Week 10 Happy New Year Hong Kong style
Jan 2012
Christmas come and gone although it was my favorite holiday, it was not the same here, when there my family and friends are far away and Christmas means only one thing to the Chinese— mega Shopping, not giving. I have not seen one charity asking for donations that may come when Chinese New Year comes around yet remain to be seen.
Over the weekend I had experienced my first business related Chinese yearend celebration. It was a little over the top for an expat likes myself. It was an all expends paid long weekend to Hong Kong. For over a month there were email to remind every one must get their travel document as well as visa, for mainlanders they need special permit to enter Hong Kong, the special economic zone. It is not like you can just buy an airplane ticket you will be in New York three hours later.
The anticipations built as the week approaching and the workload is heavy in the office. The night before some of my staff work till time to head to the airport without getting any sleep. It is all worth it to them because the city of Hong Kong is the ultimate destination to majority of the Chinese in the mainland. Only the rich is allowed to enter, even for the most jaded Shanghaies. A visit to Hong Kong is on the top of their bucket list. That was an eye opening experience to me.
The other culture shock when I approach the immigration port of entry area. I was amazed the line to the checkpoint for equally long for both the Chinese Nationals as well as for foreigners. I suppose that happens some times in any popular international destination in the world. The different is that since I carried as Hong Kong ID card as well, I can zip thru the e-pass window with my picture already in the system as well as my finger pint. That repeated at the departure point as well. I suppose “card carrier’s does had its privileges”, and this is not an American Express commercial. Got the picture? You must see Ed in action. Everyone was shocked. To be honest, I did not know that until this trip. I always enter China with my US passport and waited on long lines. Wait no more from now on.
There is a very famous shopping street in Hong Kong for knock off products and cheap clothing call the “Lady Street” on Kowloon side of the peninsula. I never understand the attraction, I was there 5 years ago, and found nothing. However that was not the case for the mainlanders. The flock over there like fleas smells blood. That was so sad, if you were in Hong Kong and not buy real luxury items its like going to a steak house and order a salad. However a few of them did went to shop for Gold and diamonds. The difference is that they buy in bulk. Money is no object for the mainlanders, plus these are all cash sales, you need strong shoulder and a well-constructed bag to handle the weight of money. Except my backpack is only full of tissue paper. Therefore no shopping for me, plus if I ever became the target of pickpocket, all they end up is rolls of softies.
Never the less, I did purchase a “REAL” mobile phone for the first time in my life. I think it is really wasteful to spend that much money on a phone, left bad taste on my mouth, unfortunately I need a good phone in this part of the world. (like a 24 Karat plus diamond studded) status mobile phone, that could gave you a massage while you talk on the phone, this is for real, no kidding, although my phone is far from the luxury. But it does do massage (no misspelling here) if you need one like that you let me know. : ) Finally my phone is not one of those promotional item can only do one thing at a time like I always had.
Imagine I can walk around with my phone like a big shot with their trophy wife on their arm. It does feel good even if I do not know how to operate it properly yet, ha ha. Can see I am no longer culture shock, I decided to joint the living “ It”. Next thing you know I may be speaking perfect Chinese.
Yes, award dinner. I remember going to Christmas dinner with Tux and here, I can even wear jeans to the award dinner as a presenter for a couple of the major awards. Let be clear, we are in the hotel after an elaborate dinner, that was dry, not a drop of alcohol was served, and the awards I was presenting is not one of those plaques that collect dust on the shelf in your office either. It was cash.
That was appreciation of hard work, opening the vault, there were expensive prices as well. In the end, the boss emptied out his wallet and give out cash as if there was no tomorrow. You should try it some time you will definitely get the “ HIGH”; I was dizzy just watching money drop from heaven gate. That was another Chinese tradition I know nothing about. Wow, I can wait till next week when bonus is being given. May be I will get the cow. I mean the “CASH COW” not the Wall Street “bull”.
The next day it was serious shopping time, the sight in Hong Kong does not matter to the mainlanders. Instead it was consumer goods. Most of them are not patron of the upscale shops, that left to the Korean the Japanese, as well as the westerners to spend their cash. Instead they were mostly bargain hunters. They buy with cash, and that is real buying power with the “CASH SENSE.”
These are thing that I beginning to understand and appreciate the value of the people in the mainland. They may be materialistic like us, but they do not over extend themselves. If they do not have it, they do not buy, if they do, they spend within their budget. That is smart management of your wealth, some thing we should learn from.
Well, that is another two weeks in China, and my life is starting to get a little more settle in. I have not even explored the city yet, really looking for my adventure in the months to come.
Chance Encounter Hong Kong 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
week 9 Dec Shanghai
Week 9th Shanghai.
I survived another week in Shanghai.
It is not too much of an exciting week, since I am started to get use to all the so call indifferences as I saw it and accept things as they are. Am I giving in, far from it, if you even think that way, then you do not know me at all.
All week long I was looking forward to the Inter Nation gather, and what is exactly is Inter Nation? It is a world wide organization that is establish for all expats in different countries a place to get to gather to net work, share experiences, good food and an excuse to get a little drunk, or may be even make some meaningful relationships, if you know what I meant. : 0
Never the less, it is not too expensive to go to the event like this. How much you think a buffet dinner that last for two hours with two free drinks and happy hours two for one drinks all night till 11PM.actually cost? By the way it is at the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Jazz lounge….
(Well you guess wrong).
I said that because you will never believe me. If you are a member, your membership fee is (3 pound a month, that include a lot of other extra events). For this event your cost is 100RMB, or you are not a member, you cost is 200RMB. That is about $33 USD. Now that is a bargain, and of course, I usually I know where the real bargains are, since I am the prince on a budget.
Since it is a Christmas party, so I decided to clean up a little, that means put on my signature bow tie and pocket square, little did I know I was the best dress person in the whole bunch. I mean they dress up, just no bow tie. You know the other devil in US wears Prada, but this devil in Shanghai are equally well dressed in my Brooks Brother, and Paul smith. You can let yourself go for eating fried food, but you should “ NEVER “ dress down on any event. It usually pays off big time I got a lot of attention from both male and female.
Cruising for fortunate or connection tips:
Never look at any of guests that are checking you out when you walk into a crowded room. Focus all your attention at the first open space in the bar, zoom in with your heads up order your drinks and pay cash, save your drinks ticket later. In this case with a two for one drink price, and I immediate have three extra drinks without pay any more money later. Then you turn around walk away. Do not hang in there. If you do everyone knows that you have no friend. Walk around room head up and smile. That is how I got people stopping to say hello and exchange conversation. So horrible of me, but social skill is also like an act on the stage, you need a lot of practice to became a veteran.
That is too much information. Before you all change your perception of the sweet innocent me. I better move on.
I met a lot of very interesting people, a lot of Germany engineers and their wife’s, everyone had a story to share, and I am just listening. Can you imagine? I gave out no details I am the spy. At the end of the evening, I collected so many business cards, and I though oh well, just another one of those formality and I was wrong, hate to say again. There were emails and invitation following almost immediately to join other interesting groups to explore the city, travel, culture, food and wine. I am actually overwhelmed of the success of my first evening out, and the friendliness of the people there.
I also met two very interesting Americans, which are few and far between in China. One is a corporate lawyer here in China with his wife; the other one is a young student from Austin Texas that is also studying in the Chin Wa University School of law as an exchange student from Howard. I met CEOs, and Managers and many more. I think I hit the jackpot.
I also hit the jack pot at the end of the evening those high price hookers seize the opportunities when they saw all my friends were leaving, they swamp me with all their wits before I even have a chance to put down my drinks. But don’t worry, I only have 50 rmb in my pocket and the taxi will take up 14 rmb, unless they wanted to work for free. I am not a big spender even with the suspender and bow tie. I don’t even know how they got into the bar. But never mind that.
On the weekend, I went out for drink of course in some shaky and hairy places and met three other Americans, they were all English teachers here, therefore they did not required having language skill. That makes it hard some times to get around. One of them is really home sick, it was sad, because his school is a littler further out from the Central Shanghai. Therefore he was denied opportunities for a lot of the expat functions usually happen during the week. I felt bad for him unfortunately that is the reality for a lot of them. I only encourage his friends to keep in touch with him more often. I will also try to help them a little.
The reason I mention them is that I was glad that these kids being much younger than I am, their understanding of the Chinese society is in tune with my conclusion that Chinese students are so afraid to step out of line on their thinking. At times it is frustrating for teachers like them and mentor like myself to pour our heart out to guide them.
My assistance reminded me again today that there are too many people in China, with one less one does not hurt any. When I advice him to watch out on what he ate, and the others to smoke less, but that is their attitude, that was sad.
How are they ever going to learn that all lives are precious not just American lives? Sorry I am not spreading many cheers here this week am I?
While all of you are prepare for the celebration of Christmas. I am looking forward for having friends visiting from HK, as well as NY. However from what I saw in the email, the kind of boa that my NY friend is looking for; with a straw on the top is kind of alien for me, I hope I can find out if that is for real. Just like when my team took me for a BBQ, they actually feeding me beef tongue rather than beef. Too late, I already ate it. I really need to watch my team. They took me out for a wild day in the city. As an excuse of Team Building, so the Boss (ME) can write it off. After lunch we went to K-go-car race. Have you ever in one of those cars that goes around the track burning gasoline, no helmet, and no breaks. Well believe me. Remember I told you earlier life worth nothing in China.
Afterward we went into the park trying to learn how to fly a kite that never got off the ground, these kids of mine just running around like bunch of mad man and girls. They try to play catch ball that the suction cups does not stick to the paddle and fleesbie that weight a ton, I am running for my life to avoid that thing landing on my head.
Then we try those crashing car things, that ran by electric, with sparks came out from the ceiling, I do not even have a name for it.
Then I was drag to the Karaoke bar. Let’s get real, I had never went to one with my team in NY. However I have no choice, I was baby sitter for the day. Imagine me singing if that is not bad enough, it is all in Chinese that I cannot read, and music I never heard of. Get the picture? To be honest I actually enjoy being with them. They made me realize they do not need much to be very happy because they never had much to start with.
No wonder when I gave Goddiva chocolates as thank you gift, no one even know that just cost me almost my month’s salary. That is the truth, because it is import that means those Chocolates probably is about three months old, and cost three time as much as in the US. LOL. But the wrapping is still fresh.
So here it is my week 9th.
One more thing, I told you that I would tell you some thing interesting. I actually escape in one piece from some advances, while I was strapped to the seat of the plane on my way back home. One of my sister’s friends was absolutely correct. I am (me) as they call in China, a diamond bachelor, a little gray on the side, good shape, good health, no bad habits, demanding not much, single with an American passport, and decent income. Watch out, these Shanghai girls can smell you from miles away, since you are the only one-used deodorants.
Here is my encounter for the week.
Just a reminder to use the link at the end of the email to sight up for the blog, it will be reactivate again after Jan 8th 2012, that means I will stop email my encounter to all of you, but put it up on the internet to let more people have a chance to see it.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
I survived another week in Shanghai.
It is not too much of an exciting week, since I am started to get use to all the so call indifferences as I saw it and accept things as they are. Am I giving in, far from it, if you even think that way, then you do not know me at all.
All week long I was looking forward to the Inter Nation gather, and what is exactly is Inter Nation? It is a world wide organization that is establish for all expats in different countries a place to get to gather to net work, share experiences, good food and an excuse to get a little drunk, or may be even make some meaningful relationships, if you know what I meant. : 0
Never the less, it is not too expensive to go to the event like this. How much you think a buffet dinner that last for two hours with two free drinks and happy hours two for one drinks all night till 11PM.actually cost? By the way it is at the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Jazz lounge….
(Well you guess wrong).
I said that because you will never believe me. If you are a member, your membership fee is (3 pound a month, that include a lot of other extra events). For this event your cost is 100RMB, or you are not a member, you cost is 200RMB. That is about $33 USD. Now that is a bargain, and of course, I usually I know where the real bargains are, since I am the prince on a budget.
Since it is a Christmas party, so I decided to clean up a little, that means put on my signature bow tie and pocket square, little did I know I was the best dress person in the whole bunch. I mean they dress up, just no bow tie. You know the other devil in US wears Prada, but this devil in Shanghai are equally well dressed in my Brooks Brother, and Paul smith. You can let yourself go for eating fried food, but you should “ NEVER “ dress down on any event. It usually pays off big time I got a lot of attention from both male and female.
Cruising for fortunate or connection tips:
Never look at any of guests that are checking you out when you walk into a crowded room. Focus all your attention at the first open space in the bar, zoom in with your heads up order your drinks and pay cash, save your drinks ticket later. In this case with a two for one drink price, and I immediate have three extra drinks without pay any more money later. Then you turn around walk away. Do not hang in there. If you do everyone knows that you have no friend. Walk around room head up and smile. That is how I got people stopping to say hello and exchange conversation. So horrible of me, but social skill is also like an act on the stage, you need a lot of practice to became a veteran.
That is too much information. Before you all change your perception of the sweet innocent me. I better move on.
I met a lot of very interesting people, a lot of Germany engineers and their wife’s, everyone had a story to share, and I am just listening. Can you imagine? I gave out no details I am the spy. At the end of the evening, I collected so many business cards, and I though oh well, just another one of those formality and I was wrong, hate to say again. There were emails and invitation following almost immediately to join other interesting groups to explore the city, travel, culture, food and wine. I am actually overwhelmed of the success of my first evening out, and the friendliness of the people there.
I also met two very interesting Americans, which are few and far between in China. One is a corporate lawyer here in China with his wife; the other one is a young student from Austin Texas that is also studying in the Chin Wa University School of law as an exchange student from Howard. I met CEOs, and Managers and many more. I think I hit the jackpot.
I also hit the jack pot at the end of the evening those high price hookers seize the opportunities when they saw all my friends were leaving, they swamp me with all their wits before I even have a chance to put down my drinks. But don’t worry, I only have 50 rmb in my pocket and the taxi will take up 14 rmb, unless they wanted to work for free. I am not a big spender even with the suspender and bow tie. I don’t even know how they got into the bar. But never mind that.
On the weekend, I went out for drink of course in some shaky and hairy places and met three other Americans, they were all English teachers here, therefore they did not required having language skill. That makes it hard some times to get around. One of them is really home sick, it was sad, because his school is a littler further out from the Central Shanghai. Therefore he was denied opportunities for a lot of the expat functions usually happen during the week. I felt bad for him unfortunately that is the reality for a lot of them. I only encourage his friends to keep in touch with him more often. I will also try to help them a little.
The reason I mention them is that I was glad that these kids being much younger than I am, their understanding of the Chinese society is in tune with my conclusion that Chinese students are so afraid to step out of line on their thinking. At times it is frustrating for teachers like them and mentor like myself to pour our heart out to guide them.
My assistance reminded me again today that there are too many people in China, with one less one does not hurt any. When I advice him to watch out on what he ate, and the others to smoke less, but that is their attitude, that was sad.
How are they ever going to learn that all lives are precious not just American lives? Sorry I am not spreading many cheers here this week am I?
While all of you are prepare for the celebration of Christmas. I am looking forward for having friends visiting from HK, as well as NY. However from what I saw in the email, the kind of boa that my NY friend is looking for; with a straw on the top is kind of alien for me, I hope I can find out if that is for real. Just like when my team took me for a BBQ, they actually feeding me beef tongue rather than beef. Too late, I already ate it. I really need to watch my team. They took me out for a wild day in the city. As an excuse of Team Building, so the Boss (ME) can write it off. After lunch we went to K-go-car race. Have you ever in one of those cars that goes around the track burning gasoline, no helmet, and no breaks. Well believe me. Remember I told you earlier life worth nothing in China.
Afterward we went into the park trying to learn how to fly a kite that never got off the ground, these kids of mine just running around like bunch of mad man and girls. They try to play catch ball that the suction cups does not stick to the paddle and fleesbie that weight a ton, I am running for my life to avoid that thing landing on my head.
Then we try those crashing car things, that ran by electric, with sparks came out from the ceiling, I do not even have a name for it.
Then I was drag to the Karaoke bar. Let’s get real, I had never went to one with my team in NY. However I have no choice, I was baby sitter for the day. Imagine me singing if that is not bad enough, it is all in Chinese that I cannot read, and music I never heard of. Get the picture? To be honest I actually enjoy being with them. They made me realize they do not need much to be very happy because they never had much to start with.
No wonder when I gave Goddiva chocolates as thank you gift, no one even know that just cost me almost my month’s salary. That is the truth, because it is import that means those Chocolates probably is about three months old, and cost three time as much as in the US. LOL. But the wrapping is still fresh.
So here it is my week 9th.
One more thing, I told you that I would tell you some thing interesting. I actually escape in one piece from some advances, while I was strapped to the seat of the plane on my way back home. One of my sister’s friends was absolutely correct. I am (me) as they call in China, a diamond bachelor, a little gray on the side, good shape, good health, no bad habits, demanding not much, single with an American passport, and decent income. Watch out, these Shanghai girls can smell you from miles away, since you are the only one-used deodorants.
Here is my encounter for the week.
Just a reminder to use the link at the end of the email to sight up for the blog, it will be reactivate again after Jan 8th 2012, that means I will stop email my encounter to all of you, but put it up on the internet to let more people have a chance to see it.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
Week 8 Singapore
my career at this point.
I was in Singapore for 4 day. As soon as I step off the plane, I was greeted with warm tropical air even in Dec. and a Giant Christmas display. What catches my eyes was a giant sign of “Mrs. fields” cookies before I even at to immigration. I had never been so glad to see them although I am not a fan, in this case I can’t stop myself, especially I was not even able to find a Starbuck in the Shanghai airport just that morning. That alone is a crime. We all need coffee in the morning, who wanted tea when I only have 3 hours sleep the night before. I should write the airport about that. Mom would you please call them for me.
I stay in a 5 star hotel, with excellent gym and swimming pool to die for, to my dismay, I had no chance of breaking free. Our pitch team took over the bars, restaurants; lobby any place we can work. So I was running all over the place from team to team. That alone was a work out especially I also have to make sure all the teams were well fueled from the bar. After all the work I forgot my presentation board and we went to the wrong office. Never the less it all works out in the end. Without the board, I can actually took of my jacket roll up my sleeves and acting like a true fighter put out the performance of my life time. Can you imagine I am animated more than the real me. I should be onstage.
On the last night after the pitch the team went for a little outing, compliment of the agency to sample a little of Singapore. I was amazed how beautiful the city was. It was lush with greens and trees, the streets are orderly and clean, the natives are friendly. Most interestingly the architecture were modern and innovative. I am very impress. We went to dinner at the waterfront, the river that ran thru the city for a Malaysian dinner, sampled some Turkish ice cream that bought me back to my memories two years ago with my international family in Turkey. We headed to the Sands Casino mall. I really do not wanted to go but the chance to see the Singapore flyer, a giant Ferris wheel, like the London eye, and the modern art museum that shaped like a lotus flower convince me I should join the party. The place is amazing beyond words. That of course it was after a whole bottle of wine almost all by myself. Plus a Martini and more wine before and countless other drinks I lost count, even with that, the pictures as my witness it was a magical place to visits, amazingly it was all in focus as well. WOW.
I return on Friday to a chilly Shanghai, thank God my boxes finally delivered. I refuse to spend another dime on clothing while I had to buy a ripe off of so call suit at Zera the week before for the presentation, I think the pocket is about to come off. Thanks to one phone call from my office, I got my passport delivered to the door. That is connection to the extreme, government or not.
I wonder sometimes whom my boss really is. The company he runs seems to know everything I had in my head and every move I made. I need to leave the country and I had my passport deliver the day before I left, while the official had been holding it for the last three weeks. Just when I return to the freezing cold from the tropics, my assistance call and told me that he will be at my home to supervise the boxes delivery. The week before I had cable problem, I was casually mentioned it at the office, the same evening the IT team was at my apt rewiring the cable network. Have you saw the movie “The Firm”? That is how I feel now. I was busy all weekend check every ceiling light and every like box for hidden camera. But I was not James Boon. I found nothing, not even dust, that was frustration.
There is more positive experience in Shanghai. I came home one night the maid told me that the drain in the balcony is slow. Now be serious, why on earth did she clean the outside balcony in the middle of the winter? I never even set foot outside in all 6 weeks since I move in. I call the realtor for lack of knowledge on who to call. She immediately had service over within 20 minutes. Yesterday I found my light in the master bathroom not working, plus I blow a fuse at the fuse box, so I call the realtor again. The service was over within 20 minutes on a sat even. That is service. I am beginning to like the attention I am getting. May be I should call the agent if she will give me a message. Ha ha
As most of you knew I already a prince in NY, being in the Atelier condo, everyone there will help me do whatever I ask. Little did I know the speed of getting service was nothing compare to the service here in shanghai. Wow, how can I ever return to NY???
My shopping experience is improving as well. I found an out of the world expensive grocery store it is all worth it when I saw “ Tin Foil” not just the thin kind, it is the real thing, the heavy foil. Why is it important? Until you got stuck one day with out a baking pan, at lease foil will do the job in the mini oven. May be I will invent recipe that I can actually cook a turkey in that hard working mini stove. It is a hint that I also find 14 lb butterball frozen turkey all line up to be pick up. Oh lord, thanks for answering my prays. Not that I will actually pick one up.
I though there was no Christmas in china, and I was incorrect. I say “incorrect” because I was not “ WRONG”. I still do not have a day off, but commercially, they are everywhere, they even have a Christmas displace with tree in toll next to a buddist Temple on Nanking Rd. At the shopping district it is full of white light and tress. Although the store does not have a lot of decorations, but the lobby of the mall and outside on the plaza were full of larger than life decorations. I am kind of impress. Especially when I found Christmas decoration in the garden and entrance of my apt, although it was a sorry ancient dusty small tree with lights and some old wrapped boxes they call gift sitting around it in the lobby of each building. I give them credit for doing it.
My apt is not bad, very well run by China standard. I swear they only have one full time concierge at the whole place. I saw he almost every time I go out or comes in. May be they are triplets. You never know. My car driver got lost on his way to come pick me up they ran outside to wait for him to show up while giving him direction from my phone. I was looking for the post office, and they told me they would drop it off for me. I swear this place my company put me in, may be some how connected to the expat watch team and I must be under their watch. The poor gatekeeper on the side gate had to stand outside in the weather, even when it is freezing or raining.
Even the IT team told me that they know I make call in the middle of the night to NY. They even have the time the call was made. Thank God I was on a business call with the head of the US headquarter. You be the judge, am I being watch or hotel Siberia is in my future. Ha ha.
Although no real exciting experience in the last two weeks, I am beginning to feel like home here. May be I let you in some unwelcome romantic advances next week.
So stay tune for the cliffhanger.
Also please sign up at my blog below it will be reactivated after Jan 8th. That is the plan. Sign up now.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
My home address:
Unit 23A, building 4
500 Chang de road.
Shanghai China, 200040
My office:
Suite301-305 Building A
98 Yanping Road, Shanghai,
China 200040
¬¬¬Week 9th Shanghai.
I survived another week in Shanghai.
It is not too much of an exciting week, since I am started to get use to all the so call indifferences as I saw it and accept things as they are. Am I giving in, far from it, if you even think that way, then you do not know me at all.
All week long I was looking forward to the Inter Nation gather, and what is exactly is Inter Nation? It is a world wide organization that is establish for all expats in different countries a place to get to gather to net work, share experiences, good food and an excuse to get a little drunk, or may be even make some meaningful relationships, if you know what I meant. : 0
Never the less, it is not too expensive to go to the event like this. How much you think a buffet dinner that last for two hours with two free drinks and happy hours two for one drinks all night till 11PM.actually cost? By the way it is at the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Jazz lounge….
(Well you guess wrong).
I said that because you will never believe me. If you are a member, your membership fee is (3 pound a month, that include a lot of other extra events). For this event your cost is 100RMB, or you are not a member, you cost is 200RMB. That is about $33 USD. Now that is a bargain, and of course, I usually I know where the real bargains are, since I am the prince on a budget.
Since it is a Christmas party, so I decided to clean up a little, that means put on my signature bow tie and pocket square, little did I know I was the best dress person in the whole bunch. I mean they dress up, just no bow tie. You know the other devil in US wears Prada, but this devil in Shanghai are equally well dressed in my Brooks Brother, and Paul smith. You can let yourself go for eating fried food, but you should “ NEVER “ dress down on any event. It usually pays off big time I got a lot of attention from both male and female.
Cruising for fortunate or connection tips:
Never look at any of guests that are checking you out when you walk into a crowded room. Focus all your attention at the first open space in the bar, zoom in with your heads up order your drinks and pay cash, save your drinks ticket later. In this case with a two for one drink price, and I immediate have three extra drinks without pay any more money later. Then you turn around walk away. Do not hang in there. If you do everyone knows that you have no friend. Walk around room head up and smile. That is how I got people stopping to say hello and exchange conversation. So horrible of me, but social skill is also like an act on the stage, you need a lot of practice to became a veteran.
That is too much information. Before you all change your perception of the sweet innocent me. I better move on.
I met a lot of very interesting people, a lot of Germany engineers and their wife’s, everyone had a story to share, and I am just listening. Can you imagine? I gave out no details I am the spy. At the end of the evening, I collected so many business cards, and I though oh well, just another one of those formality and I was wrong, hate to say again. There were emails and invitation following almost immediately to join other interesting groups to explore the city, travel, culture, food and wine. I am actually overwhelmed of the success of my first evening out, and the friendliness of the people there.
I also met two very interesting Americans, which are few and far between in China. One is a corporate lawyer here in China with his wife; the other one is a young student from Austin Texas that is also studying in the Chin Wa University School of law as an exchange student from Howard. I met CEOs, and Managers and many more. I think I hit the jackpot.
I also hit the jack pot at the end of the evening those high price hookers seize the opportunities when they saw all my friends were leaving, they swamp me with all their wits before I even have a chance to put down my drinks. But don’t worry, I only have 50 rmb in my pocket and the taxi will take up 14 rmb, unless they wanted to work for free. I am not a big spender even with the suspender and bow tie. I don’t even know how they got into the bar. But never mind that.
On the weekend, I went out for drink of course in some shaky and hairy places and met three other Americans, they were all English teachers here, therefore they did not required having language skill. That makes it hard some times to get around. One of them is really home sick, it was sad, because his school is a littler further out from the Central Shanghai. Therefore he was denied opportunities for a lot of the expat functions usually happen during the week. I felt bad for him unfortunately that is the reality for a lot of them. I only encourage his friends to keep in touch with him more often. I will also try to help them a little.
The reason I mention them is that I was glad that these kids being much younger than I am, their understanding of the Chinese society is in tune with my conclusion that Chinese students are so afraid to step out of line on their thinking. At times it is frustrating for teachers like them and mentor like myself to pour our heart out to guide them.
My assistance reminded me again today that there are too many people in China, with one less one does not hurt any. When I advice him to watch out on what he ate, and the others to smoke less, but that is their attitude, that was sad.
How are they ever going to learn that all lives are precious not just American lives? Sorry I am not spreading many cheers here this week am I?
While all of you are prepare for the celebration of Christmas. I am looking forward for having friends visiting from HK, as well as NY. However from what I saw in the email, the kind of boa that my NY friend is looking for; with a straw on the top is kind of alien for me, I hope I can find out if that is for real. Just like when my team took me for a BBQ, they actually feeding me beef tongue rather than beef. Too late, I already ate it. I really need to watch my team. They took me out for a wild day in the city. As an excuse of Team Building, so the Boss (ME) can write it off. After lunch we went to K-go-car race. Have you ever in one of those cars that goes around the track burning gasoline, no helmet, and no breaks. Well believe me. Remember I told you earlier life worth nothing in China.
Afterward we went into the park trying to learn how to fly a kite that never got off the ground, these kids of mine just running around like bunch of mad man and girls. They try to play catch ball that the suction cups does not stick to the paddle and fleesbie that weight a ton, I am running for my life to avoid that thing landing on my head.
Then we try those crashing car things, that ran by electric, with sparks came out from the ceiling, I do not even have a name for it.
Then I was drag to the Karaoke bar. Let’s get real, I had never went to one with my team in NY. However I have no choice, I was baby sitter for the day. Imagine me singing if that is not bad enough, it is all in Chinese that I cannot read, and music I never heard of. Get the picture? To be honest I actually enjoy being with them. They made me realize they do not need much to be very happy because they never had much to start with.
No wonder when I gave Goddiva chocolates as thank you gift, no one even know that just cost me almost my month’s salary. That is the truth, because it is import that means those Chocolates probably is about three months old, and cost three time as much as in the US. LOL. But the wrapping is still fresh.
Chance Encounter Singapore Asia
I was in Singapore for 4 day. As soon as I step off the plane, I was greeted with warm tropical air even in Dec. and a Giant Christmas display. What catches my eyes was a giant sign of “Mrs. fields” cookies before I even at to immigration. I had never been so glad to see them although I am not a fan, in this case I can’t stop myself, especially I was not even able to find a Starbuck in the Shanghai airport just that morning. That alone is a crime. We all need coffee in the morning, who wanted tea when I only have 3 hours sleep the night before. I should write the airport about that. Mom would you please call them for me.
I stay in a 5 star hotel, with excellent gym and swimming pool to die for, to my dismay, I had no chance of breaking free. Our pitch team took over the bars, restaurants; lobby any place we can work. So I was running all over the place from team to team. That alone was a work out especially I also have to make sure all the teams were well fueled from the bar. After all the work I forgot my presentation board and we went to the wrong office. Never the less it all works out in the end. Without the board, I can actually took of my jacket roll up my sleeves and acting like a true fighter put out the performance of my life time. Can you imagine I am animated more than the real me. I should be onstage.
On the last night after the pitch the team went for a little outing, compliment of the agency to sample a little of Singapore. I was amazed how beautiful the city was. It was lush with greens and trees, the streets are orderly and clean, the natives are friendly. Most interestingly the architecture were modern and innovative. I am very impress. We went to dinner at the waterfront, the river that ran thru the city for a Malaysian dinner, sampled some Turkish ice cream that bought me back to my memories two years ago with my international family in Turkey. We headed to the Sands Casino mall. I really do not wanted to go but the chance to see the Singapore flyer, a giant Ferris wheel, like the London eye, and the modern art museum that shaped like a lotus flower convince me I should join the party. The place is amazing beyond words. That of course it was after a whole bottle of wine almost all by myself. Plus a Martini and more wine before and countless other drinks I lost count, even with that, the pictures as my witness it was a magical place to visits, amazingly it was all in focus as well. WOW.
I return on Friday to a chilly Shanghai, thank God my boxes finally delivered. I refuse to spend another dime on clothing while I had to buy a ripe off of so call suit at Zera the week before for the presentation, I think the pocket is about to come off. Thanks to one phone call from my office, I got my passport delivered to the door. That is connection to the extreme, government or not.
I wonder sometimes whom my boss really is. The company he runs seems to know everything I had in my head and every move I made. I need to leave the country and I had my passport deliver the day before I left, while the official had been holding it for the last three weeks. Just when I return to the freezing cold from the tropics, my assistance call and told me that he will be at my home to supervise the boxes delivery. The week before I had cable problem, I was casually mentioned it at the office, the same evening the IT team was at my apt rewiring the cable network. Have you saw the movie “The Firm”? That is how I feel now. I was busy all weekend check every ceiling light and every like box for hidden camera. But I was not James Boon. I found nothing, not even dust, that was frustration.
There is more positive experience in Shanghai. I came home one night the maid told me that the drain in the balcony is slow. Now be serious, why on earth did she clean the outside balcony in the middle of the winter? I never even set foot outside in all 6 weeks since I move in. I call the realtor for lack of knowledge on who to call. She immediately had service over within 20 minutes. Yesterday I found my light in the master bathroom not working, plus I blow a fuse at the fuse box, so I call the realtor again. The service was over within 20 minutes on a sat even. That is service. I am beginning to like the attention I am getting. May be I should call the agent if she will give me a message. Ha ha
As most of you knew I already a prince in NY, being in the Atelier condo, everyone there will help me do whatever I ask. Little did I know the speed of getting service was nothing compare to the service here in shanghai. Wow, how can I ever return to NY???
My shopping experience is improving as well. I found an out of the world expensive grocery store it is all worth it when I saw “ Tin Foil” not just the thin kind, it is the real thing, the heavy foil. Why is it important? Until you got stuck one day with out a baking pan, at lease foil will do the job in the mini oven. May be I will invent recipe that I can actually cook a turkey in that hard working mini stove. It is a hint that I also find 14 lb butterball frozen turkey all line up to be pick up. Oh lord, thanks for answering my prays. Not that I will actually pick one up.
I though there was no Christmas in china, and I was incorrect. I say “incorrect” because I was not “ WRONG”. I still do not have a day off, but commercially, they are everywhere, they even have a Christmas displace with tree in toll next to a buddist Temple on Nanking Rd. At the shopping district it is full of white light and tress. Although the store does not have a lot of decorations, but the lobby of the mall and outside on the plaza were full of larger than life decorations. I am kind of impress. Especially when I found Christmas decoration in the garden and entrance of my apt, although it was a sorry ancient dusty small tree with lights and some old wrapped boxes they call gift sitting around it in the lobby of each building. I give them credit for doing it.
My apt is not bad, very well run by China standard. I swear they only have one full time concierge at the whole place. I saw he almost every time I go out or comes in. May be they are triplets. You never know. My car driver got lost on his way to come pick me up they ran outside to wait for him to show up while giving him direction from my phone. I was looking for the post office, and they told me they would drop it off for me. I swear this place my company put me in, may be some how connected to the expat watch team and I must be under their watch. The poor gatekeeper on the side gate had to stand outside in the weather, even when it is freezing or raining.
Even the IT team told me that they know I make call in the middle of the night to NY. They even have the time the call was made. Thank God I was on a business call with the head of the US headquarter. You be the judge, am I being watch or hotel Siberia is in my future. Ha ha.
Although no real exciting experience in the last two weeks, I am beginning to feel like home here. May be I let you in some unwelcome romantic advances next week.
So stay tune for the cliffhanger.
Also please sign up at my blog below it will be reactivated after Jan 8th. That is the plan. Sign up now.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
My home address:
Unit 23A, building 4
500 Chang de road.
Shanghai China, 200040
My office:
Suite301-305 Building A
98 Yanping Road, Shanghai,
China 200040
¬¬¬Week 9th Shanghai.
I survived another week in Shanghai.
It is not too much of an exciting week, since I am started to get use to all the so call indifferences as I saw it and accept things as they are. Am I giving in, far from it, if you even think that way, then you do not know me at all.
All week long I was looking forward to the Inter Nation gather, and what is exactly is Inter Nation? It is a world wide organization that is establish for all expats in different countries a place to get to gather to net work, share experiences, good food and an excuse to get a little drunk, or may be even make some meaningful relationships, if you know what I meant. : 0
Never the less, it is not too expensive to go to the event like this. How much you think a buffet dinner that last for two hours with two free drinks and happy hours two for one drinks all night till 11PM.actually cost? By the way it is at the Ritz Carlton Hotel’s Jazz lounge….
(Well you guess wrong).
I said that because you will never believe me. If you are a member, your membership fee is (3 pound a month, that include a lot of other extra events). For this event your cost is 100RMB, or you are not a member, you cost is 200RMB. That is about $33 USD. Now that is a bargain, and of course, I usually I know where the real bargains are, since I am the prince on a budget.
Since it is a Christmas party, so I decided to clean up a little, that means put on my signature bow tie and pocket square, little did I know I was the best dress person in the whole bunch. I mean they dress up, just no bow tie. You know the other devil in US wears Prada, but this devil in Shanghai are equally well dressed in my Brooks Brother, and Paul smith. You can let yourself go for eating fried food, but you should “ NEVER “ dress down on any event. It usually pays off big time I got a lot of attention from both male and female.
Cruising for fortunate or connection tips:
Never look at any of guests that are checking you out when you walk into a crowded room. Focus all your attention at the first open space in the bar, zoom in with your heads up order your drinks and pay cash, save your drinks ticket later. In this case with a two for one drink price, and I immediate have three extra drinks without pay any more money later. Then you turn around walk away. Do not hang in there. If you do everyone knows that you have no friend. Walk around room head up and smile. That is how I got people stopping to say hello and exchange conversation. So horrible of me, but social skill is also like an act on the stage, you need a lot of practice to became a veteran.
That is too much information. Before you all change your perception of the sweet innocent me. I better move on.
I met a lot of very interesting people, a lot of Germany engineers and their wife’s, everyone had a story to share, and I am just listening. Can you imagine? I gave out no details I am the spy. At the end of the evening, I collected so many business cards, and I though oh well, just another one of those formality and I was wrong, hate to say again. There were emails and invitation following almost immediately to join other interesting groups to explore the city, travel, culture, food and wine. I am actually overwhelmed of the success of my first evening out, and the friendliness of the people there.
I also met two very interesting Americans, which are few and far between in China. One is a corporate lawyer here in China with his wife; the other one is a young student from Austin Texas that is also studying in the Chin Wa University School of law as an exchange student from Howard. I met CEOs, and Managers and many more. I think I hit the jackpot.
I also hit the jack pot at the end of the evening those high price hookers seize the opportunities when they saw all my friends were leaving, they swamp me with all their wits before I even have a chance to put down my drinks. But don’t worry, I only have 50 rmb in my pocket and the taxi will take up 14 rmb, unless they wanted to work for free. I am not a big spender even with the suspender and bow tie. I don’t even know how they got into the bar. But never mind that.
On the weekend, I went out for drink of course in some shaky and hairy places and met three other Americans, they were all English teachers here, therefore they did not required having language skill. That makes it hard some times to get around. One of them is really home sick, it was sad, because his school is a littler further out from the Central Shanghai. Therefore he was denied opportunities for a lot of the expat functions usually happen during the week. I felt bad for him unfortunately that is the reality for a lot of them. I only encourage his friends to keep in touch with him more often. I will also try to help them a little.
The reason I mention them is that I was glad that these kids being much younger than I am, their understanding of the Chinese society is in tune with my conclusion that Chinese students are so afraid to step out of line on their thinking. At times it is frustrating for teachers like them and mentor like myself to pour our heart out to guide them.
My assistance reminded me again today that there are too many people in China, with one less one does not hurt any. When I advice him to watch out on what he ate, and the others to smoke less, but that is their attitude, that was sad.
How are they ever going to learn that all lives are precious not just American lives? Sorry I am not spreading many cheers here this week am I?
While all of you are prepare for the celebration of Christmas. I am looking forward for having friends visiting from HK, as well as NY. However from what I saw in the email, the kind of boa that my NY friend is looking for; with a straw on the top is kind of alien for me, I hope I can find out if that is for real. Just like when my team took me for a BBQ, they actually feeding me beef tongue rather than beef. Too late, I already ate it. I really need to watch my team. They took me out for a wild day in the city. As an excuse of Team Building, so the Boss (ME) can write it off. After lunch we went to K-go-car race. Have you ever in one of those cars that goes around the track burning gasoline, no helmet, and no breaks. Well believe me. Remember I told you earlier life worth nothing in China.
Afterward we went into the park trying to learn how to fly a kite that never got off the ground, these kids of mine just running around like bunch of mad man and girls. They try to play catch ball that the suction cups does not stick to the paddle and fleesbie that weight a ton, I am running for my life to avoid that thing landing on my head.
Then we try those crashing car things, that ran by electric, with sparks came out from the ceiling, I do not even have a name for it.
Then I was drag to the Karaoke bar. Let’s get real, I had never went to one with my team in NY. However I have no choice, I was baby sitter for the day. Imagine me singing if that is not bad enough, it is all in Chinese that I cannot read, and music I never heard of. Get the picture? To be honest I actually enjoy being with them. They made me realize they do not need much to be very happy because they never had much to start with.
No wonder when I gave Goddiva chocolates as thank you gift, no one even know that just cost me almost my month’s salary. That is the truth, because it is import that means those Chocolates probably is about three months old, and cost three time as much as in the US. LOL. But the wrapping is still fresh.
Chance Encounter Singapore Asia
Week 6-7 Thanksgiving Shanghai Style
At week 6-7 Thanksgiving weekend.
Finally, I am glad that I had a good night sleep, woke up in time to had my morning breakfast before heading out to the gym, just like my old Sat routine in NYC, this feel a lot more like home now since I am falling back into my old ways, except the gym is a little smaller than the one I use to, and it does not open until 9AM.
I was all pack to have a run, work out then go swimming, little did I know everything happening here is (Ghost hours) like it is in Europe, No on wants to go to sleep at night, therefore no one wanted to get up and face the raising sun. The Swimming pool is not open until 11AM. Well that is unacceptable to me, usually by 11AM, I already finished my 7 miles run, or swim, did my weekly grocery shopping, and dinner already planned. While in Shanghai, but 11AM, I am ready to head out either go to work or trying to feel my way around the city.
Needless to say the swimming did not happened, and I am not going back there in the afternoon, after the Chinese little one been in the pool. Who know what they release from their little body in this giant pool of polluted liquid body they call “pool”. I had been warn by my colleagues, for infection, but I had to try it for myself anyway. I may have to go to the emergency room later it is worth it that is the spirit of a stubborn American in Shanghai.
By the way, I had my Thanksgiving Chinese style. My big boss had pity on me decided to treat me on an all out Thanksgiving lunch and commanded us to take a goose home. The whole wild thing (or use to be wild) weights in tons, never the less I settle for half and half with my colleague. I took half a goose and half a chicken, and shared the other half. Now it is sitting in my freezer. Yes, I have a refrigerator with freezer. It had three levels, the regular level where you keep your juice, and dairy, and the fresh veggie level, and of course the freezer, I found that very useful especially the all the levels have two drawers. The only problem is I do not have an icemaker, and ice tray is not readily available anywhere. I am on a hunt for it. All intelligent were out, but no sighting yet.
Today a good sunny day out, temperature is around 23ºc. That is the only time I can go running around the city. Since I had limited winter clothing, if it gets to cold, I have to stay home until the Chinese custom office decided my patient had been tested, it is time to release my shipment they had been holding hostage at the customhouse for a month. Speak no more, or I may never see anything at all. Have you ever try to live in one suit case of belongings in a world that nothing is familiar, plus you have to pack for 3 seasons from summer on, and must including business clothing as well? I did it, although I am tire of wearing the same old rag week after week to see client, I refuse to go shopping. US need my salary to send home to help the economy. LOL.
To be Honest, I discovered that “PINK” had stores here. Now I really know how Columbus felt when he landed on the Americas. If you do not know what “Pink” is. That is one of the most exclusive British shirt makers for men. It is one of my all time favorite stores in line with Brooks Brothers, and Polo shop. It was so hard to walk away. As some of you went shopping with me before can be my witness. I do not like shopping in general, however if I go to those stores, I can go in and out within 30 minutes and had my entire seasonal wardrobe in bags. The record is 15 minutes; try it some time, granted if you leave your credit card at home. The “high” you felt is better than running a triple marathon. You just rush from one rack to another, pull and piled. Then keep your finger cross, hoping you have enough cash to pay for what you are about to buy and feeling guilty later, because now I spend all my entertainment allowance or the month in 30minutes. My creative alternative was to dress up on the evening although no place to go; in NY, I went the clubhouse on the rooftop with a glass (bottle is more like it) of wine. How exciting was that. Just a window into my charm life, ha ha.
I decided to trace my route to the French Concession today, which I visited on the first weekend I was in Shanghai, However at that time I was not sure which direction is the French concession as I enter the street in the middle of the blvd. This time however, after mapping out my game plan, and equipped with my old fashion map rather than a GPS. I am on my mission to trace the route. I knew that I been thru many of the small street on the taxi before, but it is a maze in there, like all old city everywhere, I believe I really needed to walk the street & neighborhood in order to know the city. Even in Manhattan, the first month after my arrival, I took a long walk from Central Park north all the way to wall street, and some time cross avenues at will, just to get a taste of the city. I remembered I passed Bryant Park for the first time, I told myself it was such a nice piece of green for a morning coffee in the heart of the city. Little did not know after 10 AM, that is the pumping heart of the mid town mad house; and Times Square is just steps away. No sane new Yorkers wanted to be there to relax, unless you are pigeons, or tourists.
Back to Shanghai, I walk through many cute little neighborhoods, and finally found all those Bistros and cafe my American friend told me. I found both French and Vienna style café, in door and out door, Italian restaurants that serve real pasta. (I know because I ask the chef). Plus my experience is if it is good Chinese restaurant in the state there ought to be Chinese patrons there. Same here, these places are full of foreigners, and many with totters, and baby carts. May be I should get one too, No Mom don’t get excited, I meant tots from the French bakery. I am too old and wild to be a father.
It is strange to shop in these small shops, they made beautiful French bake goods, and it looks the same but it taste too light to be the real thing. I bought a loaf of baguette. The crush looks Ok. I hope it taste good as well. Their coffee smells good and strong, but it is not hot, plus many of them do not speak English or French. Make it hard to complain. I can always go to Starbuck.
On the next block, I saw a sign it says get your cheese here. I almost get ran over by those blind motorist trying to get across the street to get there, after I got there, I search all the display cases there is not a single piece of cheese to be seen. What is wrong with these people they should honor what they advertise. I could have the store destroy for being dishonest, the fact is, come to found out later, they meant come in a taste those fake cheese they put inside the buns and cakes. Another expat experience in my bag and it is getting very full.
On the fruit stand next door, there was a line of foreigners that does not speak English, because the area is also the site of many Embassies, they practically crawling over each other picking fruits and vegetables from the baskets. So I join in for the fun, and saw these little green fruits at the corner of my eye, under the oranges and grapefruit and the yellow one too. It was avocado and lemon, Oh my god. I struck gold yet again. Yes, there is avocado at the Japanese store as well, but it was $5 USD a piece these are only $2.50 reasonable enough. So dear Darren, It is not that I am the spoil American that I had to have American food my way, that you said I had the same problem in London, the fact is about the value and the availability of the Items, and how far I am willing to go to obtain it. So far, I have the will power to go anyway to get what I wanted. So when you get here, I know what to feed you. Ha ha. I don’t think I am spoiled Americans.
Never the less, I found a bagel shop in another part of town, which I had to go tomorrow. There are plenty of donut shops, but bagel is another story, they do not even have it in the Starbuck. If I am successful, I will get a dozen of it. I learn from my friend Laurent in Chicago that you can freeze bagel. However these does not look like plan bagel. Stay tune for my Bagel adventure next week.
Living here is no different than in any other part of the world, I remember just two years ago, I was alone in Milan, fall came a little early, my lips were chapped, I cannot find any chap stick anywhere. After an extensive search then found out that I can only get it at a pharmacy, not drug store. There you have it. It is all the same.
There are things I still had to get use to. Like my apt is cold, and I do not know why it is cooler insider than outside. Perhaps I should have an exorcism perform. That could be a problem too, since there is no real priest in China. I wonder if Chinese monks will do. I can put on a show and video take it, put it on you tube, next time I am in Hong Kong and get millions to view it. Wouldn’t it be fun?
The other problem I had to accept it is facts of life that my satellite Channel does not always had signals, some day my morning news is a blank screen, and the other day I only got the entire government channels, I paid so I do not have to listen to them, no luck on that, I get all the reeducation channels, you should listen to them, it is actually interesting on how they see things. My signals usually blank out on weekends when I wanted to watch TV the most. Fortunately, I had my entire I-tune library at hand; I had plenty of music to keep me company.
I never regret I move here. I am getting job satisfaction everyday in the office. I love my work that is always the guiding light all my life. Work and career always come first that is why I deserve to be single. I am glad that I will be doing my first multi regional pitch for 7 south east Asian countries which involve a global team from London to Milan, and is heading by my team in China, and I am in charge of the creative part of the pitch I hope I am successful, it is important to me personally. I wanted to win this one big time. The pitch date is Dec 7th in Singapore. Therefore, I may not have an update next week. (By the way, if I do not get it. Not to worry, I won’t be jumping off from the pearl tower). That is not my style. Needed to be a little more creative than that.
Never the less, I am signing off to go bagel hunting
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
Finally, I am glad that I had a good night sleep, woke up in time to had my morning breakfast before heading out to the gym, just like my old Sat routine in NYC, this feel a lot more like home now since I am falling back into my old ways, except the gym is a little smaller than the one I use to, and it does not open until 9AM.
I was all pack to have a run, work out then go swimming, little did I know everything happening here is (Ghost hours) like it is in Europe, No on wants to go to sleep at night, therefore no one wanted to get up and face the raising sun. The Swimming pool is not open until 11AM. Well that is unacceptable to me, usually by 11AM, I already finished my 7 miles run, or swim, did my weekly grocery shopping, and dinner already planned. While in Shanghai, but 11AM, I am ready to head out either go to work or trying to feel my way around the city.
Needless to say the swimming did not happened, and I am not going back there in the afternoon, after the Chinese little one been in the pool. Who know what they release from their little body in this giant pool of polluted liquid body they call “pool”. I had been warn by my colleagues, for infection, but I had to try it for myself anyway. I may have to go to the emergency room later it is worth it that is the spirit of a stubborn American in Shanghai.
By the way, I had my Thanksgiving Chinese style. My big boss had pity on me decided to treat me on an all out Thanksgiving lunch and commanded us to take a goose home. The whole wild thing (or use to be wild) weights in tons, never the less I settle for half and half with my colleague. I took half a goose and half a chicken, and shared the other half. Now it is sitting in my freezer. Yes, I have a refrigerator with freezer. It had three levels, the regular level where you keep your juice, and dairy, and the fresh veggie level, and of course the freezer, I found that very useful especially the all the levels have two drawers. The only problem is I do not have an icemaker, and ice tray is not readily available anywhere. I am on a hunt for it. All intelligent were out, but no sighting yet.
Today a good sunny day out, temperature is around 23ºc. That is the only time I can go running around the city. Since I had limited winter clothing, if it gets to cold, I have to stay home until the Chinese custom office decided my patient had been tested, it is time to release my shipment they had been holding hostage at the customhouse for a month. Speak no more, or I may never see anything at all. Have you ever try to live in one suit case of belongings in a world that nothing is familiar, plus you have to pack for 3 seasons from summer on, and must including business clothing as well? I did it, although I am tire of wearing the same old rag week after week to see client, I refuse to go shopping. US need my salary to send home to help the economy. LOL.
To be Honest, I discovered that “PINK” had stores here. Now I really know how Columbus felt when he landed on the Americas. If you do not know what “Pink” is. That is one of the most exclusive British shirt makers for men. It is one of my all time favorite stores in line with Brooks Brothers, and Polo shop. It was so hard to walk away. As some of you went shopping with me before can be my witness. I do not like shopping in general, however if I go to those stores, I can go in and out within 30 minutes and had my entire seasonal wardrobe in bags. The record is 15 minutes; try it some time, granted if you leave your credit card at home. The “high” you felt is better than running a triple marathon. You just rush from one rack to another, pull and piled. Then keep your finger cross, hoping you have enough cash to pay for what you are about to buy and feeling guilty later, because now I spend all my entertainment allowance or the month in 30minutes. My creative alternative was to dress up on the evening although no place to go; in NY, I went the clubhouse on the rooftop with a glass (bottle is more like it) of wine. How exciting was that. Just a window into my charm life, ha ha.
I decided to trace my route to the French Concession today, which I visited on the first weekend I was in Shanghai, However at that time I was not sure which direction is the French concession as I enter the street in the middle of the blvd. This time however, after mapping out my game plan, and equipped with my old fashion map rather than a GPS. I am on my mission to trace the route. I knew that I been thru many of the small street on the taxi before, but it is a maze in there, like all old city everywhere, I believe I really needed to walk the street & neighborhood in order to know the city. Even in Manhattan, the first month after my arrival, I took a long walk from Central Park north all the way to wall street, and some time cross avenues at will, just to get a taste of the city. I remembered I passed Bryant Park for the first time, I told myself it was such a nice piece of green for a morning coffee in the heart of the city. Little did not know after 10 AM, that is the pumping heart of the mid town mad house; and Times Square is just steps away. No sane new Yorkers wanted to be there to relax, unless you are pigeons, or tourists.
Back to Shanghai, I walk through many cute little neighborhoods, and finally found all those Bistros and cafe my American friend told me. I found both French and Vienna style café, in door and out door, Italian restaurants that serve real pasta. (I know because I ask the chef). Plus my experience is if it is good Chinese restaurant in the state there ought to be Chinese patrons there. Same here, these places are full of foreigners, and many with totters, and baby carts. May be I should get one too, No Mom don’t get excited, I meant tots from the French bakery. I am too old and wild to be a father.
It is strange to shop in these small shops, they made beautiful French bake goods, and it looks the same but it taste too light to be the real thing. I bought a loaf of baguette. The crush looks Ok. I hope it taste good as well. Their coffee smells good and strong, but it is not hot, plus many of them do not speak English or French. Make it hard to complain. I can always go to Starbuck.
On the next block, I saw a sign it says get your cheese here. I almost get ran over by those blind motorist trying to get across the street to get there, after I got there, I search all the display cases there is not a single piece of cheese to be seen. What is wrong with these people they should honor what they advertise. I could have the store destroy for being dishonest, the fact is, come to found out later, they meant come in a taste those fake cheese they put inside the buns and cakes. Another expat experience in my bag and it is getting very full.
On the fruit stand next door, there was a line of foreigners that does not speak English, because the area is also the site of many Embassies, they practically crawling over each other picking fruits and vegetables from the baskets. So I join in for the fun, and saw these little green fruits at the corner of my eye, under the oranges and grapefruit and the yellow one too. It was avocado and lemon, Oh my god. I struck gold yet again. Yes, there is avocado at the Japanese store as well, but it was $5 USD a piece these are only $2.50 reasonable enough. So dear Darren, It is not that I am the spoil American that I had to have American food my way, that you said I had the same problem in London, the fact is about the value and the availability of the Items, and how far I am willing to go to obtain it. So far, I have the will power to go anyway to get what I wanted. So when you get here, I know what to feed you. Ha ha. I don’t think I am spoiled Americans.
Never the less, I found a bagel shop in another part of town, which I had to go tomorrow. There are plenty of donut shops, but bagel is another story, they do not even have it in the Starbuck. If I am successful, I will get a dozen of it. I learn from my friend Laurent in Chicago that you can freeze bagel. However these does not look like plan bagel. Stay tune for my Bagel adventure next week.
Living here is no different than in any other part of the world, I remember just two years ago, I was alone in Milan, fall came a little early, my lips were chapped, I cannot find any chap stick anywhere. After an extensive search then found out that I can only get it at a pharmacy, not drug store. There you have it. It is all the same.
There are things I still had to get use to. Like my apt is cold, and I do not know why it is cooler insider than outside. Perhaps I should have an exorcism perform. That could be a problem too, since there is no real priest in China. I wonder if Chinese monks will do. I can put on a show and video take it, put it on you tube, next time I am in Hong Kong and get millions to view it. Wouldn’t it be fun?
The other problem I had to accept it is facts of life that my satellite Channel does not always had signals, some day my morning news is a blank screen, and the other day I only got the entire government channels, I paid so I do not have to listen to them, no luck on that, I get all the reeducation channels, you should listen to them, it is actually interesting on how they see things. My signals usually blank out on weekends when I wanted to watch TV the most. Fortunately, I had my entire I-tune library at hand; I had plenty of music to keep me company.
I never regret I move here. I am getting job satisfaction everyday in the office. I love my work that is always the guiding light all my life. Work and career always come first that is why I deserve to be single. I am glad that I will be doing my first multi regional pitch for 7 south east Asian countries which involve a global team from London to Milan, and is heading by my team in China, and I am in charge of the creative part of the pitch I hope I am successful, it is important to me personally. I wanted to win this one big time. The pitch date is Dec 7th in Singapore. Therefore, I may not have an update next week. (By the way, if I do not get it. Not to worry, I won’t be jumping off from the pearl tower). That is not my style. Needed to be a little more creative than that.
Never the less, I am signing off to go bagel hunting
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
Week 4 Nov Shanghai
Week 4 Shanghai
Well, I finally getting over of my flu, the world changed. I have a lot more energy to deal with this world that is never stopped.
At week four, I finally get into the routine of my daily life, not much like in the hotel apt, that I had to get up at 6AM, go to the gym, then go to the dinning room for the same old food like lots of unknown fruits, and canned like in Europe from Del Monte looks alike, and you know it is not, but pretend it is anyway.
There is only two type of cheese, Swiss and white cheddar that the taste is totally foreign for me. There is also ham, if you call that. The breakfast included cooked mushroom, cold pork and Chicken dishes, again mixed in with unknown vegetables, Danishes and muffins that must be steamed instead of bake. There is all kind of juice, the hotel said that it is 100% pure juice, but this boy can taste “Tank”, when it is “Tank”.
I was brave enough to try their milk, it does taste like fresh milk, and I gave them that. They also serve salad in the breakfast bar; fresh prepare Omlet at the Omlet bar, as well as traditional Chinese breakfast. It is kind of funny to watch the businessman from China vs. businessman from over seas. We have our cereal, with mike, Yogurt milk. Some fruit, or Danish and toast while the others take everything traditional and western food all mixes in together in one plate.
The worst experience yet is cold espresso? Have you ever had coffee that is luke warm? That is all you get. I wanted café Americano; they give me some hot water, just like everywhere else in the world. Even in Starbuck. That is discrimination. You get water down coffee, and pay extra cost. They are not the only one doing it, so I suppose it is across the global dream up this to ripe us off. I suppose if we wanted to be treated equally, we should drink more espresso. I actually have not been drinking coffee that often any more. And I did not miss it.
I finally had some real eggs, toast, not omelet, since I move to my own apt. I had toast with very strange very light bread. A far cry from all the yuppie breads I use to in NYC. I buy whole wheat bread here as well; the problem is the wheat is missing. I can’t find any trace of them except on the package label. Amazingly I found Skippy. Not the dog, the peanut butter, and Hormel ham, as well as preserves. I pay a fortune, because the “local “grocery store I found these things was cater to expat like myself.
Just to put grocery shopping into prospective for you, if you want “ONE bush” of broccoli wrapped up in plastic, you pay 15 RMB about $2.30. If you go down the street to the same store in the chain, that is cater to locals. You can get a bunch like in the US with a rubber band for 3RBM, about $0.5. Where do you think I will go to buy my veggie? But then when you get home you have to wash and soak it over night, and then clean it, and the cook it, or use the Microwave. Or should I say a leaky Microwave, because steam escape from the machine, and I do not know where, I suppose if it cook fast I will take it. Microwave is not common in China, and you have one you are very lucky. I may die of radiation exposure I will take that chance.
I also have one of those Mini ovens, the one that a lot of you had in the kitchen, because you have too much counter space, and need something to put there. I often think they are for decoration. I can’t find the practical reason to have one until now it is Godsend. I know I can’t actually cook a turkey in it, it will be a challenge. But the lack of a toaster oven, this is the next best thing to make toast in the morning.
Of course this week, is all about food, since I work all week end last week, and no time to go to the over price Japanese grocery store, the best in all of Shanghai. I venture into the local jungle in search of meat. I found them all right but actually had enough courage to buy them is another story. I though I saw the word “ Chicken” in the freezer section. When I rush over to pick up my hunt, I drop them just as fast. The head and feet inside the bag scare the daylight out of me. Do chicken actually have heads?
Never the less, I am going to check out a Chinese-French grocery store this weekend. I meant French name but actually all Chinese products. May be I can find some frozen breast in a bag. Funny I have yet seen any fresh chicken. I am not obsessed with finding chicken, but Steak or beef is virtually unseen. Pork on the other hand is all fat and no meat. Where is lamb, or even Billy goat, at this point? I am so tire of cold cuts. I will even buy a monkey. LOL
However bacon is everywhere. Diet in northern China is so horrible. Sweet and sour, deep fried and spicy all over the menu, otherwise there is also lot of preserved vegetables. That is usually in the unrecognizable brown color. At least Kimchi is red and white. No thanks.
I am rather resourceful. I found real Yogurt. It looks like Dannon, but it is not. However it taste OK. I even found pepper cheese, and then of course I pay $10 for a small piece. Never the less that is taste of home. I also found the real oak meal, Natural valley cannoalla bars and fake Kraft cookies. I am all set for snacks, except my stable popping corn. As you can tell, I know how to live like an expat. No worry there.
After days of hunting all over Shanghai, the hope to find William Sonoma all but shattered. I struck gold in a department store I found the blender I was looking for. The fact is that I learn my lesson well, can’t just go and tell the clerk what you need. The just stare at you, and then tell each other that you are an idiot then ignore you.
I am smart, I went to Google translate, write down the Chinese translation, download a picture, and then go shopping. Even well equipped, there is no guarantee you will find what you looking for, like in the case of a toaster, they have no such things here, just like ice tray. You can find them.
This time I found my blender. At first they keep trying to sell me the Chinese imitation, when I do not bite, instead, I am looking at the Phillips brand, the only other foreign brand on the shelf. They told me that it is three times more expensive, when I told them I do not care, they told me in broken English that it was made in China as well. That may very well be, but it is the principle. I wanted to buy American products. Not that I ever buy any Phillips brand in the US. That is beside the point. After they try to keep my earning in China, the least I can do is to spend it on American products. They can’t stop me there.
Never the less, except clothing I think the entire product lines in China are intimations. I saw P&G products like Tide detergent, or Colgate, but I do not see any label trade marks. As you can see I do stand out, and the store clerks starting to notice me, not because of my height, and of course handsome face and perfect hair. Ha ha. Rather they knew I pick up produce study labels, and often go to the manager’s office and demanding answer, while 80% of the time they do not know what I am talking about. They found that I am too strange, and try to avoid me. This is only week four I have 2 years here. Ha.
The other day I was looking for bubble bath gel. It is nothing strange for a man to look for bath gel. The Brits do it all the time. I turn the store upside down having 6 clerks running all over the isle looking for product for me. I will take you shopping when you come visits it is always a scene. I finally found then after 30 minutes. I suppose I have too much time on my hand.
One time the clerk took over my shopping cart, and ran it over to the cosmetic counter, demanding them to check me out, while in it is all but only house whole cleaning items for my maid to clean house. Everyone in line with cosmetic is looking at us franticly checking out at the counter, when they are not equipped to check out large items. After it is all done, she rolled my chart out to the parking lot and found me a car to drive me home. Am I really that helpless of a foreigner, or she wanted to get me out of the store fast. The entire ordeal lasted just 15 minutes, record for check out time ever.
This was one week of shopping experience. I can go one for another 10 pages, but I will spare you for now. Tomorrow, I had to go back to the same store. I can’t wait to cause another scene. Oh yea, I will tell you my IKEA experience next. That was even funnier.
So here is my life in Shanghai on week 4th One month and three days.
Stay tune. More fun to come.
Well, I finally getting over of my flu, the world changed. I have a lot more energy to deal with this world that is never stopped.
At week four, I finally get into the routine of my daily life, not much like in the hotel apt, that I had to get up at 6AM, go to the gym, then go to the dinning room for the same old food like lots of unknown fruits, and canned like in Europe from Del Monte looks alike, and you know it is not, but pretend it is anyway.
There is only two type of cheese, Swiss and white cheddar that the taste is totally foreign for me. There is also ham, if you call that. The breakfast included cooked mushroom, cold pork and Chicken dishes, again mixed in with unknown vegetables, Danishes and muffins that must be steamed instead of bake. There is all kind of juice, the hotel said that it is 100% pure juice, but this boy can taste “Tank”, when it is “Tank”.
I was brave enough to try their milk, it does taste like fresh milk, and I gave them that. They also serve salad in the breakfast bar; fresh prepare Omlet at the Omlet bar, as well as traditional Chinese breakfast. It is kind of funny to watch the businessman from China vs. businessman from over seas. We have our cereal, with mike, Yogurt milk. Some fruit, or Danish and toast while the others take everything traditional and western food all mixes in together in one plate.
The worst experience yet is cold espresso? Have you ever had coffee that is luke warm? That is all you get. I wanted café Americano; they give me some hot water, just like everywhere else in the world. Even in Starbuck. That is discrimination. You get water down coffee, and pay extra cost. They are not the only one doing it, so I suppose it is across the global dream up this to ripe us off. I suppose if we wanted to be treated equally, we should drink more espresso. I actually have not been drinking coffee that often any more. And I did not miss it.
I finally had some real eggs, toast, not omelet, since I move to my own apt. I had toast with very strange very light bread. A far cry from all the yuppie breads I use to in NYC. I buy whole wheat bread here as well; the problem is the wheat is missing. I can’t find any trace of them except on the package label. Amazingly I found Skippy. Not the dog, the peanut butter, and Hormel ham, as well as preserves. I pay a fortune, because the “local “grocery store I found these things was cater to expat like myself.
Just to put grocery shopping into prospective for you, if you want “ONE bush” of broccoli wrapped up in plastic, you pay 15 RMB about $2.30. If you go down the street to the same store in the chain, that is cater to locals. You can get a bunch like in the US with a rubber band for 3RBM, about $0.5. Where do you think I will go to buy my veggie? But then when you get home you have to wash and soak it over night, and then clean it, and the cook it, or use the Microwave. Or should I say a leaky Microwave, because steam escape from the machine, and I do not know where, I suppose if it cook fast I will take it. Microwave is not common in China, and you have one you are very lucky. I may die of radiation exposure I will take that chance.
I also have one of those Mini ovens, the one that a lot of you had in the kitchen, because you have too much counter space, and need something to put there. I often think they are for decoration. I can’t find the practical reason to have one until now it is Godsend. I know I can’t actually cook a turkey in it, it will be a challenge. But the lack of a toaster oven, this is the next best thing to make toast in the morning.
Of course this week, is all about food, since I work all week end last week, and no time to go to the over price Japanese grocery store, the best in all of Shanghai. I venture into the local jungle in search of meat. I found them all right but actually had enough courage to buy them is another story. I though I saw the word “ Chicken” in the freezer section. When I rush over to pick up my hunt, I drop them just as fast. The head and feet inside the bag scare the daylight out of me. Do chicken actually have heads?
Never the less, I am going to check out a Chinese-French grocery store this weekend. I meant French name but actually all Chinese products. May be I can find some frozen breast in a bag. Funny I have yet seen any fresh chicken. I am not obsessed with finding chicken, but Steak or beef is virtually unseen. Pork on the other hand is all fat and no meat. Where is lamb, or even Billy goat, at this point? I am so tire of cold cuts. I will even buy a monkey. LOL
However bacon is everywhere. Diet in northern China is so horrible. Sweet and sour, deep fried and spicy all over the menu, otherwise there is also lot of preserved vegetables. That is usually in the unrecognizable brown color. At least Kimchi is red and white. No thanks.
I am rather resourceful. I found real Yogurt. It looks like Dannon, but it is not. However it taste OK. I even found pepper cheese, and then of course I pay $10 for a small piece. Never the less that is taste of home. I also found the real oak meal, Natural valley cannoalla bars and fake Kraft cookies. I am all set for snacks, except my stable popping corn. As you can tell, I know how to live like an expat. No worry there.
After days of hunting all over Shanghai, the hope to find William Sonoma all but shattered. I struck gold in a department store I found the blender I was looking for. The fact is that I learn my lesson well, can’t just go and tell the clerk what you need. The just stare at you, and then tell each other that you are an idiot then ignore you.
I am smart, I went to Google translate, write down the Chinese translation, download a picture, and then go shopping. Even well equipped, there is no guarantee you will find what you looking for, like in the case of a toaster, they have no such things here, just like ice tray. You can find them.
This time I found my blender. At first they keep trying to sell me the Chinese imitation, when I do not bite, instead, I am looking at the Phillips brand, the only other foreign brand on the shelf. They told me that it is three times more expensive, when I told them I do not care, they told me in broken English that it was made in China as well. That may very well be, but it is the principle. I wanted to buy American products. Not that I ever buy any Phillips brand in the US. That is beside the point. After they try to keep my earning in China, the least I can do is to spend it on American products. They can’t stop me there.
Never the less, except clothing I think the entire product lines in China are intimations. I saw P&G products like Tide detergent, or Colgate, but I do not see any label trade marks. As you can see I do stand out, and the store clerks starting to notice me, not because of my height, and of course handsome face and perfect hair. Ha ha. Rather they knew I pick up produce study labels, and often go to the manager’s office and demanding answer, while 80% of the time they do not know what I am talking about. They found that I am too strange, and try to avoid me. This is only week four I have 2 years here. Ha.
The other day I was looking for bubble bath gel. It is nothing strange for a man to look for bath gel. The Brits do it all the time. I turn the store upside down having 6 clerks running all over the isle looking for product for me. I will take you shopping when you come visits it is always a scene. I finally found then after 30 minutes. I suppose I have too much time on my hand.
One time the clerk took over my shopping cart, and ran it over to the cosmetic counter, demanding them to check me out, while in it is all but only house whole cleaning items for my maid to clean house. Everyone in line with cosmetic is looking at us franticly checking out at the counter, when they are not equipped to check out large items. After it is all done, she rolled my chart out to the parking lot and found me a car to drive me home. Am I really that helpless of a foreigner, or she wanted to get me out of the store fast. The entire ordeal lasted just 15 minutes, record for check out time ever.
This was one week of shopping experience. I can go one for another 10 pages, but I will spare you for now. Tomorrow, I had to go back to the same store. I can’t wait to cause another scene. Oh yea, I will tell you my IKEA experience next. That was even funnier.
So here is my life in Shanghai on week 4th One month and three days.
Stay tune. More fun to come.
Week 3 Nov Shanghai
Week 3-Shanghai
I finally moved into my apt. Which feel very strange after living in small quarter in Philly and in NY. This place is huge. I end up walking from one room to another, looking for clothes and my office stuff. Like a country boy in the city, Lost in my own apt. In NY, I just glided across the room, I have access to my files and things that I needed all in one place. Here it seems I have a lot of storage spaces. In fact it is only an elusion, most of the draws are so shadow, can’t put too much stuff in there without getting full.
The other fact that I use to dim mood lighting in my apt in NY, here the effect is not by desire. It is all low wattages bulbs. Unless you turn on the overhead, which I call the investigation room lighting effect, I hate to say that you will need a lot of make up for the unfaltering reality effect. I ask to have them change, the landlord think I am really strange. He doesn’t understand why I wanted to pay more for elect when I don’t have to.
The move:
My experience of moving into my apt so far is quite an experience. When I first move to NYC, I though finding and getting settle in the city was hard, compare to here in Shanghai that was a breeze. Without the help of the realtor my company hired for me. I would be in a total lost.
For starter:
My apartment are 100% furnished, therefore you really had to look and bargain. You can ask for what you want, depends on the landlord, they may give it to you, or may not. You also had to write down on the lease that what you are expecting, or the day you move in all your furniture will change to different pieces. Plus, you have to make sure that they are willing to give you a receipt on your rent. Even though I had to pay an extra $50 USD a month for it. Please don’t even try to ask me how that works.
The agent is also expected to set up all the utilities and TV etc because it is not a one-bill town. You will not know whom to call to get utilities set up. If you think there will be yellow page, or operator, think again.
All the utilities are states own; there are all separate companies. That means you had to set up, water, gas, electric, drinking water, local TV, cable TV, Internet, and WIFI all from different people. They all send you separate bills and you will have to send you maid to go wait in line to pay them monthly, because there is no Internet payment. That alone is a full time job. Plus you have to wait for them to show up, let them in, and wait. The funny thing is, after the work is done, they wanted to hang out with you. I can’t get this people out of the house. No one is in a hurry to go anywhere or do anything.
With that shocker behind me, I finally settled in. At least I thought so until I came home one night and found my living room turn into a Chinese laundry parlor. My maid had all my (clean laundry) hanging on the rack to dry in the middle of the living room, because I do not want to see laundry on the balcony. Why do you think she will think that I will want to see laundry in the living room when I do not wanted to see them outside? Plus I had a dryer, I am not sure if she does not know how to use it, or she is trying to save me money and energy. No thanks. The next week, she move it all into my bed room, until I finally had her trained to leave the rack in the guest bedroom on the other wing, so I do not have to see them. On the plus side, she did iron all my underwear’s, and handkerchiefs. I suppose that was my treat. Ha ha.
Another shocker for the Bedroom:
There is fitted sheet for your mattress and pillowcases, and duvets, but no flat sheets for my bed set. I thought I left it in the store, so I ran out and buy another set, the same thing happened, until I realize Chinese do not use flat sheets. Am I even Chinese. How come I never realize that many years I stay in hotels in HK?
IKEA to the rescue:
Thanks God there is IKEA. Yes, you will never hear me say that, just like you never hear me say that next time when you see a 7/11. “Kiss them”. You never know how good they are catering to your need, until you left the land of plenty.
Never the less, I had to go to IKEA, Just to get plates and pots and pans. I was looking for William Sonoma, and that was none to be found. What about Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrels? Where are they now when you need them? Nothing likes that at all. In stead Tiffany is everywhere. I can eat on the diamond plate can’t I? Hummn, may be in the future.
I suppose I am some what spoil, like my friend asks me a week ago “What is a spoil American boy doing in China?” Well. To be honest, I am experiencing a little culture shock. Never the less, IKEA is fine. I even found floor matt, and lots of lights. At least old habits die-hard, I need my mood lights. I must have spend over $1000 USD for cheap light. So, Never mind the bright light of Shanghai or NY, or even Christmas in Rockefeller center. I am creating my own light show. Just wait till the government crack down on my electric bill.
Winter is approaching:
I just found out I had to buy more stuffs in preparing for the winter chill. That was after I discover all the air unit in the apt only goes up to 30ºc I though that was not operating correctly, until I found out later, the government decided that as long as you are not frozen. 30oc is fine for everyone. If you want warmer environment, there is space heater and electric blanket you can buy. I suppose that helps the economy too. Never mind that I complain to the agent. She is bringing me (a) space heater. So big deal. I am heading back to the store. I am not living in Siberia unless I have no choice.
Something I learn in three weeks:
As long as you complain loudly, you usually can get your way with a lot. I also learn that; if they are louder, try to overcome you. You just raise your voice a little higher, that high pitch “C” really comes in handy some times. If that does not work, speak English. I guarantee, they will stop. Once they knew you are not from South East Asia, the tone changed. I am not making friends that way, but at least I get my way. Ha ha.
Never the less, I do have problem with the food here. In Hong Kong, I had the best food, no matter where I go. Here the foods are very greasy and salty. Lot’s of deep fried food, and noodles. I stopped eating locally because that food although very inexpensive, does not settle with me well. There are abundant of fruit and vegetable, but the preparation to make sure it is clean is very time consuming.
My maid thought I am a nut case, when she found all my glasses are in the refrigerator. I told her water taste better cold although I can’t find ice rack for sell anywhere. She already asks for a raise. I do not know why is it hard work for her to take care of just one person. I pay her more than you will get pay by local family. Never the less, they will try to get as much money out of you as possible when you are an expat. No way to avoid that. If you think you are smarter than they are, think again. They had years of practice before you were born. So I gave in and pay to buy a piece of mind. I will make all my guests take their dirt laundry home with them. LOL.
Grocery is another sour subject:
The other days I spend $200 USD at a grocery store, and I do not know what I got at all. It was 50 RMB here, and 80 there, before you know it is in the thousands. That how expensive, that is if you want to eat American products. That kind of humbles me and put things into prospective. My inherited friends here are all super wealthy; they do not understand why I am not willing to spend the penny. That is because I think their way is wasteful. Compare to the locals. They are filthy rich. If I am going to be here for the next two years, I wanted to live among the locals, and learn from the, but I will not eat like them, that is suicide.
Perhaps no one will expect even banking in China is a hassle.
I thought how big a deal it is if they said that my international account with Citibank from the US is not good enough, I must open up a personal local account in China. (I had the same problem with my HSBC account in HK. I can’t deposit into it, so surprises there). The appointment were set up before I left NY, and twice confirmed. Little did I know when I arrived at the bank for the appointment, my contact was nowhere to be found and the correspondent officer, whom my personal banker was talking to from NY, was actually work in Citibank Singapore. That means no one actually talk to US. Never mind know what my appointment is for.
As usual I got luck out once again, (Nice guy usually pays off). I stumbled into one of the nicest Money manger one can find in China, but that was where the good part of this ordeal stopped.
First I realize that there is no check in China. I had to have a debit card account for my company to direct deposit my paycheck into my China account.
Got it so far?
If I need to take out USD to put into my US account or just USD cash, I had to open a settlement account so I can transfer my money from the debit account to the settlement account. But not so fast, no money yet. That is not the end of the story.
Transfer between china bank and international bank even though it is the same Citibank is not allowed. I can only wire money from Chinese local bank to international bank, and that is the only way, no exception. Therefore I have to physically go to the bank with my
1. My employment offer letter.
2. My pay stub.
3. The China tax office Tax form.
4. My passport.
Every time if I want money wire from my Chinese account to my US account, this does not happen just once, I had to do it every month, if I wanted to take money out, is there more complicated than that? I suppose the government is either testing my patient, or they think I don’t have anything better to do with my life every day for a week.
I know this week ‘s email is not as funny as the other week, consider, I just worked 6 days, and it will be working the weekend again tomorrow and Sunday. Plus I had the flu with no access to medicine, on witch doctors with water down crab that may actually kill me first before getting better. Not to mention I had to take the bill pay the cashier then back to the pharmacy before I can get my hand on any of the crab I bought.
Thanks for my God send assistance; she had to make a quick escape to the US and brought me back (WESTERN) medicine, and cough drops. Before I had to head to the black market for some relief. Who would have heard of a famous name like Watson’s in Shanghai only selling cosmetic in their super store. Let the people die? We don’t care? God help me this is only the third week. Ha ha.
Never the less, your Ed still standing, happy as ever, never bitter, just a little confused.
Chance Encounter Shanghai China
I finally moved into my apt. Which feel very strange after living in small quarter in Philly and in NY. This place is huge. I end up walking from one room to another, looking for clothes and my office stuff. Like a country boy in the city, Lost in my own apt. In NY, I just glided across the room, I have access to my files and things that I needed all in one place. Here it seems I have a lot of storage spaces. In fact it is only an elusion, most of the draws are so shadow, can’t put too much stuff in there without getting full.
The other fact that I use to dim mood lighting in my apt in NY, here the effect is not by desire. It is all low wattages bulbs. Unless you turn on the overhead, which I call the investigation room lighting effect, I hate to say that you will need a lot of make up for the unfaltering reality effect. I ask to have them change, the landlord think I am really strange. He doesn’t understand why I wanted to pay more for elect when I don’t have to.
The move:
My experience of moving into my apt so far is quite an experience. When I first move to NYC, I though finding and getting settle in the city was hard, compare to here in Shanghai that was a breeze. Without the help of the realtor my company hired for me. I would be in a total lost.
For starter:
My apartment are 100% furnished, therefore you really had to look and bargain. You can ask for what you want, depends on the landlord, they may give it to you, or may not. You also had to write down on the lease that what you are expecting, or the day you move in all your furniture will change to different pieces. Plus, you have to make sure that they are willing to give you a receipt on your rent. Even though I had to pay an extra $50 USD a month for it. Please don’t even try to ask me how that works.
The agent is also expected to set up all the utilities and TV etc because it is not a one-bill town. You will not know whom to call to get utilities set up. If you think there will be yellow page, or operator, think again.
All the utilities are states own; there are all separate companies. That means you had to set up, water, gas, electric, drinking water, local TV, cable TV, Internet, and WIFI all from different people. They all send you separate bills and you will have to send you maid to go wait in line to pay them monthly, because there is no Internet payment. That alone is a full time job. Plus you have to wait for them to show up, let them in, and wait. The funny thing is, after the work is done, they wanted to hang out with you. I can’t get this people out of the house. No one is in a hurry to go anywhere or do anything.
With that shocker behind me, I finally settled in. At least I thought so until I came home one night and found my living room turn into a Chinese laundry parlor. My maid had all my (clean laundry) hanging on the rack to dry in the middle of the living room, because I do not want to see laundry on the balcony. Why do you think she will think that I will want to see laundry in the living room when I do not wanted to see them outside? Plus I had a dryer, I am not sure if she does not know how to use it, or she is trying to save me money and energy. No thanks. The next week, she move it all into my bed room, until I finally had her trained to leave the rack in the guest bedroom on the other wing, so I do not have to see them. On the plus side, she did iron all my underwear’s, and handkerchiefs. I suppose that was my treat. Ha ha.
Another shocker for the Bedroom:
There is fitted sheet for your mattress and pillowcases, and duvets, but no flat sheets for my bed set. I thought I left it in the store, so I ran out and buy another set, the same thing happened, until I realize Chinese do not use flat sheets. Am I even Chinese. How come I never realize that many years I stay in hotels in HK?
IKEA to the rescue:
Thanks God there is IKEA. Yes, you will never hear me say that, just like you never hear me say that next time when you see a 7/11. “Kiss them”. You never know how good they are catering to your need, until you left the land of plenty.
Never the less, I had to go to IKEA, Just to get plates and pots and pans. I was looking for William Sonoma, and that was none to be found. What about Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrels? Where are they now when you need them? Nothing likes that at all. In stead Tiffany is everywhere. I can eat on the diamond plate can’t I? Hummn, may be in the future.
I suppose I am some what spoil, like my friend asks me a week ago “What is a spoil American boy doing in China?” Well. To be honest, I am experiencing a little culture shock. Never the less, IKEA is fine. I even found floor matt, and lots of lights. At least old habits die-hard, I need my mood lights. I must have spend over $1000 USD for cheap light. So, Never mind the bright light of Shanghai or NY, or even Christmas in Rockefeller center. I am creating my own light show. Just wait till the government crack down on my electric bill.
Winter is approaching:
I just found out I had to buy more stuffs in preparing for the winter chill. That was after I discover all the air unit in the apt only goes up to 30ºc I though that was not operating correctly, until I found out later, the government decided that as long as you are not frozen. 30oc is fine for everyone. If you want warmer environment, there is space heater and electric blanket you can buy. I suppose that helps the economy too. Never mind that I complain to the agent. She is bringing me (a) space heater. So big deal. I am heading back to the store. I am not living in Siberia unless I have no choice.
Something I learn in three weeks:
As long as you complain loudly, you usually can get your way with a lot. I also learn that; if they are louder, try to overcome you. You just raise your voice a little higher, that high pitch “C” really comes in handy some times. If that does not work, speak English. I guarantee, they will stop. Once they knew you are not from South East Asia, the tone changed. I am not making friends that way, but at least I get my way. Ha ha.
Never the less, I do have problem with the food here. In Hong Kong, I had the best food, no matter where I go. Here the foods are very greasy and salty. Lot’s of deep fried food, and noodles. I stopped eating locally because that food although very inexpensive, does not settle with me well. There are abundant of fruit and vegetable, but the preparation to make sure it is clean is very time consuming.
My maid thought I am a nut case, when she found all my glasses are in the refrigerator. I told her water taste better cold although I can’t find ice rack for sell anywhere. She already asks for a raise. I do not know why is it hard work for her to take care of just one person. I pay her more than you will get pay by local family. Never the less, they will try to get as much money out of you as possible when you are an expat. No way to avoid that. If you think you are smarter than they are, think again. They had years of practice before you were born. So I gave in and pay to buy a piece of mind. I will make all my guests take their dirt laundry home with them. LOL.
Grocery is another sour subject:
The other days I spend $200 USD at a grocery store, and I do not know what I got at all. It was 50 RMB here, and 80 there, before you know it is in the thousands. That how expensive, that is if you want to eat American products. That kind of humbles me and put things into prospective. My inherited friends here are all super wealthy; they do not understand why I am not willing to spend the penny. That is because I think their way is wasteful. Compare to the locals. They are filthy rich. If I am going to be here for the next two years, I wanted to live among the locals, and learn from the, but I will not eat like them, that is suicide.
Perhaps no one will expect even banking in China is a hassle.
I thought how big a deal it is if they said that my international account with Citibank from the US is not good enough, I must open up a personal local account in China. (I had the same problem with my HSBC account in HK. I can’t deposit into it, so surprises there). The appointment were set up before I left NY, and twice confirmed. Little did I know when I arrived at the bank for the appointment, my contact was nowhere to be found and the correspondent officer, whom my personal banker was talking to from NY, was actually work in Citibank Singapore. That means no one actually talk to US. Never mind know what my appointment is for.
As usual I got luck out once again, (Nice guy usually pays off). I stumbled into one of the nicest Money manger one can find in China, but that was where the good part of this ordeal stopped.
First I realize that there is no check in China. I had to have a debit card account for my company to direct deposit my paycheck into my China account.
Got it so far?
If I need to take out USD to put into my US account or just USD cash, I had to open a settlement account so I can transfer my money from the debit account to the settlement account. But not so fast, no money yet. That is not the end of the story.
Transfer between china bank and international bank even though it is the same Citibank is not allowed. I can only wire money from Chinese local bank to international bank, and that is the only way, no exception. Therefore I have to physically go to the bank with my
1. My employment offer letter.
2. My pay stub.
3. The China tax office Tax form.
4. My passport.
Every time if I want money wire from my Chinese account to my US account, this does not happen just once, I had to do it every month, if I wanted to take money out, is there more complicated than that? I suppose the government is either testing my patient, or they think I don’t have anything better to do with my life every day for a week.
I know this week ‘s email is not as funny as the other week, consider, I just worked 6 days, and it will be working the weekend again tomorrow and Sunday. Plus I had the flu with no access to medicine, on witch doctors with water down crab that may actually kill me first before getting better. Not to mention I had to take the bill pay the cashier then back to the pharmacy before I can get my hand on any of the crab I bought.
Thanks for my God send assistance; she had to make a quick escape to the US and brought me back (WESTERN) medicine, and cough drops. Before I had to head to the black market for some relief. Who would have heard of a famous name like Watson’s in Shanghai only selling cosmetic in their super store. Let the people die? We don’t care? God help me this is only the third week. Ha ha.
Never the less, your Ed still standing, happy as ever, never bitter, just a little confused.
Chance Encounter Shanghai China
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.
Chance Encounter Shanghai China
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.
Chance Encounter Shanghai China
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