On Thursday as intended I took Alice and Cherry for a barbecue (not as we know it, just a cook at table thing) because they had offered to look after the cats while I was away but Mulan did it anyway. Contrary to what I believed, they have actually both been home once during the holidays, albeit for just three days. Highly unusual for freshmen, that sort of thing is normally confined to sophomores and above so I admire their application to their studies.
What was not unusual was the sheer volume of food they packed away! Great to see when you have prepaid for all you can eat! I sat agog as they stuffed all sorts down their throats and had the cheek to comment on the three measly bottles of beer I consumed. They enjoyed it but when we left they wanted to buy some snacks from the supermarket in the basement. Having offered to ferry them to their dorm once back, and having been told they would rather walk, whilst waiting I was somewhat concerned that they would make it for 2030. I had visions of two houseguests for the night. Not a problem but I don’t stock non alcoholic drinks as a rule and it is doubtful they like English breakfast tea.
By the time the bus deposited us at the south gate it was already 2030 so they caved in and accepted my suggestion that I took one, who, if the doors were still open, would ask the “auntie” to wait a few minutes while I fetched the other. First though we had to detour to the classrooms to collect their books. We made it.
Friday night I cooked chilli mince and now have three more meals in the freezer if only I can remember to defrost them first - the microwave is dormant in the spare bedroom because my kitchen counter is chock-a block.
Yesterday morning I did indeed get up early, packed and instead of taking the bike the entire way, parked up and bussed to McD for breakfast, no strawberry jam yet again. Rather than bus back to the station and lug my case up the ramp (weighed down by red wine and jing jo) I took a taxi so I could be dropped off at the top. I had enough time for a cigar in the smoking room before we boarded. Now get this - the round trip involves four trains and EVERY ticket is for carriage number two. Not only that but by the time I get back tomorrow night my seats will have been 1, 2, 4 and 5 - another train and I could have had a clean sweep with seat 3!!
Anyway, my seat was occupied. Three lads sitting together but with the two facing seats free I said as long as nobody else came I was happy - I didn’t want to sit by the window and have to get people to move every time I wanted a smoke. The train was half empty, a rare luxury in China. It later transpired the lad sitting in my seat (5) and who was adamant he also had 5, did in fact have a ticket for seat 50! I only asked to see his ticket because had we both been issued the same seat I was going to complain. Stupid boy.
It was only a 2 hour trip to Wuhu where I had to change trains for Ningguo. No such thing as being in transit on Chinese trains - you have to leave the station and then re-enter and go through security all over again. And just my luck, yet again in Wuhu I had to climb to the 3rd floor for my train access point. I did though manage a cold beer in between and on the way back may even have some noodles for lunch seeing as I will have two hours to kill instead of one.
As I sit here typing my body still feels as if I am on the train. It seems the older you become, the longer the motion effect takes to wear off.
Anyway, on arrival, having left glorious sunshine in my wake, I met torrential rain. Helen and her mother were there to meet me and they had an umbrella between them. I had nothing - typically British because after all, only mad dogs etc. They wanted to wait for the downpour to subside (it didn’t look as if it would any time soon and indeed carried on for an hour) but I said we should get a taxi and strode out into the rain, much to their horror.
Assuring them it was just water and that I could dry out later, they followed, however, taxis were being snapped up as soon as they appeared. It seemed as if I wouldn’t get simply wet, rather a damned good soaking. Until that is, an enterprising three-wheeler electric cart chanced along with a shelter made of polystyrene covering the back, a small thwartships bench and a tiny stool. “Go and get your Mum” I told Helen and off she went. We travelled in rickety style to the hotel, probably for a fraction of the cost (Mum paid) and I checked into Trip Advisor’s number one hotel here.
Advertised lobby bar? Oh yes, for tea and coffee! Western restaurant? As I hinted at before, not a chance - breakfast, if I go down (seeing as it stops at nine even at weekends) will be fruit, yoghurt and if I can face it, sweet Chinese bread. I think a pass is in order. However the room is comfortable and clean and bonus - there is a fridge!
Now, for months I have had a checklist written down which I go through to ensure I pack everything I need for a trip away. Essentials such as waiter’s friend, medicines, tea bags etc. I need to add to it. Recall the last trip I forgot my mouse? This time I remembered it but forgot the bloody power lead! I remembered the mouse though.
So once my gear was in the room it was off with laptop tucked under my arm to a computer shop. To my relief they had a lead and transformer which cost 90y. I then asked if they had a bag, meaning anything to stuff the laptop (it’s a big heavy one) and lead into for carrying to the restaurant. Out came proper laptop bags! What the hell, I bought one for 60y so my little senior moment in the morning cost me 150y but now I can leave a power supply in the suitcase so it never happens again.
Ningguo is by Chinese standards tiny but certainly seems to have plenty of shops and restaurants. I was taken to a place (see photos) which was fine and the food edible. They probably do some great dishes for me but the menu is in Chinese so I am at the mercy of Helen. Mum insisted on paying so we have done a deal where Helen brings her friend and hopefully Dad can come tomorrow too and then I will pick up the tab. Our repast was relatively frugal, with the girls choosing some awful looking tofu dish, a tasty plate of sliced potatoes with peppers and I chose the only one of the few photographs on the menu that looked suitable. I thought it was steamed dumplings but it turned out to be meatball soup! Not gourmet fodder but it filled a hole. Maybe tonight I will ask for a detailed rundown on the menu, or better still it will be printed in English as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment