We have now had around 50 lessons of Mandarin, at home or in the home of our 老师 (lăoshī – teacher).

Still today the best word I know how to say is goodbye and I use it widely – leaving shops, getting out of cabs, whenever I want to show off. The smugness never lasts long, because of course then people want to start talking to you, and that’s when the glaze emoticon replaces the smirk.

Tonight I’m saying a temporary zaijian for the third time to Singapore’s tropical breezes (I think we had a bit of a breeze today, no?) before heading back for the annual royal visit. Can’t wait to sip my first cup of London tea, stroll barefoot on the Heath (minding the dog-doo), have a pint in a pub.

I will be bringing my Mandarin homework and trying to finish off Chapter 10, which has been all about buying CDs and bananas in shops.

See you in August, Singers, save us some bananas!
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