So much for the western offerings at the breakfast table. I handed my coupon over, walked around the buffet and strode straight out again - not even a pot of yoghurt and somehow spring rolls simply don’t take my fancy early in the morning. Overall though, not a bad hotel and had I been forewarned about the restaurant I could have spent another hour in bed. Helen, Mum and Dad attended my room bearing gifts of two large bottles of Jing Jo and two chuck away lighters. I made them all tea which they politely drank and they escorted me to the station and waited on the platform until the train left.
For some reason (maybe the early morning) the train trips back knocked the living daylights out of me. I did go to the little café at Wuhu station, where they couldn’t understand Chinese either (Jen Jowza = fried dumplings) so it ended with me rummaging around in their freezer, finding dumplings (looked more like mini wontons) and pointing to the wok. I received them ten minutes later not fried, sitting in hot water. For a mere 5y it was at least food, although the meat content of each dumpling was the equivalent of two grains of rice. As it turned out that meal had to do me until Tuesday morning.
No journey of mine would be quite the same without some calamity occurring on the return trip and this one didn’t disappoint. I alighted the 29 bus at the south gate, pulled up the telescopic handle on the suitcase to start wheeling it to my bike and found myself lugging an unusually light load. The handle had parted company with the struts and my case was sitting malevolently on the road so I was simply clutching the handle. Great.
The reason for eating nothing was that I was so dog tired by the time I returned I was falling asleep in my chair so preparing food wasn’t high on the list. I went to bed really early but made sure to get up early enough to go to town for breakfast. I also needed to buy a new overnight case and in RT Mart obtained one for a reasonable 200y.
Kevin arrived back, having flown from Guangzhou and was obviously knackered as he took to his bed immediately but not before agreeing we should go out for dinner. So he and I, Vivi and Alice all went to the restaurant we had been to with the little school, only to be told they had no tables. Brilliant. Kevin suggested we try Jeff’s place (although whether he still owns it or not I am unsure) which was very busy but a table was found. Having eaten in the morning I couldn’t face much but the other three made valiant efforts, although the remains of the whale Vivi ordered did get stuffed into doggy bags for roommates. A pleasant evening with the Chinese contingent on the adjacent table being very friendly and gambaying with us frequently.
Today the itchy feet won. I spent the morning surfing to decide where to go and for how long. Prudence told me if I wanted a decent hotel I can really only go for one night lest I run out of cash before payday. It was Ma’anshan at first until Anna sent me a message out of the blue. Of course! She is in Hefei! And what is in Hefei? Bitburger and a superb English breakfast at the Holiday Inn! The room is booked for Saturday night and Anna will come back to school on the train with me - one last bit of travelling before getting back in the saddle.
Shortly I am going downtown in search of a haircut (I am getting into the realms of soon needing to use a comb), some more wine for my stocks and a couple of baguettes. I am defrosting chilli mince so Kevin and Vivi can have some as well but in case it isn’t enough the bread and butter will augment it. Tomorrow I will take the bike to the station to buy my ticket to Hefei. The return one will have to wait until I see Anna so we can sit together.
As this holiday draws nearer an end, once again I find myself anticipating the masses returning and although Joan has had precious little time with her family I can’t wait for her to come back.
1700
Well I thought the above would be the end of this entry but it isn’t.
Have you ever had an occasion where you really wish you had turned around, hauled one off and laid someone out on their back?
My peaceful afternoon of shopping started off well, I got my favourite seat on the bus, discovered I had lost my lighter and so paid for five at my cigar stall (they very kindly gave me six) and spotted a barber shop up the alley. In there I was ripped off for double the normal price (usually it is 10y) for a simple shear with clippers, short all over but no matter, I needed it. Next was RT for some essentials (splashed out on two packets of M&Ms) and then narrowly missed the 29 back to school.
I sat down and lit a cigar. A minute later a smartly dressed chap wearing black t-shirt and casual trousers with shaven head in his early thirties sat next to me and lit a cigarette. He sat there smoking while the 6 and 11 buses came and went. Then the 10 hove into view with the 29 on its heels.
I got up, gathered my shopping and went to meet the bus. The moment the doors opened I found myself being pushed from behind. Considering not only was there no rush but no crowd either, it rather annoyed me being shoved from the back. Little did I know at that point it was Mr blackshirt. On the third push I had had enough and so pushed back, half turned and wielded my right elbow accompanied by a seafaring expression that was intended to offend. As I realised who it was, Mr Blackshirt casually turned away and strolled off in the direction of New West Street.
I got on the bus, popped my 2y fare in the slot and then suddenly, horrifying memories of St Petersburg a decade ago flooded my mind - only this time the best I could manage would have been a brisk limp were it needed. The bastard had been trying to lift my wallet.
I patted my pocket and it was still there. I checked another pocket and my phone was there. He got nothing but could so easily have ruined my little weekend excursion. I assume I have to thank my elbow for seeing him off but really, if only I had realised sooner, I would have removed all his front teeth without thinking twice.
No wonder students tell me they lose their purses and phones on the bus. And there’s me telling them they should be more careful. It nearly happened to me today. I do so hope to encounter the chap again. Whether he does anything or not he will know pain and when the police come I will swear he had his hand on my wallet.
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