I got home at around midnight from the airport. I paid the driver, lugged my suitcase inside, and came up. But the water was shut off in my apartment, so more "camping" for me after a week of "camping" in rural Hunan province.
Next morning, the water was still off. I went down to McDonalds to get some breakfast as I still didn't have food and couldn't make coffee. It's February and 5 degrees F outside. I came back, breakfast in hand. The door won't open...my key won't work and nor will my code. I bang on the door, but it's still the holiday and no one is coming in or out. My coffee and biscuit are getting cold.
I laboriously made out the Notice on the door. It says something about the new door lock being installed, and if you have problems go to the office.
Remember how in September I had to go get an elevator key? Well, good thing, because now I know what door to go to.
So I drag myself over there (still pre-coffee), make a lot of noise until the security guard comes out to help me. I explain that I just got back into town and my key won't work. He helps me learn how to use my (very helpful!) elevator card to access the building and also teaches me the new code.
My building is much more secure. I get my water turned back on after breakfast (which involves a visit to the neighbors and another visit to the office security guard) and all is great.
Except today I notice someone has written the door code in permanent marker above the key pad. So much for security of access.
What will happen next?
