Chere voyageuse

1 Thailand is in the news. I wondered what news you had had from your lovely daughter. I wonder if you are able to say 'We are a grandmother'. Your lovely daughter will be concentrating on the birth. In the streets of Bangkok, more particularly in the grounds of Government House, the protesters are seeking the overthrow of the recently-elected government. The Economist tells me that the government contain bad guys; yet the government was formed as the result of an election. The challenge is to uphold the process. I wonder if you have heard anything of the events in the city and the country.

2 Glory be. There was scarcely any rain today. I did look out when I got up as there was the possibility of a bike-ride. But the laden sky suggested that though there was no rain falling it would be unwise to assume that no rain would fall later on. I tackled some jobs. I collected my kit. Soon after 1030 I began my training session. Glory be. I completed: the biking exercise, the full - 5k - run, and the trundling. The first completion for six months or more. No aches. No pains. I washed down with a short swim. A pot of tea, a round of toast, and a chat with James Baldwin concluded my time at CH.

3 Alas, alas. Bill revealed the defect in the washing-machine; he could not repair it. I shall report to Top of the Town tomorrow. And to the laundrette. I can't remember the last time I used one. For as long as I can remember, I have been accustomed to putting to-be-washed clothes in a basket. Laundrette - que? Still, there is likely to be a friendly person who will put me right.

4 A visit to the Burma campaign veteran in Crawley hospital. Reception was closed. I couldn't remember the ward. Eventually, I found a ward - sounds odd, but that was my feeling - asked a member of staff and was directed to the man. A friendly nursing assistant made me a cup of tea. Before leaving the ward, I said Hello to the three men on the other side. A timeless place. Still, a better place, I reckon, that the Gables nursing home, where another elderly man is starving.

5 The first week has been accomplished. Let me know what you've learned about travelling in China.

Into the second week .....


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