I had my initial supplementary class with some students last night. I really must take some classes on negotiation - the starting point had been for me to provide one hour's coaching to one student once a week for which I thought I might charge 10 dinars an hour, or 40 dinars a month - the people here don't earn very much, and I don't want to take advantage of the generosity they constantly show me. Following discussions last night, I am now committed to providing two hours, three times a week, to four students, for 400 dinars a month. Quite a difference, but they're very keen, and I have the time available.
In the few spare moments which I now have I have modified the Tripolibrary web site, and published it following very positive feedback from colleagues and, possibly more importantly, the Embassy. It'll be interesting to see how it progresses now that it's in the public domain. Its address is:
http://tripolibrary.hostbigger.com
This morning, following advice from people who live here, I drove my car into work. It's not legal yet, so I needed to get it off the road where it was liable to either a ticket from the police, or being pinched because it would be untraceable. It's now in the locked car park at work where it'll be safe until I get the licence plates made up. I must say I was a little apprehensive driving in, but after a few minutes, and having taped my right hand to the gearstick to reinforce its location, I began to feel quite comfortable. I decided that I would pick my route carefully and just hope that everyone else on the road kept their distance. This plan worked perfectly - both cars I met at 6.30 am behaved impeccably.
In the morning break I was escorted to my car by my students - they were so keen to see what I'd bought. One said that I should sacrifice a sheep to thank God for giving me such a beautiful machine. They were so pleased for me - hand shakes and congratulations all round. They seem to be clasping me ever closer to their collective bosom.
