Monday 5th September, 2016                             1545

An eventful first day at the office.

It was eleven before I was tired enough to retire last night, two hours later than I had intended but there’s no point laying in bed tossing and turning. Six hours later and before dawn I was dragged out of my coma.

Being my first day I really didn’t want to be late, especially as I only had 3y in my wallet and therefore couldn’t take a taxi to make amends if I missed the bus. Shower, mug of tea, read the news etc and I left just after six-thirty to go to the rendezvous for an 0655 pick up.

It took me 8 minutes to get there, meaning I was a quarter of an hour early. Later, other people started arriving and, suspecting they were also teachers, I asked them. None spoke English but they were indeed teachers. Great. Except when the bus turned up on time and they all started to board, I noticed it was bigger than I remembered and the number plate was different. Hmmm.

Trusting my instinct, I stayed put. A good job too, my bus was 10 minutes late. Had I got on the other one, Lord only knows which university I would have fetched up at! Our driver thinks he is Lewis Hamilton and I have to say my heart is in my mouth the entire journey - especially when I am in the front seat. I find myself constantly braking using the imaginary pedals on my side. I can only assume he doesn’t regularly kill teachers otherwise he wouldn’t hold the job. But this is China………..

So I was late anyway for my first day but at least nobody could blame me. No time for a quick puff before starting, I left Janet behind and said I would find my classroom, 402. Striding into the room I let out a stentorian “Good morning!” only to see the students start in surprise and also the school president, who was in there chatting with them! Oh what the hell, at least it showed them I was keen to get started!

A mere 13 in the first class, we did introductions and I showed my video of Chizhou college. When the second period ended and I said I would see them next Monday they looked at me in bemusement. Little phases me here any more and I took it on the chin when they informed me I had them for the next two lessons as well!

Ok, I had nothing prepared beyond two periods but I DID have my usb stick so at least had films to back me up. Or did I? Despite being assured they had VLC installed on the computer they didn’t and not only could I not get the subtitles to appear, whatever software they had didn’t allow you to pause or take up where you left off. In short, utterly useless.

One of the boys is a bit of a whiz, failed also but then went away to download what I wanted, came back and installed it and we were in business. I am told that the software on that computer will delete VLC once it is turned off so hopefully I now have it on my stick so that I can download every time if necessary.

In the break I had been given the keys to my office and Janet located an ashtray. She was also going to the bank to change my $HK for me. After all was done I went to get my yuan from her and only then did I discover I also have the same class tomorrow afternoon for two lessons! At least this time I know.

During the roller coaster ride back on the bus Anthony sent a message asking about sending my boxes and wanting an answer as to whether I wanted to pay the price. Well he hadn’t told me the cost yet so yet another text had to be sent. My luggage/belongings weigh over 150kg and the charge is 7y per kilo. I have to pay 1050y. Having left him (perhaps naively) 400y, I said I need the stuff, send it, pay day is in a week (perhaps Friday if they pay a day early) and I would send him 650y to repay him.

No, he wanted the money before sending. Someone who was keen at every turn to avow his friendship didn’t trust me? I sent to that effect. No, he just didn’t have that much to spare. Really? Me I understand, an unexpected trip to HK cost about 5,000 otherwise it would have been no problem. Him? Recently had enough money to buy a house and car? No, he doesn’t trust me. Faced with being unable to cook, no warm clothes and the temperature gradually dipping and perhaps another two weeks to wait, I asked someone I knew who would help if they were able.

The lovely Joan to the rescue, who went and withdrew the cash and took it to him. Whilst it is good of Anthony to organise the shipment of my things, I hope he is suitably embarrassed that a student trusted me whereas a colleague didn’t. I have thanked Joan by text but I would also like to do so publicly here.

My passport was returned just now by Brenda, who also took a look at the washing machine and kitchen tap problem. When she suggested they put the washing machine into the bathroom (which is what the Chinese do) I just laughed and asked how I was supposed to fit in there as well - it is only small - and did she not think an electric appliance being showered with water was a little dangerous? I have made my suggestion as to what they should do, which is drill through the stud wall and one aperture will suffice for inlet and outlet. It may have to wait until next week, I am guessing they will have to source the fittings but as long as it gets done.

I am now sweating re payday. I doubt they pay at weekends but they may pay a day early - fine. If it’s Monday I will not quite make it but I am sure I will get through. Tomorrow Harriett is helping me open a bank account and we are meeting at 1220. I hope it doesn’t take ages because my bus to school leaves an hour later!