Monday 2nd October, 2017                1930

Human nature will remain a mystery to me until I die. Okey Dokey always (at least to me) meant “yes” but apparently not any more. Annie has had her phone switched off all day so now I am wondering if information previously received was in fact correct.

Whatever, when life kicks you in the round things often enough (and it certainly has, especially here) it stops hurting and all you care about is how much money having faith cost you. This time nothing.

So instead of shopping, Japanese and a bar I went to Buddy’s for sirloin. For 107y including a beer I wish I had cooked an omelette at home for 10y. A lump of meat, pot of mushroom sauce and a minuscule portion of assorted lettuce does not to me constitute a meal. I had to order chips as extra just to bulk it out. Plus, I was the only customer. I wish now I had tried their mozzarella stuffed meatballs at half the price.

Afterwards I decided to go to Homwo to buy a gravy boat. It seemed sensible, having had to make do with a soup bowl and spoon the other night. That bloody shop makes you walk miles just to go in and out and they sell everything BUT gravy boats!

I did however notice that following my complaint about the kiosk advertising hotdogs but never actually having any that they have rectified the situation. They took the signs down! I was tempted to ask for the curried fish balls to see if they had those and maybe get another voucher but resisted. Next time……..

Joan told me earlier her parents are facing a government land grab in January (I am guessing I won’t get to see her after all) to make way for development. China is very different to the west in such matters - the compensation paid doesn’t even cover relocation and purchase of a new home, let alone loss of livelihood. I never knew before that her parents are farmers. Farmers in China earn stuff all for their labours and considering without them nobody would eat, they are accorded scant respect. It is a mindset I have steadfastly endeavoured to correct during my time here - as I hope Joan will confirm.

I wish there was something I could do to help but if I made waves I would only end up in prison and/or booted out of the country. Moving home of your own volition is stressful enough but against your will? Joan, I told you before and I repeat now, if there is anything I can do without losing my liberty or livelihood, just ask. I am too old to be incarcerated in a Chinese jail and anyway they don’t serve beer!

On a happier note, I am now, or shortly will be, officially an international film star! Finally THE film is about to hit the big screen and I have been promised a copy yet again. Many thanks to Joan for giving me the Chinese name so I could find the link to the trailer. Blink and you miss my millisecond appearance at 1m26s but I have to say, I want to watch it all now. It looks to be far better quality than I was expecting.                    

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGw0r02GyAw