A year at a glance

Ho, ho, ho, cough, cough. That is the Chinese greeting of Christmas, from smoking too much choking while trying to be jolly. Never mind, very bad joke. Can’t blame me, I am not thinking straight. My shoulder been hurting for weeks because of work pressure and stress, I throw my back out last night for no apparently reasons. Merry X’mas.

Shanghai, is beautiful this time of the year, it is foggy, you can’t see anything beyond hand stretch, cold and wet, but tress on Nanjing road were all decorated with multi color blinking lights and stores all had a plastic trees (real tree is not allow) and Merry Christmas. It is honestly beautiful.

The other famous shopping area Xintiandi is shinning bright with lights that can blind your eye as soon as you turn the corner from the dark street of the neighborhood. Shoppers is everywhere rushing from one store to the other, what is missing is the charity events to collect donations for the less fortunate. But then China does not want the world to know that have that problem as well. All is well on the surface.

Really, I am in a great mood, and why not. I finished the most high profile pitch for business of my entire career; I am finally feeling like I belong to the club usually had their door closed shut. Although the door is open now, I am still waiting for the red carpet to roll out.

My other important exciting event happening is my American parent after a year of planning is about to arrive in Shanghai to share Christmas with me. We are going to have a great reunion on this part of the world.

There are many adventure and memorable event thru out this busy year. To name a few: like the visit of my sister from US with her entire family, they bough us rain almost everyday. My old friends visiting from Chicago, Philly, Iowa and New York City, all with their own adventure stories to tell. My Colleagues from New York City were so frighten of the Shanghai traffic, she cream every time she crossed the street. While my other colleague had an early Thanksgiving treat by my international friends here in Shanghai, plus an 8 hours non-stop walking tour, paid tourist price for Chinese tea, in the end he was being treated to a rewarding hot pot dinner and a relaxing foot massage he will not soon forget. Does it worthy it? Sure it does.

My friends from Philly enjoyed fitted with custom tailored wardrobe, massive bargain hunting at the low price knock off mall, in contract, we also had expensive outdoor cocktail at one of the most exclusive club in Shanghai with a view of the Huangpu river high up in the sky, then end the day with French Oyster and Champaign, and cabaret at the Wardrof Astoria, historical long bar. That is why they were a little hasted to leave this city.

My long waited trip to cruise the Yangtze River, otherwise know as (Long river) was a little disappointing since we were accompanied by thick foggy almost the entire trip. Missed the green color of the valley and blue sky, but added much more mystic to the stunning scenery, a perfect setting for a mystery novel “Perhaps the title can be “the disappearance on the President river cruise line” The climb on the yellow mountain one of the 5 most famous peaks in China is worth every soar legs and ankles, of course I did not do it, I too the cable care up the mountain instead.

I had two back to back trip to Italy in April, one for business and the other one to attend my good friend’s Italian wedding, which is a daylong celebration into the night, start at 9 in the morning for church service than head to the country house for a real movie setting Italian country wedding. Food everywhere, free flow of Champaign and wine I was in heaven for the day. The head to my most beloved city of Florence for 10 days holiday and in the Tuscany country with the love of my life make this life well worth living, except no proposal, a too old and too late for that game now.

I went into reality check in Oct while taking a trip to the near by city of Hangzhou. During the ten days National holiday thought I would go to the near by city famous for her silk, dragon well tea and the tranquility of the famous West lake for some R&R. Instead I encounter, pollution, dust from constructions, traffic and human jam. I got lost in the forest around the lake, and the moon is already high up in the night sky, but I hear real owl for the first time in my life. Thanks God I did made my way home and had a foot massage in the hotel, while the madam tried to pawn her worker’s service on me.

When there is a holiday in China, forget about traveling in the country. You will not be able to get to anywhere nor able to get out of the country without paying triple on any fare, if you can even get a ticket to go anywhere.

While I am a little close to home, Hong Kong, I been visiting there a lot more than usual. Although Hong Kong is a beautiful city, but I have no friends there, my visit including food and more food. 4 times a day of duck stuffing style, (or turkey), then sleep the night away. It may be heaven for some of you, not my cup of tea. These are just an overview of some of the more major events through out this year. Since I am also in the international party circuit, I had about 4 parties a week and endless trip to restaurants and get together with friends.

However life here is very real, not just parties, if you want an expat life, you need to learn how to live a balance life style. I never expect this assignment will turn into a life of adventure. I thought I came here work hard for a year or two then go. Instead I found myself entering the most exciting chapter of my life both in professionally and personally, made many valuable international friendship along the way as well.

At the end of 2012, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year. No matter where you are. Enjoy your life. Found peace within yourself and happiness will follow. Hope your adventure is as fun fill as mine.

Love always from fare away corner of the world in a city call Shanghai, stars shin bright above, although bright light of the city drowned out most of her twinkles until 11PM at night, when the light of the city being force to turn off, then once again heaven belongs to the little stars.

 Be strong. Shrine on. 2013 belongs to you.