I know I’ve been beating everyone up with details, but as soon as we both get into school, we’ll get a routine established and life will become normal.  Right now, the language barrier makes trying to set-up everyday life a challenge.  I haven’t ended a day without laughing at myself, and the situations I find myself in.

We’re both up early and eager to start the day.  Judy leaves around 7:00, and as I’m showering…..THE HOT WATER STOPS!  This has the makings of a “TIC” day.  I finish getting ready and leave around 7:40, heading to the train.

Today is “Beijing Subway” at it’s best.  Every car is crammed full.  Officers are on the loading platforms barking orders and helping stuff the doors as they close.  Overall the train ride is very quiet.  Everyone is referencing their phones, some playing games, some email, some video.  I get the passport swap completed and head home.  It has taken 2½ hrs for the ride and walk to BHSF campus and back.

Hot water is now my goal.  I type up comments I might need for UHN management on my translator app, and head to the office.  In the office, I show the clerk the app stating that my hot water has stopped and I need help.  I show her my receipt from the previous week.  After many gestures and a few more translator app references, the clerk tells me she’ll send someone.

I get a call a little later – in Chinese.  I’m not sure what they want, but I’m sure it has something to do with hot water.  20 minutes later, a tech shows up.  I show him what I think is the hot water meter under a bathroom sink.  He takes my two water cards, reads them and slides one of them into a slot.  Something starts whirring and I guess it’s fixed.  I show him where the other meters are, and he gives me the “get lost” signal.  He doesn’t want me to see the secret, I guess.  I just want to know which meter is cold water so I can load the other meter.  A few minutes later, he steps in, waves goodbye, and “that’s it”, we’re fixed.

Judy calls, frustrated with all the meetings and lack of time in her room.  I travel to BISS at the end of the day to help with the bulletin boards.  I think this is the first time I’ve ever covered a bulletin board with paper.  It takes some practice.  I’m glad no one was watching.  We taxi home and enjoy an evening of sandwiches and movies off our computer.