Sunday 3rd July, 2016                     1845

And the rain just keeps on coming.

It looks as if the drainage people have hopefully rectified the system which saw south gate turn into Lake Windermere the other day but we really have taken a lashing with the wet stuff.

Yesterday when I rode down to take the bus, the way around the back of my teaching block was almost impassable - it certainly was for cars. There had been a landslip which had demolished part of the wall and earth and bricks were everywhere. A couple of workers were doing their best with shovels. I was lucky in that for the duration of my shopping trip it was what you might call normal rain, the stuff you get in England. That changed when I returned and went to the office, again it pelted down. The buses currently terminate at south gate so the assumption is that it is still flooded further up the line.

It never stopped last night but when I left to get some photocopying done and pop in the office today it had eased a bit. On my way out from our building there was an army lorry full of troops parked up. I wondered what they were doing here.

I found out when I came back two hours later.

Right next to our building is half a mountain, and one which I have a sneaking suspicion is man-made. At the bottom there is a sort of concrete grid embedded to keep it stable and for the rest of its height there are trees in abundance. Atop it are two fake trees which are mobile phone masts.

By now there were the Chinese versions of JCBs and loads of blue trucks carting away earth by the tens of tonnes. The hill was collapsing. I have long since wondered about the wisdom of building accommodation right under that hill and came to the conclusion that if the whole thing came down, being at the opposite end of the block the avalanche might just not reach us. I hope I am right. About ten minutes ago the chaps in khaki departed, presumably they think they have made it safe. I can’t say I am that confident.

Monday    2300

Tonight I read on the school website that blocks 7 to 10 (I am in 9) were in danger as the “mountain” was “tending to expand”. They referred to these blocks as young teacher accommodation (I am flattered) and evacuated everyone. Everyone that is bar the foreigners!

40 workers plus 36 armed police and soldiers added to the “rescue” effort.

All part of life’s rich tapestry.

Earlier today I went with Anthony to get signatures and stamps on my documents for leaving and also put my expenses in. Unbelievably, after 6 years I was told my e-ticket had to be in Chinese! I told them this was ridiculous and considering an English company issued it, what other language would it be in but English?  Anthony is translating it by hand for me. Madness.

Yesterday when I went to the office I asked (or tried to) when they would be shutting up for the summer. The international signs for Time Out and slitting my throat amazingly fell on stony ground so I came away none the wiser. With exams still going on tomorrow I at least thought I might be able to go there for a few more days but nope, when I went this afternoon it was locked up. I am wondering if I will still be able to get a last haircut.

Andrei and Juliette are off to Paris in the morning so they popped in this afternoon to say farewell. They brought with them a bottle of vino and to my surprise gave me some cash because I had gifted them my washing machine and freezer. It was totally unnecessary, I have had three years good service from both appliances and was quite happy to donate them, however the money was very much appreciated. I wish them a safe flight, good times in France and Romania in the summer (Andrei needs to renew his passport) and hope they have a good year next year with Daniel and whoever else the school take on to replace Richard and Me.