Tuesday 15th March, 2016                 0220

Hmmm…..yesterday was a nothing day really. One double lesson late afternoon with the class of “major changers”. A student who came to chat with me last week arranged to come to the office for a chat again this evening and also brought a friend. I think they will be regular “chatters” for the rest of this term.

John from the little school has invited Anthony and me for lunch at Love In Town this afternoon, great because I was going shopping anyway and it is a short walk from the supermarket although I am suspicious as to the motive because he tried to invite us both for Women’s Day. Time will tell. This evening I have to cook the fritatta for Alice and her dormitory mates in return for her cleaning services yet now I find Friday’s planned chilli enchiladas under threat because in typical Chinese fashion one of my classes is having an English corner between 1800-2000 and have invited me as well, naturally. To be fair to them, it’s a lot more notice than I am normally given and it is a pity that I already made arrangements last week. However, tonight I will ask if those attending my dinner can wait until possibly 2045 before eating in order that I don’t disappoint my class. I can prepare everything previously so all I need is to turn on the oven when I get back. I am guessing the food and the prospect of a film might be enough to sway things. I can’t alter it to another day because on Saturday Alice is off to Shanghai.

Juliette told me today she has been asked if she will stay for another year. Whilst I am pleased for her I somehow think I will be getting no such request this year! I have no idea whether Richard will sign up again, perhaps the time it takes to commute to Changsha will prove the deciding factor.

Meanwhile, in other news, Kevin is currently stranded.

He left here on Sunday night and his car broke down in a small town. Well, actually on a highway. The police turned up, organised a tow truck and by all accounts were most helpful. They had the car taken to a garage (closed at night of course) and then took him to an hotel where they proceeded to negotiate a 75% discount on the price of the room for him.

He contacted his Dean to have his classes deferred, expecting to return there today. Maybe tomorrow though because his fuel pump has packed in and the garage has to get one shipped from Nanjing which should arrive this morning. I am no expert but I would hope by mid-afternoon at the latest he should be on his way again albeit with a considerably lighter wallet. The problem is, where he teaches is only a couple of hours or so by car but by train involves travelling in a V with a change of trains and from memory it takes between five and seven hours that way. Ergo, using his car is so much quicker and more convenient. It may though deplete his cash enough so that he doesn’t come and visit during the Qing Ming holiday (tomb sweeping festival).

And no, despite his uni wanting him to sign up again for another year, he is still in what he termed a “shithole” of an apartment. Students here have suggested I go and work there to be with him and whilst it would be great to be close by (he’s bloody handy when the computer goes wrong or you need some DIY) there is no way I am taking a pay cut AND being put in substandard accommodation. I had that when I first came here and thought nothing of it but now with this flat I know what can be provided.

Life is never dull here even if nothing is happening…..