Thursday 8^th March, 2018 1845

I met the other vice-dean of the foreign language department today. Last term she was in Shanghai, hence she was a strange face for me but fair play, she had the courtesy to come and make my acquaintance.

Actually I met her twice today. The second was not a particularly welcome occasion. I was informed that a new school has been built on the main campus for certain sections of the foreign language school. As a result, the powers that be (I am unsure precisely who they are but I highly doubt they are faculty) are considering shifting certain disciplines to said main campus.

One class affected would be Pat's, as they are specialising in translation. Obviously I have no influence as to what ultimately happens, nor I gather have the Chinese faculty no matter how senior. It was suggested to me that perhaps they could rearrange my classes (if it transpires) so that I would teach from 0800-1200 Thursdays on Peili campus and then travel to the main campus to teach from 1640-1830. I would be the only person on the staff actually teaching at all THREE campuses!

I was horrified and made it plain. 0500-1800 Weds, 0600-1930 Thurs and 0500-1800 Fri? When would I cook my food? Sleep? Ok if the campuses had canteens which served food I could actually eat I could struggle through but it is out of the question.

And anyway, who on earth uproots everything mid-term? It would not only affect me but the Chinese teachers (who would also be having to teach on two campuses – pinging back and forth like table tennis balls) and the affected students who would have to move home. Utter madness if it happens, and I gather it is not a done deal. I have my fingers crossed it will be left until summer, after which I will either no longer be required here or another Peace Corps grunt will have been sent to relieve me of the extra duties.

Not wishing to appear to be difficult and as regular readers will have observed, I may complain vociferously but nonetheless endeavour to do right by my schools, I have emailed Delia this evening to point out the reasons for my reluctance to embrace what was proposed.

To wit, I would be a Zombie. I would starve for three days. I would not be effective – I am tired enough as it is.

I have informed her that I would do my best to accommodate the school's needs and suggested that if it does indeed happen, I could teach until midday Thursdays and Pat's class I would do on Tuesday mornings. Ok I would be giving up a free day but at least it wouldn't kill me. I await further developments – or not, as the case may be.

Oh, and the self-cooking braised beef? Edible but not nice. The Chinese have a habit of making even the most innocuous foods spicy. And the beef needed braising for another hour. I am hoping the other one I bought (chicken or pork, hard to tell) will prove to be better.