I have learnt not to expect much privacy living in a lane house. Everyone sees my washing hanging out, they know what time I come and go and they see everyone arriving. This week however, I was surprised to see that someone with very little consideration of her own privacy, moved downstairs into the room… Read More »
I hate the man who lives underneath my bedroom. I really hate him. He bangs on the ceiling with something very heavy whenever he thinks I am walking too heavily across my bedroom. I have taken to sliding across the floor instead, fearing his wrath. Saturday morning came and I was in bed when I… Read More »
Ever since I switched over from summer to winter, the air-conditioner has been failing to pump out much warm air. I have had to leave it on full blast all day just to keep the place warm. So it wasn’t a big surprise when my whole flat was plunged into darkness. After consulting my neighbours,… Read More »
It’s dark enough on the landing and in the stairwell but when I returned home this week, it was like a cave because the man from the next house (not mine) bought this tiny 12sqm flat (cupboard) for his son years ago and is now doing it up in preparation for him returning to Shanghai.… Read More »
It has been very cold recently so I haven’t drawn up the blind in my sitting room. However this evening, it was a bit milder and I fancied seeing some daylight so I pulled the blind up and low and behold, what was behind it but a pile of bamboo scaffolding. Oh fabulous! How long… Read More »
There’s a reason my house is quite cheap. Many of my friends say to me that I am lucky to have such a cheap but well located house. The rooms are a good size, the metro and restaurants and cafes are close by and I am the envy of many. But there are serious shortcomings… Read More »
It’s hard to believe that these are small lane houses mostly inhabited by little old Chinese men and women. The rents charged to foreigners is staggering. Granted, these renovated flats are considerably nicer than those the locals inhabit bit the difference in rent is out of proportion to the difference in standards. Yesterday I was… Read More »