The new Beachhutman Blog - Beijing Olympics

Well, I have big feet you see.

A week or so ago on Chaoyang lu, I noticed the display of shoes in Ito Yokado, and as they were 99 RMB (about seven quid) and quite nice, I asked if they had a pair to fit me.

“San She Wu?” I asked (45). The sales girls fell about. I grinned, and showed them my feet. They didn’t quite say “Bloody hell”, but close to it. Needless to say they didn’t have any my size.

It is much the same with trousers and shirts. For shirts I am XXXL in China, and I occasionally manage to get one. For trousers I am a (snug) 36 in UK, but have to buy a 40 in China, and then only if I can find that size.

So one of the absurdities of my life is that I have to come back to UK to buy clothes and shoes that were made in China anyway. Fortunately the buying power of Matalan is such that I only pay twice what I would do in China – were I able to get the sizes. Yesterday therefore took me to Doncaster, and to Matalan in that town. Where I was surprised to discover they now have a woman outside the changing room area counting how many items you take in, and then how many you bring back out. It took me a while to work out why. But then, my “home” Matalan is at Harrogate…..

The house is chaotic. I know I have loads of time to pack up and get out after the trip to Holland, but naturally I am fussing, and doing stuff. Yesterday my chest of drawers left, to a Freecycler. I am filling boxes everywhere.

Good news was that my girl thinks she will be graduating on time despite all, and then is coming out to see me in China in September / October. I’d better start planning, but only after this summer of chaos.

I’m also enjoying my pub. I shall miss it.