New Kid in Town
So Patrick from Colorado got here yesterday. He was warned that several teachers had not been picked up at the airport with any consistency so when he wasn’t met he was prepared for it. Another big tall guy. Jed is 6’4″ and Patrick is 6’5″ or even 6’6″ so I’m feeling pretty short, even in China. Patrick has lived in Mexico and traveled in India so he should be fine in China. Oh yeah, I’m not the old guy anymore as he is 46. The three of us joined Rian, our boss, for a large banquet style lunch yesterday with many of Rian’s influential contacts at the table. Great food but having to toast every couple of minutes can get out there pretty quick. Don’t worry, I behaved. Naturally there was karaoke right in our room. Rian sang karaoke to a scene from the Peking Opera going completely falsetto to handle both roles. Funny stuff.
The weather yesterday was pretty awful with a very cold rain being whipped about by constantly changing winds. Jed and I decided to chill for a bit at the pad and once the weather calmed down we took Patrick down to the Square and watched some live music at The Habitat. We’ve come to enjoy the smooth stylings of the house band. Or whatever it is they do. Different place but another drunk cop. It was someone’s birthday and they were making pitchers with entire bottles of Chivas with ice tea. I didn’t even order a drink there instead just had the server bring me an empty glass. I managed to have about three or four of this incredible waste of good Scotch. My favorite drink is still a free one but, of course nothing is free and we had more handshakes and hugs than we wanted. Jed and I have gotten good at knowing when to say when and generally as they close in around us we bail. Too bad, missed some of the best stuff the band has. Got a great picture of me with a police badge.
We were finally given physicals and it looks like we are very close to being placed. The physical was quite an experience. I’m weighing in at 72 kilos, whatever that is. The word right now is Beijing or at least the greater Beijing area. Beijing is so western but will be teaming with opportunities. I think I can safely speak for Jed when I say we are just looking forward to getting somewhere. This has taken long enough that I have put out feelers to other jobs in China and have a couple of great leads. My patience and my bank account are wearing thin. I’m extremely optimistic that I can find work whether with Rian or with someone else. I’ll keep you posted at every turn.
Thanks for all the great emails. It really is nice to know that I have such great friends supporting me from afar.
– O