So, Pipka made it to China intact, and decided to up the ante on her intensive language course by participating in a multiple wisdom tooth extraction exercise at a local clinic. It started with wire-tension phone calls from her and her Mum, and ended with Pia casually announcing her health over the phone in an Elmer Fudd voice (being pumped with local anaesthetic).

All is well, however, and the trip continues as planned. Pia’s Dad seems to be the most chilled-out person in the family. I’m sure that has nothing to do with his work… in refrigeration and air conditioning. Ahem.