Week-2 Oct 29 Shanghai

Week-2 (Oct 29th 2011)

I made it thru the second week at work. If you are like me strive on hard work, and long hours in the office this place is for you. However even for me by Thursday it was a little too much. After finish two major presentation and teaching the team how to work. I was ready to leave at 6:30 and find out that a major presentation for Friday was falling apart, and the team did not have any concept and no one tell me. I was always prepared; you think I will not have anything in my back pocket, just in case? I kept them there till 12Pm, but left at 10. And it is all worth it. I had proven my keep on Friday for two back-to-back presentations. What a relief that was.
I was also trying to get my apt settle.
This is the part I don’t think any foreign will have the patient to deal with it. First I got the apt, then I had to set up all the utilities. That was a norm, just like the US. Thanks to the help of the realtor, and my assistance. That is a breeze. However no one takes checks. So I have to go to the bank to get cash for the deposit. That was 43.500RMB for the two months deposit. Very cheap in comparatively, I luck out.
I am trying to paint you a picture that I have to get my passport, my bank documents, and a big secure bag, that will fit into my backpack. Walking into the bank like that, the guard will stop me of course. This is not my usual bank I go to, they recognize me, because I go there almost every day to make a fuss. Never the less, the branch that open is on the underground, so no one even know where it is. After stop in three hotel I finally found the bank in the middle of the “ People’s park” two levels underground. If I want to rob one, I think this is a perfect location, in the metro station.
Never the less, have you ever get that much cash out of a bank? (Not in the USD sense) It is like in the movies. You bring a bag, and they gave you stacks of money. You put it in, and worry all the way. You run across the street, with sunglasses on in a cloudy day, and hop into a passing Taxi. Picture that.
I also have to go to the bank just to set up and monthly transfer of my rent, and I had to pay it monthly. They do not do auto deposit. That was another trip.
The story goes on. The agent will on take the deposit, and not the first month payment. That means another trip to the landlord’s bank. Just to pay rent.
That is only the beginning. TV you have to pay local TV station that is state own, and if you want cable. You have to contact another company. So that is two trips.
The Mobile phone and Internet does not link to a single cable company. Therefore more time spend. Then I have gas, electric and water all come in from different utilities company, although all state own. Plus I can buy a stamp and send a check (China has no check) nor I can pay bills thru Internet, thanks God I am getting a maid, that park of her job besides cooking cleaning, washing and shopping. I also find out that I had to hire a driver just to go shopping. I am not sure I like all these craziness. On the other hand, that is the norm. All I say is WOW.
Any how. My apartment is ready, and it is three bedrooms. On for me, one for my computer, and may be one for you. I also have a pull out bed, and a view. Half the walking distance from my condo in NY to Time Square, you will enter one of the many mega shopping centers. I also discovered a great expat grocery store, kick whole Food’s ass. That is also big money.
Tomorrow, the Internet people is getting Internet install at the apt, my company also send the IT team to my office to install WiFi. I feel like I am in a games bond movie, there are save in the closet. Three level of security before you can enter with a full body scan. So I can see who it is on the intercom, before I let you in. My be they just wanted to know what I send out in email. That is what my cousin told me. Some of you may think that is nut. I think it is a great experience for me. Now I know how hard it is to get things done. I found a lot of the young people here are eager, and intelligent. They are so nice to me; I only have good experience so far. Have you ever been a guest in a hotel after two week, you took over the concierge counter, and use their phone, and the actually let you?
In the morning, I am not long need to let any one know I want coffee in the dinning room, and not the EU coffee, but American coffee’ so bring me hot water as well? Plus the bell man always help me to tell the Taxi where I wanted to go, because I told them I was taken for a ride. I think they must think that I am one great big helpless, dumb American. Know nothing but work out and have dinner in the pub every night.
One thing I am still not getting use to is the taxi ride, I am scare to jump in, but it took so long to get from one place to another I have no choice. So I just the pack. Taxi and Taxi out. It will make you sick. A cross town ride cost 14 RMB, about $2.25. In New York, it goes two streets, not blocks.
Food is a little hard to get use to Shanghaiese food. It is greasy, lots of fatty pork with thick skin, and eyes. The buns and dumpling are delicious, until you saw the oil that is left behind. I ordered a lot of vegetable, but that is spicy, and they use a lot of strange preserved vegetables. However, a Chinese take out $3. USD a night, lunch $1.5 USD per serving. While a spoonful of spaghetti is $20 USD, and a club sandwich with more eggs is $18. What do you think I will go for?
However, You can also spend a lot of money if you are in the tourist area. Even with you go there, you will not get stick shock. I am use to NY price.
I can go on for many pages. Until later I am stopping now.

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