Am I still here?

[sleepyscholar]

I should mention that my identity here is 'Sleepyscholar' because that is the Chinese pseudonym I decided I'd try to adopt if my novel ever got published. It's short for 'The Sleepy Scholar of Zhenfu'. 'Sleepy Scholar' is a nod to the pseudonyms used by famous Chinese poets. Zhenfu is the name of the area I live in, which is actually named after a

Comments

[tchernabyelo]

I just thought you were "sleepyscholar" because you dozed off for several months between posts :)

[sleepyscholar]

Well, the reason I chose 'sleepy scholar' rather than 'Bamboo Immortal' or whatever was because I am often sleepy, and I work at a university.

So yes, that's also true.

[sleepyscholar]

No chance. The only advantage citizenship would confer on me would be the vote, and since I don't want to vote for any of the politicians, that's not much of an advantage. Added to which, I have learned from the case of Debiddo Arudo, an American who took Japanese citizenship. He found that in many cases it is no more than a piece of paper. Citizenship didn't stop him being refused entry to a public bath.

I'll stick to being a citizen of a European country. Far more useful when travelling.

[mylescorcoran]

Good luck with the move, even if the district proves not be make as melodious a pseudonym.

[sleepyscholar]

Thankee kindly. I was thinking of you today, actually as (with deep reluctance) I consigned a bunch of A&Es to the bin.

[mylescorcoran]

All things must pass, I suppose. I have reams of old A&Es I'm reluctant to trash, including the more recent ones that I have electronic copies of. Rationality was never my strong point.

[nonesuchhouse]

Congratulations in order! We have started a slow burn decision to move, which we hope will mean plenty more room for visitors once achieved (or toys).

Weirdly I'm missing your flat(s) at the thought of you moving.

[sleepyscholar]

You're going to move? Wow! That's the UK property scene for you. In my case, this will probably be my last move. Japanese house values plummet immediately after purchase. The only viable market here is for land, not houses, and this induces considerable stickiness.

I can understand your comment about missing the flats. I was just thinking to myself that I, too, would be sentimental about leaving them if I hadn't stayed here about 10 years too long!

[nonesuchhouse]

Moving is not ideal, but we might be in with a chance of getting a place with a garden for the kids (dead handy) and a second toilet (for visitors and kids - more dead handy).

This should be our last move before retiring to some run down Innsmouth like seaside resort where we will grow old and some gills.

Best of luck with it all.