Thursday 2^nd November, 2017 1515

I did go to the cave market in search of a jacket but as usual every stallholder took one look at me and shook their heads. Except one.

I tried on one jacket which fitted but was about a foot light in the girth department. Undeterred the woman produced another, which amazingly will not only do up but didn't need a fathom chopped off the arm ends.

How much? 260y. Happy enough just to have found a jacket, I never bothered bartering. Then she urged me to try trousers on. I didn't really need them but I was curious as to how much more I had to pay to get the whole suit. No, 260y WAS for the suit!! Ok, and some may find this hard to believe, the waist was far too big but my belt will sort that and failing that, the one pair of braces I brought with me to China will definitely work.

Fifteen minutes later she had shortened the legs and I was on my way. I will certainly not stand accused of not representing my institution smartly. I wouldn't have anyway but in myself I wouldn't have felt entirely comfortable sat on a stage in just a shirt and tie.

That of course has put the khybosh on making pasties because the water was off when I went to take a shower. It's back on now but I still need to shower so chilli enchiladas it will be. Annie it appears is excited by the prospect if her texted reply to my invitation is anything to go by!

English corner will be swerved tonight. My mind won't be on it and will be cogitating over what I may have forgotten to pack in my case. And simply because I will have a case in the morning you can bet your bottom dollar the school bus will be cram-packed.

I suspect this will be the last entry until at least Sunday, I shall be somewhat otherwise engaged in the interim!