Tuesday 4^th February, 2020 1700

Well, it is becoming apparent the situation here is being taken ever more seriously.

Just went to the jing jo shop and my preferred route off site (the shortest, naturally) was completely blocked with a barrier! Jody told me last night and I didn't believe her – the barrier in question has never been used, only the “raising arm” one for vehicular access to the hotel car park.

So I went the long way around and sure enough, security have a desk and a book in which everyone must record their name and reason for being here. Except of course, me. One they don't speak English and two, well, I rather stand out a bit! See photos. The main gate is even equipped with disinfectant spray, for the vehicles I hope!

Note the guard standing watch behind the window. 

And it would seem my prediction may well have been spot on. Remember I said the Peace Corps were ending their involvement in China in summer and I felt perhaps the volunteers wouldn't return after this holiday because of the virus? Well, I am now being told once all the volunteers have reached Thailand they will be flown back to the States. Looks as though I will indeed be the last man standing and ergo, someone they may not wish to fire on a hurry. Not sure whether the French teacher will return, I'd like to think he will, simply because he has an Algerian/French version of the bulldog spirit by my reckoning. Time will tell.

But that may well herald a sea change for me. They will have no native English speakers bar me. I am hoping I will be assigned only English majors and teaching what I am best at – oral English. That is one thing that, if it happens, will dispel my dissatisfaction here.

Mind you, I thought we were a ghost town a few days ago but apart from the guard on the gate and Mr Jing Jo I saw three people today, that's all. And I forgot my mask to boot!

Ah well, it's time to start on that roast chicken Sunday roast.