Day of Repair and Reward

The tone was set early by a short circuit on a ceiling light. A 'handyman' came at lunch but spent most of his time answering phone calls on some rental issues. Grace didnt appreciate the guy walking into every bedroom when the faulty light was just in the living area. Managed to get rid of him soon enough. Got another handyman to come during dinner time. Got him to work straight away. Grace even offered him my freezer chilled beer! 90 mins work to shave a door and re-hinge, and 2 ceiling lights. All for RMB50. He also re-gassed one of our aircons for RMB80, cheap considering 2/3 of his body was leaning over a window on 19th floor to do that job.

Today was not a 29degC day as forecast. Felt hotter. Grace had to run a few errants in the afternoon so I took the children to a Japanese shopping mall. Looking for a mobile but they didnt have any model cheap enough for my pocket. Spent most time in grocery section where Grace joined us later. The taxi we took on way home has the cleanest interior I have ever seen in China, possibly the world. The driver said he is required to wash his taxi, including replacing the car seat covers, everyday. Another positive of the Olympics.

Successfully bought our train tickets today to Mudanjiang on Sunday. The Motley Four will share 4 beds in a 'private' compartment. Tickets are difficult to get during the Olympics. There is always a long queue before 6pm at the neighbourhood ticket office though ticket sale starts at 7pm. The resident ticketing agent told Grace her chances getting tickets were slim, but it turned out well. This will be our first train journey to Mudanjiang, close to the Siberian border in the northeast. 21 hours journey overnight. Kristine and Kimberley had lots of fun selecting food and snacks for the train trip. At least one main meal will be at the train restaurant. Next they have to figure out what entertainment books to bring for those hours on the train.

Before Sunday our challenge is to get a few tickets for the Olympics, to be on sale from tomorrow. Grace aims to get tickets to Badminton, Atheletics, and my choice of Hockey which the Aussies were 2008 World Champions. Will need more luck on these tickets than the train tickets. The adventure continues tomorrow.