It is good to hear from you both. @Vera – Yes I am in my new digs. Not ideal – smaller and colder than the previous place, but it is in a great location for the tram into town and the banks of one of the rivers is close too – so walking there will be lovely. The block is small and so far there has been very little noise and seems safe enough. The strike isn’t over – though I think more and more are going back to work as they aren’t being paid. Already thinking about the next move in January and whether getting a bus would be sensible. It is 5 hours with only 1 toilet for the whole bus ….
On the strike – the bus drivers came out on Wednesday (and there was a power cut) and some of the strikers were marching in the street with a heavy police attendance. I thought I was safe behind the police line – until I was nearly hit with a brick. Then the police started firing tear gas – which blew back at “us” – of course they had masks on – I didn’t. I managed to get away but I never want to be tear gassed again!
@Idi – feeling settled now – and here for over 2 weeks more. Not festive – it doesn’t seem worth putting up decorations when I am only here for a short time. I have already started working – which is why you are seeing less of me! I applied, was interviewed and accepted a teaching English job – on-line – all in the one day and have already completed a few shifts. I think applying at this time of the year helped. Demand is high and a lot of teachers are away. The pay is really poor – but then there is very little to do as it is mainly just talking to people and correcting verbal errors. Also I don’t need too much pay – I think it is more concern about what might happen in the future / security. Of course, the problem with low pay is that I will have to put more hours in, so, yes that is why you have not seen so much of me – and I guess I will be here less often in the future. I will try and look in over Christmas and Boxing Day though – as I know that is a difficult time for gamblers. New Year and new resolutions to stop will motivate some as well.
If I don’t see you – have a great and happy Christmas and above all treat yourselves well – you deserve to. (Oh and that goes for anyone else who is reading this thread!)