stating that the country that could find the perfect blend of the two would be world beaters the best I could do was offer my own classroom experiences. I am not averse to faking it occasionally but it does make me chuckle when qualified professionals seek advice from me in a field in which the only qualification I hold is an online one. But then as I always say, the classroom can only teach you the basics of whatever it is you are going to do, experience is worth ten times as much. I should know, I have learnt much in the past five years and ninety percent of it from the students themselves, hence my public blog is entitled “Who’s Teaching Who?”
With some relief on realising I wasn’t to receive commiserations on my departure (still no official news either way though) I enjoyed the evening. Digestive issues still currently presenting problems I was obliged to eat both sparingly and selectively though. I am not one to worry overly regarding the inner workings of my enormous belly but I admit - without entering into detail - of late I have been given cause for concern and as a typical male am assuming things will rectify. I think they will, I’m just annoyed that I will have to probably eat more fruit - it’s not sweet here and the grapes have rhinoceros hide.
Tomorrow (actually today now) there is the (hopefully) last English corner of the term. As mentioned, they want a song rather than games. It looks like being the noses on the faces of the ladies of the harem etc one because I not only can’t sing but certainly can’t sing to music. If Kevin comes he will be highly relieved I don’t do Wild Rover because he can’t sing either but he can join in the chorus.
For now, it is 0300 and I would really like to sleep until eleven. Somehow I think I will wake up at sunrise at 0500 regardless. I can but hope.
1715
I did indeed wake up after a couple of hours but thankfully managed to doze off again until 1030. The class party went well and I think my song was well received. Emotionally though it was a gut wrencher from the off. I arrived nice and early and sat on my bike enjoying a cigar before the start. I was asked to sign two books, which on enquiring further turned out to be keepsakes for Kevin and Ollivier due to their both leaving soon. These were my students, not theirs, and I was touched. I then made the mistake of reading the introductory page of each book and that was a grave error. Emotionally I used to be as hard as nails but these kids are something else. How on earth Kevin got up on stage at the end to speak and answer questions is beyond me - as far as I know I am not even leaving and when asked myself what my feelings were I barely managed to choke out my four word reply. When my time comes I know full well I will be unable even to do that. This school has been our life for 3,5 and 6 years and it’s not the same as working for a taxi firm or in a factory. The students are genuinely sorry to be seeing them leave.
Anyway, enough dwelling, I must post this or it will become even more epic and I have dishes to wash and new potatoes to scrub for later.
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Tuesday 26th May, 2015 1220
It has been a funny old week, alternately humdrum or attending English corners or acting as a judge at contests. I have found myself most evenings too tired to even think about writing but as it has been a while I thought I had better make a start.
This month has been English month, hence the parties, corners and contests. In fact the next one (the final of the speaking competition) starts in two hours and Kevin and I are to be on the judging panel. On the fifth bloody floor. I have lost track of what I am supposed to be doing after that, I know I have a party/corner on Sunday afternoon at which they want me to sing but I can’t remember if I have another on Friday night or what they want from me.
On Saturday I was free and so took Joan to Apricot Village. I didn’t take my camera as there are already photos. She did her best to get my ticket at students’ rates but failed so it cost four and a half times as much for me. I had promised her a trip in one of the boats on the lake but when we enquired we were informed that all the electrically powered boats were broken (great for business) but if we liked we could take one of the ones you pedal.
On inspection I found that all the footwells of those boats had at least an inch of water so ruled them out. Then we were offered a traditional Chinese wooden boat which is propelled by one person standing up and waggling a tethered oar from side to side. Although I am reasonably competent at the wheel or tiller of a boat and can row, I have no idea how to make that one move in the right direction.
Considering a bit of splashing around on the water was going to be the only thing that gave me pleasure on the visit I got Joan to speak to staff again. The solution was that we could take one of the electric boats plus two paddles. I agreed.
Now these boats have rooves with unobstructed sides and a glassless “window” at the stern. You have to go through the latter to board. The last time I visited access to the boat was awkward but this time with three more years on the clock, it was a most undignified affair. I got in though and off we went at a leisurely pace around the lake, during which I taught Joan how to manoeuvre the thing.
She took a great deal of snaps on her phone and near the end of the circuit of the lake we walked after the ride, she went into the concrete maze. She never made it to the centre and indeed had to tag along with a family whose young son was nimble enough to scramble on top of the walls and issue directions to his parents as to which way to turn. I think she was quite glad to escape it. I didn’t go in because by then my foot was killing me.
That day I ate more than I have in one day for weeks - a burger at McDonalds for lunch and then a dumpling, steak and veg platter for dinner. Except I couldn’t eat the steak, that’s the second time I have been to Da Niang and been given a piece of leather so I won’t make that mistake again.
I even went to town and had breakfast on Sunday morning and promptly became constipated again. Plums and cherries didn’t help so I had to resort to medical means. That didn’t do much either and so yesterday, which was another planned Mexican Monday, saw me feeling decidedly ropey and having to cook a bean soup followed by fajitas.
The soup I tasted during making and found it not to my taste (although everyone else said it was fine) and I couldn’t face a fajita. I even refused Ollivier’s pineapple upside down cake and cheese and biscuits. There’s nothing quite like sitting at a dinner party and not eating a thing!
Today I still feel bad but have the opposite problem and I can but pray I can last the two to two and a half hours of the speech contest because if I can’t I am in big trouble. There are only squat loos down there and if I am caught short it’s five floors to descend and a mad bike ride to get home in time. Plus of course it would leave them a judge down.
It doesn’t help that the last thing I ate was Sunday morning either but Ollivier is making pizzas later so with luck I shall be able to eat at least part of the one he gives me. It feels to me that I have been ill for the last three months!
1800
Well that’s the speech contest over and mercifully it only lasted ninety minutes and I never had to do a quick exit stage left. Carol was good but she tailed off at the end of sentences otherwise she would have been marked higher. Anna was in pole position for three quarters of the competition and then another student I had never seen before appeared on stage. As much as I wanted Anna to win I had to score honestly and as such had to award the girl (another Kiki) an extra point - as did all the judges so she came first and Anna second. Anna could do even better if she started working on her speech in good time and not leaving it to the eleventh hour and I hope she now realises that she has the ability to win if only she puts in the work in good time.
Joan had already eaten by the time Ollivier informed me there were two pizzas up for grabs so we will have them tomorrow night. Tonight it will be toasted French stick and cheese for me. I’m not even feeling hungry but I have to get at least some sustenance.
It has been a funny old week, alternately humdrum or attending English corners or acting as a judge at contests. I have found myself most evenings too tired to even think about writing but as it has been a while I thought I had better make a start.
This month has been English month, hence the parties, corners and contests. In fact the next one (the final of the speaking competition) starts in two hours and Kevin and I are to be on the judging panel. On the fifth bloody floor. I have lost track of what I am supposed to be doing after that, I know I have a party/corner on Sunday afternoon at which they want me to sing but I can’t remember if I have another on Friday night or what they want from me.
On Saturday I was free and so took Joan to Apricot Village. I didn’t take my camera as there are already photos. She did her best to get my ticket at students’ rates but failed so it cost four and a half times as much for me. I had promised her a trip in one of the boats on the lake but when we enquired we were informed that all the electrically powered boats were broken (great for business) but if we liked we could take one of the ones you pedal.
On inspection I found that all the footwells of those boats had at least an inch of water so ruled them out. Then we were offered a traditional Chinese wooden boat which is propelled by one person standing up and waggling a tethered oar from side to side. Although I am reasonably competent at the wheel or tiller of a boat and can row, I have no idea how to make that one move in the right direction.
Considering a bit of splashing around on the water was going to be the only thing that gave me pleasure on the visit I got Joan to speak to staff again. The solution was that we could take one of the electric boats plus two paddles. I agreed.
Now these boats have rooves with unobstructed sides and a glassless “window” at the stern. You have to go through the latter to board. The last time I visited access to the boat was awkward but this time with three more years on the clock, it was a most undignified affair. I got in though and off we went at a leisurely pace around the lake, during which I taught Joan how to manoeuvre the thing.
She took a great deal of snaps on her phone and near the end of the circuit of the lake we walked after the ride, she went into the concrete maze. She never made it to the centre and indeed had to tag along with a family whose young son was nimble enough to scramble on top of the walls and issue directions to his parents as to which way to turn. I think she was quite glad to escape it. I didn’t go in because by then my foot was killing me.
That day I ate more than I have in one day for weeks - a burger at McDonalds for lunch and then a dumpling, steak and veg platter for dinner. Except I couldn’t eat the steak, that’s the second time I have been to Da Niang and been given a piece of leather so I won’t make that mistake again.
I even went to town and had breakfast on Sunday morning and promptly became constipated again. Plums and cherries didn’t help so I had to resort to medical means. That didn’t do much either and so yesterday, which was another planned Mexican Monday, saw me feeling decidedly ropey and having to cook a bean soup followed by fajitas.
The soup I tasted during making and found it not to my taste (although everyone else said it was fine) and I couldn’t face a fajita. I even refused Ollivier’s pineapple upside down cake and cheese and biscuits. There’s nothing quite like sitting at a dinner party and not eating a thing!
Today I still feel bad but have the opposite problem and I can but pray I can last the two to two and a half hours of the speech contest because if I can’t I am in big trouble. There are only squat loos down there and if I am caught short it’s five floors to descend and a mad bike ride to get home in time. Plus of course it would leave them a judge down.
It doesn’t help that the last thing I ate was Sunday morning either but Ollivier is making pizzas later so with luck I shall be able to eat at least part of the one he gives me. It feels to me that I have been ill for the last three months!
1800
Well that’s the speech contest over and mercifully it only lasted ninety minutes and I never had to do a quick exit stage left. Carol was good but she tailed off at the end of sentences otherwise she would have been marked higher. Anna was in pole position for three quarters of the competition and then another student I had never seen before appeared on stage. As much as I wanted Anna to win I had to score honestly and as such had to award the girl (another Kiki) an extra point - as did all the judges so she came first and Anna second. Anna could do even better if she started working on her speech in good time and not leaving it to the eleventh hour and I hope she now realises that she has the ability to win if only she puts in the work in good time.
Joan had already eaten by the time Ollivier informed me there were two pizzas up for grabs so we will have them tomorrow night. Tonight it will be toasted French stick and cheese for me. I’m not even feeling hungry but I have to get at least some sustenance.
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
Tuesday 19th May, 2015 1430
Father forgive me, it has been one week since my last confession.
Well to be honest I haven’t had a lot to write about really. However, I did manage to give Joan another new experience on Sunday. I took her to our local airport.
Oh yes, as Kevin remarked when I told him, sounds thrilling! The fact is, she had never been to an airport in her life and never seen a plane up close. Sadly she went somewhere in the morning and was late getting back so the planned time never happened. As there are not that many flights a day I had intended for her to see the one from Chengdu touch down, turn around fifty minutes later and transform into the Shanghai flight I took last summer. She only got to see the turnaround and takeoff but she was fascinated and even videoed when it taxied out to the runway.
I also discovered the limit of the bike’s range - with two up it was at a crawl by the time we pulled up outside my building!
My online shopping has all arrived, much needed supply of cheddar now that we have tortillas in abundance, plus gear for next Monday’s Mexican meal. no idea what starter I will do but I am having a crack at chicken fajitas for the main course.
Last night Joan came for dinner. I had found new potatoes online and boiled the first ones I have had for five years. The reason I haven’t found them before is because they call them small potatoes but now I know (and they are pretty cheap) I will be buying more as and when they are in season. We had salmon, peas and dill and lemon sauce with them and it was heaven. Sadly when she put the plates back in the kitchen afterwards she was extremely remiss in checking before she closed the door, resulting in Zorro being locked in there all night - the ensuing carnage is evident from the photo. At least only eggs were smashed and not plates this time.
The end of an (admittedly small) era is nigh. I couldn’t write about it before because the school didn’t know and the others for obvious reasons did not want it made public before that happened.
Ollivier is leaving at the end of term to relocate (probably permanently) to France with his family, the aim eventually is to open a shop. Between his endeavours and his wife’s online selling they have amassed a decent sum of money and I am sure until they find their feet in France she will be able to continue trading here with the help of her family.
Kevin has accepted a position at a university in Huangshan. He did so reluctantly but as I may have mentioned previously, the school had informed him last year that once he turned sixty that was it. Madness given that his mother is 96 and his father 98 (hardly making him prime candidate for the next teacher to die on campus) but that’s the way of it.
As yet I have neither been told I am surplus to requirements nor asked if I would like to remain for another - probably final - year here. And I don’t want to ask.
As much as we argue sometimes I think all three of us have been blessed with being lumped together at the same university for despite all our differences (and they are myriad) we are all actually good friends and importantly, we all actually care about our students and their education. From what I gather that is not often the case at other schools.
It also quite possibly heralds the end of western Wednesdays. I have no furniture to dine off and anyway nobody wants to have four cats leaping up on the dinner table. I will still be able to cook a meal for one student at a time but the Duke of Desserts will not be here to serve up chocolate mousse and other delights for the students. I shall be quite sad when the day comes that we have to bid each other adieu even though it means I will probably inherit all the stuff they don’t want to or can’t take with them.
For now I am leaving off, taking a shower and heading to McDonald’s for a chilli burger to save cooking tonight. Then I have to be back for five as Linda is on campus again and wants to meet for a drink.
1930
Utter madness to go and spend 26y on a chilli burger meal which took less time to consume than travelling on the bus but that’s what I did. I just spent an hour with Lynda and am now back to relax and watch some downloads.
Do you remember the rumour that circulated about me frequenting known prostitute haunts every night and paying to have my wicked way? There’s an even better one doing the rounds about Kevin now. In this one he has been fired because he is HIV positive!
Quite where they dream these up is beyond me. The man has just been for a very thorough medical (from memory they take at least three phials of blood) and passed with flying colours. One of the first things they check for are STDs.
The plain unpalatable truth is that the college leadership is so short-sighted that they see no value in having someone with experience who has become a sexagenarian as a teacher. No, they would rather take their chances trying to get someone to actually come to the place (not many people would due to the location and small city population) and if they do entice anyone they will either be tapping on a bit or possibly be someone looking for one year of work who would have zero commitment to the school.
Ok Olllivier is leaving of his own volition but they have made a grave mistake with Kevin and will doubtless do the same with me. But this is China.
Father forgive me, it has been one week since my last confession.
Well to be honest I haven’t had a lot to write about really. However, I did manage to give Joan another new experience on Sunday. I took her to our local airport.
Oh yes, as Kevin remarked when I told him, sounds thrilling! The fact is, she had never been to an airport in her life and never seen a plane up close. Sadly she went somewhere in the morning and was late getting back so the planned time never happened. As there are not that many flights a day I had intended for her to see the one from Chengdu touch down, turn around fifty minutes later and transform into the Shanghai flight I took last summer. She only got to see the turnaround and takeoff but she was fascinated and even videoed when it taxied out to the runway.
I also discovered the limit of the bike’s range - with two up it was at a crawl by the time we pulled up outside my building!
My online shopping has all arrived, much needed supply of cheddar now that we have tortillas in abundance, plus gear for next Monday’s Mexican meal. no idea what starter I will do but I am having a crack at chicken fajitas for the main course.
Last night Joan came for dinner. I had found new potatoes online and boiled the first ones I have had for five years. The reason I haven’t found them before is because they call them small potatoes but now I know (and they are pretty cheap) I will be buying more as and when they are in season. We had salmon, peas and dill and lemon sauce with them and it was heaven. Sadly when she put the plates back in the kitchen afterwards she was extremely remiss in checking before she closed the door, resulting in Zorro being locked in there all night - the ensuing carnage is evident from the photo. At least only eggs were smashed and not plates this time.
The end of an (admittedly small) era is nigh. I couldn’t write about it before because the school didn’t know and the others for obvious reasons did not want it made public before that happened.
Ollivier is leaving at the end of term to relocate (probably permanently) to France with his family, the aim eventually is to open a shop. Between his endeavours and his wife’s online selling they have amassed a decent sum of money and I am sure until they find their feet in France she will be able to continue trading here with the help of her family.
Kevin has accepted a position at a university in Huangshan. He did so reluctantly but as I may have mentioned previously, the school had informed him last year that once he turned sixty that was it. Madness given that his mother is 96 and his father 98 (hardly making him prime candidate for the next teacher to die on campus) but that’s the way of it.
As yet I have neither been told I am surplus to requirements nor asked if I would like to remain for another - probably final - year here. And I don’t want to ask.
As much as we argue sometimes I think all three of us have been blessed with being lumped together at the same university for despite all our differences (and they are myriad) we are all actually good friends and importantly, we all actually care about our students and their education. From what I gather that is not often the case at other schools.
It also quite possibly heralds the end of western Wednesdays. I have no furniture to dine off and anyway nobody wants to have four cats leaping up on the dinner table. I will still be able to cook a meal for one student at a time but the Duke of Desserts will not be here to serve up chocolate mousse and other delights for the students. I shall be quite sad when the day comes that we have to bid each other adieu even though it means I will probably inherit all the stuff they don’t want to or can’t take with them.
For now I am leaving off, taking a shower and heading to McDonald’s for a chilli burger to save cooking tonight. Then I have to be back for five as Linda is on campus again and wants to meet for a drink.
1930
Utter madness to go and spend 26y on a chilli burger meal which took less time to consume than travelling on the bus but that’s what I did. I just spent an hour with Lynda and am now back to relax and watch some downloads.
Do you remember the rumour that circulated about me frequenting known prostitute haunts every night and paying to have my wicked way? There’s an even better one doing the rounds about Kevin now. In this one he has been fired because he is HIV positive!
Quite where they dream these up is beyond me. The man has just been for a very thorough medical (from memory they take at least three phials of blood) and passed with flying colours. One of the first things they check for are STDs.
The plain unpalatable truth is that the college leadership is so short-sighted that they see no value in having someone with experience who has become a sexagenarian as a teacher. No, they would rather take their chances trying to get someone to actually come to the place (not many people would due to the location and small city population) and if they do entice anyone they will either be tapping on a bit or possibly be someone looking for one year of work who would have zero commitment to the school.
Ok Olllivier is leaving of his own volition but they have made a grave mistake with Kevin and will doubtless do the same with me. But this is China.
Tuesday, 12 May 2015
Monday 11th May, 2015 1740
You all know why I haven’t posted for a while.
On Saturday I decided against taking the bike to town, mainly because I didn’t want to tempt fate and end up in another accident. Instead the bike was parked at south gate and Joan and I bussed it to McDonald’s for breakfast and took another bus back to the train station.
As we were only going one stop to Tongling and Chizhou is where the train starts and ends its journey on that route it wasn’t crowded and indeed after we left the station I spotted two sets of double seats opposite each other which were free and got Joan to move so we had plenty of space. She ended up having all four seats because some students nearby were playing Landlord and Farmer (dodiju) at cards and invited me to join them. I spent the entire journey playing the game, it certainly shortens a trip.
On arrival we were too early to check in at the hotel so had to kill some time. I had eaten at the hotel a couple of years ago when Qing took me there and expected it to be a decent place to stay. I didn’t however expect it to be on a par in most respects with the likes of the Hilton but it certainly was. The place was spotless, the room everything as advertised and the service was the equal of anywhere I have ever stayed. I was absolutely astonished by the speed with which they responded both times we called to report a problem (no disposable razor and idiot here couldn’t figure out how to turn the computer on), for on both occasions there was a discreet knock on the door within a minute of the call being made!
There was only one disappointment and that was the complete lack of anything western on offer for breakfast. I had really expected to at least be able to get a poached egg on toast but it was not to be. Next time I go I will try another hotel near there which may have western breakfasts but somehow I think they will not be able to match the service.
In the evening Joan, Qing, Jimmy (her boyfriend) and I all met up at the restaurant where Qing’s mother works. I had built up the virtues of the sweet fish they do to Joan and was fairly frothing at the mouth myself in anticipation. Regular readers know by now that any trip I take always features a disaster and this was no exception. I never figured out whether the dish I had gone especially to eat was discontinued or they had simply run out but I never got it. Talk about a letdown.
I made up for it on Sunday though. The train back wasn’t until after four and there are two Pizza Huts in Tongling (pure greed seeing as we don’t have one) and we all went there for lunch. I could only manage the smallest pizza though because for some reason I have been bunged up for some days, said problem is being handled by some prescription pills I still have from the UK. The fish aside I did have a really nice birthday weekend and I am glad I didn’t simply stay here for it.
Tuesday 12th 1330
Last night was named Mexican Monday. I made tortilla chips and coupled them with assorted dips and the main course was con carne enchiladas smothered in cheese and Ollivier made his trademark “biscuits” the students all get to take to their roommates at the end and a fabulous chocolate souffle with Chantilly cream.
Kevin had been disappointed when he learnt I wasn’t doing a chilli but I am pretty sure he was happy with what I produced, as was everyone else although the enchiladas were like Shredded Wheat - nobody could manage more than two, not even the boys. I think we disposed of a fair few bottles of vino as well. I don’t think Ollivier will have had any difficulty in getting to sleep anyway!
I can see that outside it is breezy but sunny so time to take a shower and then head off out to the hole in the wall and then get my supplies.
You all know why I haven’t posted for a while.
On Saturday I decided against taking the bike to town, mainly because I didn’t want to tempt fate and end up in another accident. Instead the bike was parked at south gate and Joan and I bussed it to McDonald’s for breakfast and took another bus back to the train station.
As we were only going one stop to Tongling and Chizhou is where the train starts and ends its journey on that route it wasn’t crowded and indeed after we left the station I spotted two sets of double seats opposite each other which were free and got Joan to move so we had plenty of space. She ended up having all four seats because some students nearby were playing Landlord and Farmer (dodiju) at cards and invited me to join them. I spent the entire journey playing the game, it certainly shortens a trip.
On arrival we were too early to check in at the hotel so had to kill some time. I had eaten at the hotel a couple of years ago when Qing took me there and expected it to be a decent place to stay. I didn’t however expect it to be on a par in most respects with the likes of the Hilton but it certainly was. The place was spotless, the room everything as advertised and the service was the equal of anywhere I have ever stayed. I was absolutely astonished by the speed with which they responded both times we called to report a problem (no disposable razor and idiot here couldn’t figure out how to turn the computer on), for on both occasions there was a discreet knock on the door within a minute of the call being made!
There was only one disappointment and that was the complete lack of anything western on offer for breakfast. I had really expected to at least be able to get a poached egg on toast but it was not to be. Next time I go I will try another hotel near there which may have western breakfasts but somehow I think they will not be able to match the service.
In the evening Joan, Qing, Jimmy (her boyfriend) and I all met up at the restaurant where Qing’s mother works. I had built up the virtues of the sweet fish they do to Joan and was fairly frothing at the mouth myself in anticipation. Regular readers know by now that any trip I take always features a disaster and this was no exception. I never figured out whether the dish I had gone especially to eat was discontinued or they had simply run out but I never got it. Talk about a letdown.
I made up for it on Sunday though. The train back wasn’t until after four and there are two Pizza Huts in Tongling (pure greed seeing as we don’t have one) and we all went there for lunch. I could only manage the smallest pizza though because for some reason I have been bunged up for some days, said problem is being handled by some prescription pills I still have from the UK. The fish aside I did have a really nice birthday weekend and I am glad I didn’t simply stay here for it.
Tuesday 12th 1330
Last night was named Mexican Monday. I made tortilla chips and coupled them with assorted dips and the main course was con carne enchiladas smothered in cheese and Ollivier made his trademark “biscuits” the students all get to take to their roommates at the end and a fabulous chocolate souffle with Chantilly cream.
Kevin had been disappointed when he learnt I wasn’t doing a chilli but I am pretty sure he was happy with what I produced, as was everyone else although the enchiladas were like Shredded Wheat - nobody could manage more than two, not even the boys. I think we disposed of a fair few bottles of vino as well. I don’t think Ollivier will have had any difficulty in getting to sleep anyway!
I can see that outside it is breezy but sunny so time to take a shower and then head off out to the hole in the wall and then get my supplies.
Thursday, 7 May 2015
Thursday 7th May, 2015 1740
Why are my autumn years so eventful - and not always in pleasant ways?
On Tuesday I got up early and took Joan to the train station to book tickets for the weekend. She was busy and only wanted to do that but I promised to have her back on campus by eleven and so persuaded her to come for breakfast. Once back, I did some shopping and changed my bed. I was tired and so resolved to have a decent afternoon kip.
Just as I was about to disrobe and get under the summer quilt the phone rang. It was Ollivier in distress. He had gone to Huimin last Thursday for his May holiday and had driven to Hefei, parked his car at the train station and then he, Coco and Hadrian had continued the journey by train.
On the return trip I think they realised what a lethal combination a Sino-French union is.
When they got to Hefei, Coco suddenly told Ollivier that for some inexplicable reason she had removed the car keys from her bag and left them in Huimin. They couldn’t use the car.
The options were that they bussed it back and Ollivier returned in the morning on the bus with the spare key/they got me to take the spare to the bus station and give it to the driver of the next bus to Hefei or (this was never on) I took the bus to Hefei and came back with them in the car.
There ensued a frantic series of text messages to all my wives to try and find one who was free and could come with me to translate. Once again, Joan dropped what she was doing and came. She didn’t tell me until afterwards that the driver was a pig and hadn’t wanted to do it. He must have been really rude to her because the only time I have seen her that angry was after the Lingdian Society fiasco. Given that the guy earnt 20y just for putting a key in his pocket and taking it out at the other end when Ollivier met the bus on arrival, I have to agree with Joan’s opinion of him.
They finally returned here at ten. I of course was completely drained that evening.
You would think that after playing the good Samaritan something nice would befall me, wouldn’t you? But then this is me we are talking about here.
I had a good day teaching on Wednesday and by way of gratitude for my help Ollivier offered to treat me to a couple of bottles in the office, which I gladly accepted. We then left and I think he went to collect an internet delivery. I headed straight for home.
They drive on the right here and although not many stick to that, I do and when I was passing the pond outside the library (a circular affair, the pond and not the library - that‘s shaped like a crab from above) suddenly a student going in the opposite direction on an e-bike hove into view at speed.
He was heading straight for me on a reciprocal course. My options were limited - the surrounding pond wall was only about a yard to my right and were I to pull left and he did what he should (which was go right) then I would surely cause an accident. I started to slow, fully expecting him to go wide of me but to be honest I don’t think he even saw me and it was broad daylight. When he did realise I was in his path, instead of taking evasive action he panicked and braked hard.
This had the effect of making the wheels lock and he lost the bike. He came off and the bike continued rapidly on its side straight under my front wheel. I had no chance and so clouted his bike. Doubtless in Hollywood my bike would have simply ridden over the student’s prone bike but this was real life. The bike and I went down and for a change we fell onto the right side.
I smacked my forehead on the concrete and then my torso and knee connected as well. I wasn’t too pleased, especially when I realised my head was leaking red stuff and I had no tissues. Very kindly a girl who had seen it donated a packet for me to staunch the flow. The boy of course was completely unharmed, they bounce but I don’t any more.
The aftermath is that today I have a bike that now clicks when in motion (something must be bent), I have two bad legs instead of one and although last night I was hopeful I had only bruised my ribcage I am now - judging by the pain - almost certain at least one rib is fractured.
Life would be so dull if I actually had good luck!
Why are my autumn years so eventful - and not always in pleasant ways?
On Tuesday I got up early and took Joan to the train station to book tickets for the weekend. She was busy and only wanted to do that but I promised to have her back on campus by eleven and so persuaded her to come for breakfast. Once back, I did some shopping and changed my bed. I was tired and so resolved to have a decent afternoon kip.
Just as I was about to disrobe and get under the summer quilt the phone rang. It was Ollivier in distress. He had gone to Huimin last Thursday for his May holiday and had driven to Hefei, parked his car at the train station and then he, Coco and Hadrian had continued the journey by train.
On the return trip I think they realised what a lethal combination a Sino-French union is.
When they got to Hefei, Coco suddenly told Ollivier that for some inexplicable reason she had removed the car keys from her bag and left them in Huimin. They couldn’t use the car.
The options were that they bussed it back and Ollivier returned in the morning on the bus with the spare key/they got me to take the spare to the bus station and give it to the driver of the next bus to Hefei or (this was never on) I took the bus to Hefei and came back with them in the car.
There ensued a frantic series of text messages to all my wives to try and find one who was free and could come with me to translate. Once again, Joan dropped what she was doing and came. She didn’t tell me until afterwards that the driver was a pig and hadn’t wanted to do it. He must have been really rude to her because the only time I have seen her that angry was after the Lingdian Society fiasco. Given that the guy earnt 20y just for putting a key in his pocket and taking it out at the other end when Ollivier met the bus on arrival, I have to agree with Joan’s opinion of him.
They finally returned here at ten. I of course was completely drained that evening.
You would think that after playing the good Samaritan something nice would befall me, wouldn’t you? But then this is me we are talking about here.
I had a good day teaching on Wednesday and by way of gratitude for my help Ollivier offered to treat me to a couple of bottles in the office, which I gladly accepted. We then left and I think he went to collect an internet delivery. I headed straight for home.
They drive on the right here and although not many stick to that, I do and when I was passing the pond outside the library (a circular affair, the pond and not the library - that‘s shaped like a crab from above) suddenly a student going in the opposite direction on an e-bike hove into view at speed.
He was heading straight for me on a reciprocal course. My options were limited - the surrounding pond wall was only about a yard to my right and were I to pull left and he did what he should (which was go right) then I would surely cause an accident. I started to slow, fully expecting him to go wide of me but to be honest I don’t think he even saw me and it was broad daylight. When he did realise I was in his path, instead of taking evasive action he panicked and braked hard.
This had the effect of making the wheels lock and he lost the bike. He came off and the bike continued rapidly on its side straight under my front wheel. I had no chance and so clouted his bike. Doubtless in Hollywood my bike would have simply ridden over the student’s prone bike but this was real life. The bike and I went down and for a change we fell onto the right side.
I smacked my forehead on the concrete and then my torso and knee connected as well. I wasn’t too pleased, especially when I realised my head was leaking red stuff and I had no tissues. Very kindly a girl who had seen it donated a packet for me to staunch the flow. The boy of course was completely unharmed, they bounce but I don’t any more.
The aftermath is that today I have a bike that now clicks when in motion (something must be bent), I have two bad legs instead of one and although last night I was hopeful I had only bruised my ribcage I am now - judging by the pain - almost certain at least one rib is fractured.
Life would be so dull if I actually had good luck!
Monday, 4 May 2015
Saturday 2nd May, 2015 2100
Despite turning in at an appropriate time on Thursday night I woke up at a ridiculous hour and as usual couldn’t get back to sleep. The result was that I started our trip absolutely cream crackered and knowing I faced a six and a half hour train journey during which I had no hope of dozing off.
We set off for breakfast so we wouldn’t be hungry on the train (even the Chinese don’t buy the food on offer aboard) and then got to the station. I got Joan to ride the bike and park it in the bus station car park and then met one of my old students, who by chance was taking the same train but getting off in Wuhu. She informed me that we could have in fact left the e-bike parked at the train station. Considering the number of times I have had a gruelling route march from the bus station to the train station, this was galling to learn, although useful for future trips.
My pelvis now seems to have healed with only the previous lack of activity from my thigh muscles to trouble me. The worry now is my foot. After ten weeks it is still swollen (remember they originally said the cast only needed to be on for four weeks), as is my calf. I can only hope that by getting around on crutches as early as I did I didn’t cause anything adverse because I have no intention of submitting to yet more wrought iron being inserted inside my person.
By the time I made the train I had had enough. The train of course, after Tongling, became full and people with standing tickets (and doubtless quite a few with no ticket at all) crowded the walkways and worse, the smoking vestibules. There is something about getting nasty looks when I smoke somewhere it is permitted that brings out the devil in me - after all, nearly all of them appeared to be able to afford to have purchased a seat, they all had fancy phones on which to watch videos and play games. I can’t do that!
The hotel is the same one I stayed at last summer and it hasn’t improved despite still being listed as number one here on Trip Advisor. Two nights in a business executive room totals 756y yet they demanded 1500y to include a deposit almost equivalent to the cost of the stay! I don’t have a credit card so I use cash, naturally this served to further irk me. I “blew up” very calmly and with Joan translating (International hotel where nobody speaks English!) it was made plain I had stayed there ten nights less than a year ago and paid all my bills. After some consultation the deposit was reduced beyond my wildest expectations to just 44y!
Sadly Air never got to meet us last night because though she finished teaching at seven, a load of parents who wanted to discuss their children with her turned up. Joan and I went to Pizza Hut where the service was appalling. After five minutes of waiting for a menu I went and got one myself. Despite the lack of service the food was good and I got to try the escargots, which were surprisingly nice. Pity the same could not be said about the garlic bread.
Earlier we had asked the hotel what time breakfast was served and whether there would be anything remotely western. Until eleven and yes there would be western food were the answers. We went down at ten this morning and on finding the buffet empty, were told breakfast finished at 0930 because a wedding was taking place - the same one that had disturbed the entire hotel since seven with their enormous fireworks at fifteen minute intervals also inconvenienced all the guests who wanted to eat. I can’t wait to review this place again.
With no breakfast on offer and even though I can quite easily go all day without eating, Joan was going to want something so a taxi to McDonald’s was in order. We could make it for their breakfast as long as we got there before 1030. Unless of course they changed menus early. They did. That and the rain convinced me I am jinxed any time I plan something!
When we returned it was to find the room made up but hardly any toiletries replenished. Having spotted the cleaning trolley in the alleyway I left the room and pilfered armloads of soap, shampoo, razors etc and brought them back. Remembering that Joan and Anna like using the slippers when they come to mine for a shower, I made a second visit to get some of those. This time the maid opened the door behind the trolley and almost caught me. I retained presence of mind and politely asked if we could have some more slippers. Ok, I only got one pair but at least I wasn’t caught!
Tonight we met Air at Pizza Hut - yes, only fair to give them a chance to redeem themselves and anyway the food is fine - where they proceeded to rub salt in by completely omitting my lasagne from the order. Sometimes I could cry.
Air’s fiance Leslie had been at a family wedding but returned in time to meet us back at the hotel for a few games of pool. Most enjoyable, from last time I was ten games up and if I reach a margin of fifteen I told him I get to marry Air. I am now twelve up and he had to leave before I could increase my lead. You never know, it may spur him to make an honest woman of her before I ever come back here again!
Monday 4th May 1430
An inspection of the breakfast buffet on Sunday morning revealed that there was absolutely nothing western to be had - not even a fried egg. I can’t see myself staying there again if I ever return.
If anything the return train journey was even more packed, so much so that I confined my smoking to the periods when we stopped at stations en route. At least that way I could get off and stand on the platform rather than be barged out of the way by people pushing past. I spent all night with the sensation I was still on the train.
This morning I went to town for breakfast and was going to do some shopping but ended up just eating and coming back. Instead, I went to the bank just outside of campus and annoyed the tellers by taking all my containers of coins. I do separate them into denominations to make it easier but at one point I had the entire staff bar the manager piling up coins and counting. Fair play, it only took them twenty minutes and the bank wasn’t busy. I was disappointed to have only amassed 773y because it looked so much more.
However, that money is my birthday treat to myself on Saturday. I have booked an hotel in Tongling for the night and will be going to the restaurant where Qing’s mother works to sample again the deliciously sweet and virtually boneless fish they do. And the train only takes an hour.
Despite turning in at an appropriate time on Thursday night I woke up at a ridiculous hour and as usual couldn’t get back to sleep. The result was that I started our trip absolutely cream crackered and knowing I faced a six and a half hour train journey during which I had no hope of dozing off.
We set off for breakfast so we wouldn’t be hungry on the train (even the Chinese don’t buy the food on offer aboard) and then got to the station. I got Joan to ride the bike and park it in the bus station car park and then met one of my old students, who by chance was taking the same train but getting off in Wuhu. She informed me that we could have in fact left the e-bike parked at the train station. Considering the number of times I have had a gruelling route march from the bus station to the train station, this was galling to learn, although useful for future trips.
My pelvis now seems to have healed with only the previous lack of activity from my thigh muscles to trouble me. The worry now is my foot. After ten weeks it is still swollen (remember they originally said the cast only needed to be on for four weeks), as is my calf. I can only hope that by getting around on crutches as early as I did I didn’t cause anything adverse because I have no intention of submitting to yet more wrought iron being inserted inside my person.
By the time I made the train I had had enough. The train of course, after Tongling, became full and people with standing tickets (and doubtless quite a few with no ticket at all) crowded the walkways and worse, the smoking vestibules. There is something about getting nasty looks when I smoke somewhere it is permitted that brings out the devil in me - after all, nearly all of them appeared to be able to afford to have purchased a seat, they all had fancy phones on which to watch videos and play games. I can’t do that!
The hotel is the same one I stayed at last summer and it hasn’t improved despite still being listed as number one here on Trip Advisor. Two nights in a business executive room totals 756y yet they demanded 1500y to include a deposit almost equivalent to the cost of the stay! I don’t have a credit card so I use cash, naturally this served to further irk me. I “blew up” very calmly and with Joan translating (International hotel where nobody speaks English!) it was made plain I had stayed there ten nights less than a year ago and paid all my bills. After some consultation the deposit was reduced beyond my wildest expectations to just 44y!
Sadly Air never got to meet us last night because though she finished teaching at seven, a load of parents who wanted to discuss their children with her turned up. Joan and I went to Pizza Hut where the service was appalling. After five minutes of waiting for a menu I went and got one myself. Despite the lack of service the food was good and I got to try the escargots, which were surprisingly nice. Pity the same could not be said about the garlic bread.
Earlier we had asked the hotel what time breakfast was served and whether there would be anything remotely western. Until eleven and yes there would be western food were the answers. We went down at ten this morning and on finding the buffet empty, were told breakfast finished at 0930 because a wedding was taking place - the same one that had disturbed the entire hotel since seven with their enormous fireworks at fifteen minute intervals also inconvenienced all the guests who wanted to eat. I can’t wait to review this place again.
With no breakfast on offer and even though I can quite easily go all day without eating, Joan was going to want something so a taxi to McDonald’s was in order. We could make it for their breakfast as long as we got there before 1030. Unless of course they changed menus early. They did. That and the rain convinced me I am jinxed any time I plan something!
When we returned it was to find the room made up but hardly any toiletries replenished. Having spotted the cleaning trolley in the alleyway I left the room and pilfered armloads of soap, shampoo, razors etc and brought them back. Remembering that Joan and Anna like using the slippers when they come to mine for a shower, I made a second visit to get some of those. This time the maid opened the door behind the trolley and almost caught me. I retained presence of mind and politely asked if we could have some more slippers. Ok, I only got one pair but at least I wasn’t caught!
Tonight we met Air at Pizza Hut - yes, only fair to give them a chance to redeem themselves and anyway the food is fine - where they proceeded to rub salt in by completely omitting my lasagne from the order. Sometimes I could cry.
Air’s fiance Leslie had been at a family wedding but returned in time to meet us back at the hotel for a few games of pool. Most enjoyable, from last time I was ten games up and if I reach a margin of fifteen I told him I get to marry Air. I am now twelve up and he had to leave before I could increase my lead. You never know, it may spur him to make an honest woman of her before I ever come back here again!
Monday 4th May 1430
An inspection of the breakfast buffet on Sunday morning revealed that there was absolutely nothing western to be had - not even a fried egg. I can’t see myself staying there again if I ever return.
If anything the return train journey was even more packed, so much so that I confined my smoking to the periods when we stopped at stations en route. At least that way I could get off and stand on the platform rather than be barged out of the way by people pushing past. I spent all night with the sensation I was still on the train.
This morning I went to town for breakfast and was going to do some shopping but ended up just eating and coming back. Instead, I went to the bank just outside of campus and annoyed the tellers by taking all my containers of coins. I do separate them into denominations to make it easier but at one point I had the entire staff bar the manager piling up coins and counting. Fair play, it only took them twenty minutes and the bank wasn’t busy. I was disappointed to have only amassed 773y because it looked so much more.
However, that money is my birthday treat to myself on Saturday. I have booked an hotel in Tongling for the night and will be going to the restaurant where Qing’s mother works to sample again the deliciously sweet and virtually boneless fish they do. And the train only takes an hour.