You'll be buggered in China then.

Though in fairness most of the tax collector folks that I know are are of Somoan proportions. A hearty dinner seems to be worth about RMB10,000l. Such things are 'negotiable' here. I think they use tailors though rather than regular shops. Obviously tailros offer a discount as well. If I were to suggest a discount on the tax-bill I'd obviously be being scurrilous (sp).

That said you convince the locals that you are an important Samoan they may build a nice new office block for you. Do a 'find text' for China on http://www.frommers.com/destinations/samoa/3037020543.html Such officials would, of course, be horrified if you were to suggest that China's foregin aid policy is trying to buy the vote of small nations when it comes to Taiwan related UN votes. I certainly would never adopt such a cynical attitude.

Dealing with your question about laundry turn-around time.

Much of it comes down to the drying issue. Solely in the interest of FT (honestly, I'm otherwise happy to have dirty socks ) I have just conducted a scientific experiment, I hung my washing out 2 hours ago and it is now dry, which leads me to suggest that a same-day turnround should be quite possible.

Seriously same-day laundry should be no problem. You may well have to push for it but if you do it will be done. And no extra charge or tip will be due. ;D

PS - Peter N-H = I can't access the websites you link to in you signature. Is thsi a Great Firewall of China issue or a problem with my computer? From what I've seen of your posts you really know what you are talking about and I'd be really interested in whatever else you have to say