Shanghai

So yesterday a colleague and I were debating my devious plan to actually leave work on time for the first time since I've been here. We discussed how I should be quiet as a mouse and sneak out like an unseen Ninja….to which we realised, this is me we're talking about so there is a far higher likelihood that whilst 'sneaking' I would trip over the carpet and bring down a filing cabinet…I'm pleased to report my sneaking was successful, I left on time and was i...

My first official work outing. After lots of planning and readjusting of dates we decide Saturday 12th is the best time to get everyone together. It's all very secretive, but we know we're going to the suburbs to do some hiking and it will be very beautiful. Phil's job has continued over the week, the 2 hr commute and the routine of a job has worn him out somewhat and he is ready and game for an exciting weekend. Unfortunately the job did not provide as many o...

After much sabbatical gloating and general peacock parading about having so much free time, Phil realises the life of a housewife, whose main highlight of the day is scrubbing the toilet, is a smidge unrewarding and sets out to find something more meaningful and challenging.Lunch with the ever hard working Lindsey is abruptly cancelled and off he trots to an interview, where he stays for a full day ploughing through tough interviews and practical tests, but...

So it seems the people in the office are fairly sporty. They play badminton, amongst other sports, once a week and the Westerners get an invite. Now, we all know that if Phil excels at a sport, he will be the master of all and you won't hear the end of it. If however, it turns out said sport is not his forte, a bit of sulking ensues. Which way was it going to go?? The Chinese are pretty good at badminton and ruddy hell isn't it 'alf quick! I fear for mys...