Judy has the regular end-of-school regimen of check-off sheets and turning stuff in that occurs at every school throughout the world. It’s one of the “joys” associated with teaching. To add to some of the confusion, several of the forms haven’t been updated, and items on the check-off list don’t really have to be checked off. It would have helped to know that before she started chasing around the campus finding the person in charge needed for the sign-off.

I decide to go the TT club, but instead of walking, or taking a taxi, I take the train. It’s not as easy as it sounds. I know my destination, but when I come out of the station, it’s midday, and I can’t tell east from west, or north from south. I can’t read the street signs, and even then, it’s confusing. The club is on Hepingli West Street, which runs parallel to Hepingli East Street (several blocks apart). Connecting the two is Hepingli North Street, and somewhere nearby is Hepingli South Street. My iPhone map saves the day. I had to start walking down the street a few hundred feet, and then check my progress on the map to determine which way I was going.

I eventually found the club and had a great morning of TT. I played several different people, and spent lots of time with one guy who could speak a little English. He had some really random questions. We had to stop playing several times to reference a translating app.

Around noon, I catch a taxi back towards the apartment. I detour the cab towards the Subway sandwich shop for lunch. It’s jammed with a lunch crowd, so I settle on a burger at Bluche, a few doors down. After lunch, I walk to the Marriott for a swim session, and then eventually make my way back to the apartment for a nap.   Life’s rough when you’re retired.

I join Judy at BISS around 4:00. A big tradition at many international schools is the “Leavers Party”. Most of the activities are organized by the “Stayers”. There’s a meal, a video, and a presentation by the “Head of School”.   It’s a nice evening, and lots of goodbyes. We won’t see many of these faces again. They’re scattering to destinations all over the world.

Someone set-up a laptop with Photoshop and some “accessories” at the entrance to the “Leavers” party.

Deb & Graham – headed to Cambodia next year.

Shannon and husband Dom