7th Feb – Saturday
So here I am: at work on a Saturday. Not, however, because I have a policy to write, books to mark or a to-do list to scale. No, I am here because I slept here last night after ‘post busy week’ drinks so I didn’t have to try explaining where I live to an unsympathetic taxi driver who blatantly would not understand my drawling directions. My Mandarin, by the way, is coming on beautifully: we spent a good 20 minutes of last lesson identifying the difference between ‘shi’ and ‘xi’ which in Mandarin sound almost the same. Still it was fun shi-ing away and I’m hoping that after another 20 lessons I may be able to ask politely for a coffee or ask a taxi driver to actually ‘stop here’.
This week has been filled, yet again, with a variety of the weird and wonderful. Last night – before the party – I went to Mr X. Mr X is a strange place where the team lock you in a room which you then have to try and escape from by solving the various clues and puzzles cleverly hidden within, behind and on top of the four gargoyle guardians. Hoping the a microphone did not drop from the ceiling and a huge screen emerge from the wall, which, knowing the Chinese predilection for a spot of Karaoke I wouldn’t have been too surprised by, me and my little group dived in. We actually did quite well and besides the fact that we didn’t escape the room (designed for adults, I think – and yes, I know, I am one) it was something I’ve certainly never tried before and reminded me somewhat of the Crystal Maze which has got to be the fantasy destination of a whole generation…
Other activities have included finding an area where there are a large number of art galleries, much like Al Serkal in Dubai, and wondering around there taking in some sights; going for a Mexican in a random Chinese loft where shisha was readily available; going to the lamp restaurant which is actually called the ‘lamb’ – misheard and misquoted by me, much to the amusement of my Chinese companions. I’ve been bullied into being in the Chinese fashion show which I’m dreading but I do have a very pretty dress and an umbrella to twirl so I’ll focus on twirling and walking rather than not falling off the stage or heading in the wrong direction. I’ve had a swim; eaten lots of cheese; spoken to my dad (first person since I’ve been here would you believe); bought a few Vietnam war films to enjoy on my evenings in – it’s a phase and I’m rather enjoying it; moved to ‘fourth’ in ballet; bought a Nutribullet and thus have eaten loads of celery et al; oh and I drunkenly signed up to a Rugby fantasy league with the help of one of the gappies – I have no idea what to do but thought Holly and Scouse might be proud!
Anyway, it’s been fun. My bike and I are still estranged: unfortunately until the scabs fall off I am unable to ride but they’re crisping up nicely so hopefully we can work on building trust back into our relationship next week.
My flat’s coming along nicely, I just have to get my paintings framed and fitted then hallas, I’m done decorating. So, that’s me. That’s my week. Feel free to message me about yours. I still have no fb at home but I’m on whatsapp and my email works. Happy birthday to my lovely ‘brother in law’ and to dad – sending you lots of love (hope you liked the singing). Speak soon… xx
She went to Shanghai 