Tomorrow is October 15. It is the day I was meant to start my new job in London, having enjoyed three weeks in Melbourne with family and friends. But — I’m still here! In Melbourne!

I could not get my UK work permit in time so the company that hired me has asked me to stay put. I’ve heard many stories of friends of friends being thrown out by UK immigration for the flimsiest of reasons. It’s not something I want to risk.

So, it seems that I will be house-daughter for at least another two weeks. My housing woes have turned to my advantage. It’s a good thing that the house we did put a deposit on fell through, and that we couldn’t find another house. It means that I’m not paying London rent during this unexpectedly long stay at home.

At this time, I recall my favourite Chinese proverb: ‘Old Sai loses a horse’.

Chinese: 塞翁失馬 (Sāi Wēng shī mǎ)

Here is a link to the story. It’s a good one.