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Letter 42
Sunday 23.05.10
I use the morning chasing a bicycle for hire. They should have in this hostel,
but unfortunately: "They`re broken". But then repair them for Christs sake!
In the Han Tang Inn they have 2 bicycles, but they are for their own guests.
They`re for free, but as a stranger I cannot even PAY for one. But I can try
Shuyuan Hostel at the South Gate, they have one without a locker, which I might
hire. I go there, but I don`t see it, she thinks it`s too small, but right
around the corner is a hotel, where they also have bicycles.
I can see them outside. For ladies with a basket in front. Fine, but the
reception is too crowded and I don`t intend to hire it today, so it`s delayed.
Today I need to find a plastic plate and a spoon. In this big city you can buy
yogurt, so I`ve bought the stuff to make my own mysli, but it`s too difficult to
sit cutting the fruits into this small cup of yogurt. I need something bigger to
mix in.
I have an appointment with Carly today also. This time there is not doubt about
the place and the time, but she`sb not there. Just after I get a sms: She`s on
her way, she`s in the bus.
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| From "The great Mosque" | My private guide |
Today we will go to the Great Moske, which is famous. I didn`t go there last
time. She`s a guide and enters for free by her guide identity card. I have my
own private guide to show me around. She knows someone, but she thought him to
be in Australia, but he`s not, he`s there - almost. Unfortunately not today, so
the authentic speech from a chinese muslim we don`t get this time.
The moske is entirely in chinese style with 4 yards like a tempel. The holiest
part with the carpets turned towards Mecca - donated from the pakistani
government - is for the believers.
She hasn`t that much time, because she`s going to meet with a guy, that her
parents have found after her recent relationship broke up. She`s not excited
about it, but has accepted. I encourage her to "give it a try" and after having
been to the Childrens Park, we accompany each other back aas she`s going to meet
him in Bell Tower.
She`s told about her wish to meet "Mr. Right", so we agree to call him "Mr.
Maybe"
I each at my hostel. It`s almost only loudspeaking young chinese, this is
apparently where they meet. I pay 10 RMB for a beer, that only cost me 3.5 in
the street, but they have fried rice for 15 RMB at least.
Maybe the prices are alright. I sit looking at the Bell Tower, one of the
biggest attractions, while I eat. The rent isn`t for free I`m sure!
I came to ask her about what happened in 89, when she asked me about the two
Germanys. She knows a lot about it, even she confirms: "It`s not in the books".
All seem to know what nobody OUGHT to know.
Gives me something to think about.
Now I`ll go for the supermarket at the West Gate to find a plate.
It`s a long walk there. It`s a Trust Mart in two floors. I have to search the
entire second floor to find my little yellow bowl and a plastic spoon. For the
price of 8 RMB I can now produce my own mysli in the morning.
I also buy a beer, same brand. Here it`s only 2.20 RMB.
I lay down on the bed - and at midnight I have, as usual, to get up again to go
to bed - with the unopened beer on the table.
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| From The Childrens Park | Drumtower in the night |