Winter Preparations

Yes, it's getting cold. I've donned my thermals and yesterday I started my shopping in preparation for the next couple of months or so.

Last time I was in China, my best winter purchase was an electric blanket for my bed. Switch it on for half and hour before you get in and by the time you do, it's toasty and warm. It's only on my side of the bed, cos Rick felt it was a step to far for him, but I've no doubt he'll be gravitating towards my side...

I also checked out the following with a view to making purchases later in the week:
- long boots;
- quilted pyjamas (pictures to follow);
- more thermals;
- cosy slippers.

Everyone here is trying desperately to keep warm (though not as desperately as me!) and so there is no shortage of keeping warm devices and clothing in the shops.

This morning we were woken not to the sounds of the campus student security guards on their morning march-around, but operatic-style singing. Further investigation reveal students moving en masses towards the sports field. We ventured outside without our morning coffee (which in itself was quite brave!) and I spotted a couple of my students to ask. Turns out that it was a celebration for 30 years of Pingxiang College. We found a vantage point on top of a building (often quite easy to get to the tops of buildings here!!!) and watched for a while as the students gathered in their class groups and then filed onto the field. They were then talked [shouted] at for a while, before the national anthem was played and everyone was left to get on with their day...

On a different note, I finally managed to get a decent [?] helmet for motorbiking. Rick had got one a few weeks ago. When I say 'decent' I mean a full face solid-feeling helmet as opposed to some kind of plasticky building site style hard-hat with a chin strap. I had had trouble finding one that was small enough for my head (no, I don't understand it either - I have a big head!) and had tried to order one twice without success. We went again today to the same shop and I had the same problem. I even tried a couple of open-face helmets on, despairing of ever finding one to fit me. The suddenly one of the men from the shop [I think he was from the shop, but there were quite a few people milling around outside, so it was difficult to tell] produced the right style of helmet, in the right size and brand. I tried it on and, like Cinderella and the glass slipper, it fit!!! Yippee. Not the best colour - silver, red and black pattern, but fine anyway. Where did it come from? Why did he choose that moment to suddenly produce it? Who knows? Ah China...

One last thing. I also got my hair cut yesterday. As it's very thick, I decided to get it thinned a bit at the same time. Anything that makes it quicker to dry with a hair dryer while the weather's cold. So he thinned it. And thinned it. Then thinned it a bit more. And then did some final thinning. I HAVE NO HAIR!!! Fortunately I started with quite a lot and I'm sure it'll grow back. And it was cheap. Never mind...