I don't know whether I should feel happy or sad; this has been a day of nothingness.
I did my morning exercises and then had a shower. After that I decided to wash the floor and also tackle the 38 steps leading down to the ground. I should have taken my shower after the floor washing exercise because I was ready for another shower at 10.30am. It's quite depressing, looking under the downstairs neighbour's kitchen cabinets and seeing all the junk lying on the floor and the mouse dropping. I just don't understand how they can take so much care with their personal hygiene but not with the home they live in. Vuth's already decided, when they leave in October, he may not rent it again to other parties. I've told him to keep the damage deposit until the mess is cleaned up. I've gone past the kitchen many times a day since last October and I don't see anything moving - the broom, the mop, the waste bins always look the same. On the other hand, plastic bags seem to be building up day by day. I've never seen them taking rubbish out of the apartment; it's all very strange.
I had a leisurely breakfast on the balcony which lasted until 10am. It's not so hot at that time of day and the traffic has died down. Life went by until lunch time when I decided to wait until after my English lesson - it never happened as the two men didn't show up. It doesn't bother me whether they come or not but I wish they'd let me know as I dress up for their visit. That means changing my shorts and putting on a clean shirt.
By the time I realised they were not coming, I couldn't be bothered with any lunch so I just had yogurt and banana. Bananas ripen so quickly here; I bought mine on Tuesday and they already look miserable. The afternoon went by. I decided to lie on the sofa and read a book. That's something I should never do because, before long, the book is put down and I nod off. I woke up around 3.30pm and read some more. On a whim I checked messages and saw one from my nephew in England saying, "She'll be in at 9-ish." He meant my sister Barbara whom I'd promised to phone. I managed to have a 15 minute chat but had to say goodbye as I'd promised to take the three boys for a fruit-shake by the river. I was told they'd be back from school at 4pm but they finally arrived at 5pm just as I was writing a note cancelling the idea. We wouldn't have a leisurely time because I'd have to bring them back to get ready for Chinese class. I had to laugh because dad suggested going and cancelling Chinese; not mother!
While I was in the travel office I listened to a conversation between two visitors and Meakara. He has the patience of Job. The woman came from Spain and the man from China so questions on visas was so complicated. They were talking for over half an hour, trying different routes to be able to get into various countries. In the end they just walked out. I think travel agents should be able to charge for giving advice as I've seen this happen so many times. I wouldn't have the patience.
Back home I had my dinner on the balcony. We've been promised rain today but now the weather people say it'll be tomorrow. We do need a cooling down. Today it's been 37C inside my apartment. I am able to carry on and not worry about it but there's a heaviness in the air which is very depressing. Maybe 10C in Alberta isn't such a bad idea
