Ice-skating

A's 9th birthday party, delayed from a week ago, was held at our local ice rink. Ten girls, half an hour on the ice, four pizzas, one fabulous cake and half a dozen parents made for a pleasant morning. I didn't skate myself, though Liz did. The last (and only) time I went skating was at Streatham Ice Rink some 20 years ago. Never roller-skated either. Not sure why; never really appealed.  

White again

Another welcome music offering, at a good little club called 2 Kolegas, next to a drive-in cinema, just a short hop on the bike from home. Mainly went for White who opened at the unearthly hour (for me) of 11pm. Zhang Shouwang on electronics and Wang Xu (from The Gar) on drums: just as immediate and impressive as when I saw them in February. 

There were three French, or semi-French, acts afterwards, part of their month-long festival, Les Croissements. Caught a bit of Chapelier Fou who played electronics, violin and guitar, but the attractions of the outdoor bar, conversation (which you could actually hear) and a warm evening proved too much. And I missed the 'headliners' - We Are Not Invited and Pet Conspiracy - completely as 1am came and went. Just can't take late nights nowadays.  

RIP in Perth

Claude Stanley Choules, the last living First World War veteran in the world, died today, aged 110. He was in the British Navy. He also served in the Second World War, for the Australian Navy having emigrated there in the 20s. What a life he must have experienced. He and his wife  were married for 80 years (until her death aged 98) which must also be some sort of a record; they had 3 children, 11 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. 

Choules ended his days in Perth, which is also where Liz's Uncle Lambert died several weeks ago, aged 85 (positively premature compared with Choules). He was a teacher by profesion but a Cornishman through and through, and helped set up Mebyon Kernow, the Party for Cornwall, in 1951, becoming its first Secretary. Later he moved to (what was then) Rhodesia and South Africa before retiring to Australia where his daughter (Liz's cousin) Gwyneth lived. We visited him twice there. He was a mischievous gent with a constant twinkle in his eye. I'm glad I knew him. Needless to say, we missed the funeral, and that of my own Uncle David who died a few weeks ago too, though not in Perth. 

Back to the fray

Back to work and 450 unopened emails (which I managed to get down to 50 by the end of today - a victory of sorts). Girding my loins for a very busy month ahead. Serves me right for going on holiday. 

Liz's birthday

One of the quirky benefits of being in the employee of Her Majesty's Government (sort of) is that I got today off in lieu of the Royal Wedding last Friday. Which couldn't be better timed as it's Liz's birthday, and the children are back at school - so we have time to ourselves.

Presents in the morning, lunch amongst the galleries and preserved factories at 798, and foot massage in the afternoon near our home. This is a first for me, which is strange considering we lived in Thailand for four years. The masseurs are supposed to be blind but the two who pummelled, kneaded, jabbed, scraped, slapped and yanked at our feet looked visually unimpaired to me.

We finished off the day at a Cheese & Wine place, 100 yards from the foot place. (There's a joke in there somewhere). It's been open for a few months now, run by a French guy. Great to have time alone, even if it was to plan the girls' birthday parties.

Obama 1 Osama 0

So, ten years on, justice is done and Osama bin Laden is no more. I was thinking of Kath, my flatmate from the 80s, as we watched the news. She'd moved to New York to marry an American, Charlie, and was one of the victims that awful morning... and there he was Charlie Wolf, talking to the BBC at Ground Zero. And here's a piece from the Llanelli Star, Kath's hometown. Some sense of satisfaction for Charlie. RIP to Kath. 

Back to Beijing

Our holiday is over so off to the little airport we go, but not before I finally try yak butter tea at breakfast - which is surprisingly tasteless.

It's been a great holiday and very easy-going with our friends from Shanghai. No bust-ups, no children tantrums and no indiscrepancies over who pays the bills.

Back in bustling Beijing by early evening, a million miles from the relaxed atmosphere of Shangri-la...