RLPF.ar

Extraordinary day today -- something actually went as planned!

After classes today, we headed into the city for two errands: pick up the results of my official immigration health exam and take it to the police station where my visa update and registered residency are being processed. Why is that a problem? I have classes on Tuesday and couldn't leave campus before 2:15, already fairly late for government offices that get backlogged through the day. Despite taking a bus through rush-hour traffic and some nervous clock-watching, we got them both done with time to spare. What's more remarkable, no arguments with tired, overworked officials were involved. It's the only time since arriving that official business proceeded smoothly without misinformation or confusion.

The official word from the health department?

No quarantine disease, infectious disease or any other disease which is highly dangerous to the public health has been found.

... which tempts the reply, "You haven't heard my music, have you?"

I need one more trip into town on September 30 to pay another 400 RMB and collect my passport. That will be four trips into Guangzhou and 848 RMB total for this administrative exercise (not including bus and subway fare). Before complaining too much, I should remember how hard the American INS makes it for Chinese to get, well, basically any kind of US visa.

The next three days are the mid-autumn festival, also known as the moon cake festival for the heavy and delicious desserts that are customarily shared. For me, it's a chance to catch up on composition and relax. Others will travel to visit their families. A longer holiday comes almost immediately after -- National Day where offices close October 1-7 -- offering me another much-needed composition intensive. With luck, I just might make the deadline for the new piece...