So I got up at seven, feeling as if I could sleep until midday, showered and prepared myself mentally for my forthcoming challenge.
Leaving at 0815 I trekked to the BRT stop to await the 15 bus. I had thought that perhaps at that time it wouldn’t be too crowded. The stop was heaving. I waited at the front door opening and a bearded, elderly gentleman stood patiently by the middle opening. When a bus eventually arrived it was scrum down by all and sundry. Not a cat in hell’s chance of a seat. I glanced across at the old man and he was thinking the same as me. Wait for the next one.
Same thing happened. Finally at the third attempt we both succeeded in getting a seat. No way can I stand on a jerky bus for an hour. I fully expected to be taken to Five Fountains terminus (Janet informed me it is not Five Streams as I had previously been told) but no, it stopped in a back street and everyone got off. This had never happened before and was quite disconcerting. I asked the driver where I could get the xe arr (12) bus and he pointed vaguely in a direction, in which I duly walked, finding Five Fountains eventually.
Arriving on campus at ten, my plan had been to collar a student to rotate my left arm and shoulder to loosen them up. The event was listed for eleven so I had plenty of time. Or did I?
No sooner had I got there than I was dragged off to compete! Have a practise, they said. I knew I was going to be in trouble before I went but had one warm up throw. Jesus! I was definitely in trouble. That hurt like blazes. With my students looking on there could be no thought of not competing.
I gave the first throw proper all I had and by heavens I thought I did myself a mischief. A couple of minutes later I took my second attempt. This time I literally saw stars. I retired hurt and refused to avail myself of the third and final attempt. I felt I would do very real damage if I continued and after all, I had taken part as promised.
I ended up winning “Best Foreigner” (1st out of one) and third overall (3rd of three teachers!). I think I may be in line for a Ferrari or similar.
When everyone cleared off for an early lunch I departed. I would have stayed but for the fact that if I don’t top up my electricity this afternoon I shall run out before the next electric day on Tuesday. I took a photo of the train station and its mountain on the way back and also of the interior of the 15 bus, which was one of the newer ones. This one however, wasn’t hybrid, it was pure electric. I wonder what distance they get between charges?
All-electric bus
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