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I'm writing this from the hostel, whilst I pass some time until my train this evening. I've got my backpack with me, so don't really fancy trekking round the city.

Yesterday I went back to "love spicy" for some more delicious Chinese food. This time I had half the restaurant staff waiting and talking to me. They recognised me from before and were keen to practice a little English. I practiced a few of my Chinese phrases and then pointed to the food, then to my stomach and said Nom Nom! They smiled. Seems the noise you make when you enjoy food translates well in any language.

On the way back to the hostel I noticed this girl standing in the middle of the rush hour traffic. I set a long exposure on my camera and she stood perfectly still while the traffic whizzed past her. It made for a great shot. At the hostel, I greeted David with good afternoon in Chinese hoping to show him my progress, but it seems good afternoon here is only used from 11am - 1pm. After that its good evening. Fail! Lol!

My new room mate arrived yesterday, an American teacher called Walter. He has been here two months and is teaching English to Chinese students. We went for a beer last night and some 8 ball. We were drinking Carlsberg, but it didn't taste anything like the Carlsberg I'm used to in the UK. We were joined by a German called Andre who is also working here. It was a funny evening as we wound each other up. Andre wanted to know when the English would give in to the Euro supremacy. I told him we'd give in when they called it the pound! He's given me his number to call when I get back to Shanghai for a night out at a fancy dress party.

I forgot to mention that I'd lost my watch when I got here (first day!!!) and had given up hope of seeing it, but asked again last night and they had it behind reception. One of the bar staff had found it whilst clearing up. I asked which one and then gave her some money as a thank you. She point blank refused to take it and I had to spend about ten minutes persuading her she should have it.

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