There were lots of talks about China these days, and most of them are true, while others are not entirely correct, all depends on your own experience.
Many topics involve topics between the have and have not class in China. Just to name a few, the fight between people of Hong Kong and the mainlander over eating in the subway incidents, the protest on Italian retailer on favoritism of mainlander with hard cash, in HK vs. the natives. The stampede on the April release of I-pad end up in closing the stop and stop the sales, to Broadways show about doing business in China in NY. Almost everyday, there were news about China in the broadcast or on the web twitter that goes on and on, some times it get overwhelm. I do not ready them, but my mailbox is no less fill up of links and forwarded articles from friends and family. Now you know who you are…
Most western nations think the Nuevo rich Chinese are hunger for materialistic things, they seems to be not too sophisticated, and buy anything with the label and use and wear them when and whatever they like. There were malls cater specific to their taste (Glamour’s and the junky) all over China. That is certainly true in many aspects. You don’t have to join the party either.
However, their behavior is certainly no different than ours in our own culture in the US. In the 70’s when the rest of the country was in recession, and everyone wanted to move south to rich Texas for jobs, they encounter the rich, loud, unsophisticated, cowboy outfitted, big blond, hearty meat eater but cash loaded Texans, we put a label on them as well. Are these Texans unsophisticated? You can stay that just like at that oversize ring and the long fingernail. Yet how can you judge the by only their behavior, it is just the culture of the south. Perhaps you may think the deep tan cosmetic recreated California more sophisticated? Never the less that is entirely yours to decide.
As for the Chinese
Dig a little deeper why this is phenomenon happened
1. For starter, being a one-child society, most of the younger generation in China grew up showered with gifts and attention by their parents. They were pampered according their parents social means. What ever they asked for they usually gets. They bare no responsibilities force upon them, no need to share anything with siblings or extended families.
2. They saw their parents lived a life of changes; from sharing a TV with the village to an open society they can acquire anything with cash. The temptation to own everything is far greater the logic.
3. They also fail to grasps the concept that merchandise changes every season or month. The cycle of purchasing will never end. The rate of pushing new products is much faster pace than in any western society. Therefore they got caught in that circle of continue longing for the latest and the newest.
These are just some of the few factors that contribute to their buying. As for label conscious that is because in Chinese society showing off you have expensive goods means your family is well taking care of. Instead of the kind of show attitude in the western society, therefore the more expensive the label, the more they sell. Anything foreign is consider better quality, and in “most cases” it is true.
As long as China continues her path to prosperity, it does not seem to be a problem. Although the Chinese income, in the average compare to our own were rather low, cost of living is very reasonable. Most of the young and unmarried lives with their parents, therefore there is no apt rental cost, lunch is often left overs, average individuals do not have a car, their entire salary earned is for their own disposal. As ¬¬ saving goes there is no reason to, if they wanted to get marry or perhaps their parent wanted them to. They usually flip the bills. A dream, may be next time around you can select to be born Chinese, in China. : )
Therefore they have disposal income much more than any of us. Their buying powers are amazing, and it is an all cash society. Forget about your credit card. It is not welcome here.
They buy anything, shoes, cloth, watches electronics, games, music etc. Buying make them feel accomplished rather than show off. It makes them feel good. I am not sure if they even know what materialistic means.
They also love to eat. Not like us, going out to have a good meal in a nice place. Although the principles are the same, fill the stomach an find something that tastes great. For them however is more like going to a place to hang out socializing, food is secondly. Think again, they have no one at home to hang out with but their parents. Going to dinner is just an excuse for an escape from the planet of the “Parents”
What about saving for travel to experience the world? That is entirely difference story. I learn from my friends that in China, you have to provide proof that you have a reason to return before a visa will grant; (like having property or married). That is also the case for a foreign entry visa. The country you wanted to visit wanted to make sure you will leave, it is not as simple as get the round trip book a hotel and go. Still wanted to become Chinese? Plus for those that stock your parent in old folks home, there is a disgrace to do that to your parents. They are your responsibility when they get older. It is only fair isn’t it? Who’s been changing your stinky diaper for years? “Nanny”?
Sorry, you are not I, I have one.
This only my own experience, I am sure there are many more. You are welcome to make your own. I may not entirely correct, but it is my observation and lone encounter.
Chance Encounter Shanghai_ Spring
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
I join the party
Am I becoming Shanghainese?
That is the question.
May be not actually became one, but becoming one?
At least I come to term that I can get everything I need to survive on. May not be the same as back home, but all human had the basic needs and back home we are just a little more picky.
An example for toothpaste and tooth brushes; they have it. It is just basic right? I can get the easily at “7-Eleven”, yes, the Expat survival outpost. You look for “Crest toothpaste, sorry P&G, not here, but there are alternative like “Colgate”. So what is the big deal? The fact it is may look the same price the same, but it is not taste as sweet and fresh as it is back home and it is not so thick either, but it is after all toothpaste.
I also get use to the fact the if you really need something badly, you will spend a little more time and go an extra miles to get it, no need to bend all out of shape, if you can get that tuna in a local grocery store, you can always get it at the expat store, and prepare to get ripe off. Still, watch that blood pressure, before it got so high.
The reason I say that I may be fast becoming local is that on this very morning as I cross the same avenue; yes (It is call Park Avenue, and it does have flowers on the middle of the street). On route to work, as cross many times in the last five months, same routine everyday, say hit to the concierge, and the doorman, say thanks for opening the gate, and they never say hello or acknowledge my existence. Then on to the street corner waiting for the light to turn green, so I can cross, and watch the kamikaze driver run the red light in front the traffic cops. Remember I told you before they are there to regulate you, not traffics. Look and make sure there is no on coming traffic, then cross.
But this morning, it will forever change my life here. The light turn green, and I cross, the buzzing traffic still trying to cross in front of me, I just stood my group and they crash, I close my eye and walk straight thru, and left them on the road just like everyone else does. Wow, that felt great. I am not longer this foreigner, just waiting politely for my turn that using the entire duration of the green light and never have a moment I can actually cross in safety, not in the morning anyway, so if you can’t beat them, join them. Even old ladies cross the road fast than I am. But did it, I do not know why now or why is it this morning, I am not in a rage, am I becoming local, or just a little bold?
My friend told me I should be careful. It is about power play, and sees who get scare first, and give the right of way to the other, supposedly being a little stronger and stand the ground. You know what will happen if two hard head met one day. I may end up getting flatten like as a pancake. He is quite right, but it is just too tempting, for once I had the upper hand, they crashed. (This is where you scream Bravo Eduard).
It is all about power play, I do know what people gain by practicing that, for me they are just annoying, so I am not taking the back seat, or left holding the stick. I did my leap forward this morning.
In China most of the under class are not very well educated, perhaps it is a way they wanted you to know that they are a force to be reckon with, they challenge your courage in every ways, like child play. It happens everywhere, Taxi ride before rush hours. It is more than a thrill. In line at the convenience store I can guarantee, every time some short, tiny Chinese usually girls will in front of you. At he beginning, I usually let them get away with it, lately I just yell at them. Some try to ignore me, and keep on going, other time, people in line behind me will say the same thing to them as well, then they pretend that they do not know there is a line, get real people.
By the way, My friend as me, how is my first birthday like in Asia I told them I don’t know, I was in dapper, hopefully did not wet one at the same time while Mommy is blowing out the candle. If you ask me about my recent birthday here, then there is another story.
My team gave me a huge surprise party, which is really a surprise, because I thought Chinese do not do birthdays.
Never the less, it was three cakes, one from each department. I was actually in a meet, they came in to tell me my boss wanted to see me, and there he was in the conference with everyone there, it was a lot of noisy fun, and lots of candles for an old man.
The whole birthday weekend was like a three days celebrations. I do not know how everyone found out. I am getting tons of email from around the world, most surprising, I even get two real paper cards, one from an old friend in Chicago, the other from my new friend from China. I also received foreign gifts, a Thai dinner, an American style steak dinner, and an authentic French dinner, with the collection of international friends. A visit to the spa top the weekend. Best of all, drinking is optional. I am blessed to have some real friendship in Shanghai. Thanks.
So here is the week
That is the question.
May be not actually became one, but becoming one?
At least I come to term that I can get everything I need to survive on. May not be the same as back home, but all human had the basic needs and back home we are just a little more picky.
An example for toothpaste and tooth brushes; they have it. It is just basic right? I can get the easily at “7-Eleven”, yes, the Expat survival outpost. You look for “Crest toothpaste, sorry P&G, not here, but there are alternative like “Colgate”. So what is the big deal? The fact it is may look the same price the same, but it is not taste as sweet and fresh as it is back home and it is not so thick either, but it is after all toothpaste.
I also get use to the fact the if you really need something badly, you will spend a little more time and go an extra miles to get it, no need to bend all out of shape, if you can get that tuna in a local grocery store, you can always get it at the expat store, and prepare to get ripe off. Still, watch that blood pressure, before it got so high.
The reason I say that I may be fast becoming local is that on this very morning as I cross the same avenue; yes (It is call Park Avenue, and it does have flowers on the middle of the street). On route to work, as cross many times in the last five months, same routine everyday, say hit to the concierge, and the doorman, say thanks for opening the gate, and they never say hello or acknowledge my existence. Then on to the street corner waiting for the light to turn green, so I can cross, and watch the kamikaze driver run the red light in front the traffic cops. Remember I told you before they are there to regulate you, not traffics. Look and make sure there is no on coming traffic, then cross.
But this morning, it will forever change my life here. The light turn green, and I cross, the buzzing traffic still trying to cross in front of me, I just stood my group and they crash, I close my eye and walk straight thru, and left them on the road just like everyone else does. Wow, that felt great. I am not longer this foreigner, just waiting politely for my turn that using the entire duration of the green light and never have a moment I can actually cross in safety, not in the morning anyway, so if you can’t beat them, join them. Even old ladies cross the road fast than I am. But did it, I do not know why now or why is it this morning, I am not in a rage, am I becoming local, or just a little bold?
My friend told me I should be careful. It is about power play, and sees who get scare first, and give the right of way to the other, supposedly being a little stronger and stand the ground. You know what will happen if two hard head met one day. I may end up getting flatten like as a pancake. He is quite right, but it is just too tempting, for once I had the upper hand, they crashed. (This is where you scream Bravo Eduard).
It is all about power play, I do know what people gain by practicing that, for me they are just annoying, so I am not taking the back seat, or left holding the stick. I did my leap forward this morning.
In China most of the under class are not very well educated, perhaps it is a way they wanted you to know that they are a force to be reckon with, they challenge your courage in every ways, like child play. It happens everywhere, Taxi ride before rush hours. It is more than a thrill. In line at the convenience store I can guarantee, every time some short, tiny Chinese usually girls will in front of you. At he beginning, I usually let them get away with it, lately I just yell at them. Some try to ignore me, and keep on going, other time, people in line behind me will say the same thing to them as well, then they pretend that they do not know there is a line, get real people.
By the way, My friend as me, how is my first birthday like in Asia I told them I don’t know, I was in dapper, hopefully did not wet one at the same time while Mommy is blowing out the candle. If you ask me about my recent birthday here, then there is another story.
My team gave me a huge surprise party, which is really a surprise, because I thought Chinese do not do birthdays.
Never the less, it was three cakes, one from each department. I was actually in a meet, they came in to tell me my boss wanted to see me, and there he was in the conference with everyone there, it was a lot of noisy fun, and lots of candles for an old man.
The whole birthday weekend was like a three days celebrations. I do not know how everyone found out. I am getting tons of email from around the world, most surprising, I even get two real paper cards, one from an old friend in Chicago, the other from my new friend from China. I also received foreign gifts, a Thai dinner, an American style steak dinner, and an authentic French dinner, with the collection of international friends. A visit to the spa top the weekend. Best of all, drinking is optional. I am blessed to have some real friendship in Shanghai. Thanks.
So here is the week
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Another week, another thought
Another week in Shanghai burning candles on both end. Working for 12 hours and entertain another 6, and then back to the grinder the next day. If you already tire reading about this, you know how I feel.
Yet there are times this kind of entertainment is unavoidable. For starter, I have a houseguest, together with my other expat friends we decided that we could ignore the downpour to patron one of the more famous Mexican restaurant. Yes, Mexican.
Believe me, I try all day couldn’t get thru the line for reservation. My friend told me not to worry it is a big place, and how wrong was he, even though it is a huge place and a weeknight, and pouring rain on the outside. We were denied entrance for no reservation. A little disappointed on the other hand I am not kin on spending 600-700rmb for Mexican dinner anyway. With my luck we decided to go to another place, and it turn out to be a very decent dinner. An A+ since the dishes tasted nothing out of ordinary. If it is not because all the chefs in the kitchen were Chinese, I will not noticing any difference between Mexican restaurants back home.
Thursday night I went to the only Vodka bar in Shanghai. My first in four month to wander out on a school night, because I had no choice but to entertain one of my new found friend here in the city. The décor is nothing fancy, but the price was. The bar got pack at 11PM, like everywhere else in the world; needless to say, I stayed a little too long, and broke the bank along the way. Does it worth it? I suppose so.
That bought me to the point of my blog this week. A lot of you had been following my adventure since I got here, you also saw the changes on subjects from culture shock, to making fun of the experience, to a little more of my own opinion recently. I am hoping that everyone reading this blog and my encounter with a little humor, and not take it so seriously. After all this is only my personal encounter, your experience may not be the same as mine.
What worry me is that I am starting to get email from friends saying that they have not desire to live or visit china after reading what I encounter. In the contrary, I wanted you to come visit and see for yourself. We cannot always use the standard in US to judge other culture. European cultures are not Eastern culture. You wanted to expand your horizon, go south or East.
I hope I did not paint a negative picture for you on China. A lot of the articles that you read in some odd ways were true, but yet it is far from the experience I had here. Just like most people from Far East we are all over weight pigs, ate steak every night. Most of us wear boots and cowboy hats. Do we?
Yes culture different is expected isn’t that make the world interesting? How would you like it if I fed you just your favorite dish repeatedly, without changes for the rest of your live. In a way we are living in a monoculture, every cities and towns you can find the same thing. We can call it unification of a culture; others may consider it as boring.
In a city like Shanghai, it is actually not really China. Just like visiting Hong Kong is not really visiting the orient, it is just big shopping trip to the mall.
This is just my opinion.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
Yet there are times this kind of entertainment is unavoidable. For starter, I have a houseguest, together with my other expat friends we decided that we could ignore the downpour to patron one of the more famous Mexican restaurant. Yes, Mexican.
Believe me, I try all day couldn’t get thru the line for reservation. My friend told me not to worry it is a big place, and how wrong was he, even though it is a huge place and a weeknight, and pouring rain on the outside. We were denied entrance for no reservation. A little disappointed on the other hand I am not kin on spending 600-700rmb for Mexican dinner anyway. With my luck we decided to go to another place, and it turn out to be a very decent dinner. An A+ since the dishes tasted nothing out of ordinary. If it is not because all the chefs in the kitchen were Chinese, I will not noticing any difference between Mexican restaurants back home.
Thursday night I went to the only Vodka bar in Shanghai. My first in four month to wander out on a school night, because I had no choice but to entertain one of my new found friend here in the city. The décor is nothing fancy, but the price was. The bar got pack at 11PM, like everywhere else in the world; needless to say, I stayed a little too long, and broke the bank along the way. Does it worth it? I suppose so.
That bought me to the point of my blog this week. A lot of you had been following my adventure since I got here, you also saw the changes on subjects from culture shock, to making fun of the experience, to a little more of my own opinion recently. I am hoping that everyone reading this blog and my encounter with a little humor, and not take it so seriously. After all this is only my personal encounter, your experience may not be the same as mine.
What worry me is that I am starting to get email from friends saying that they have not desire to live or visit china after reading what I encounter. In the contrary, I wanted you to come visit and see for yourself. We cannot always use the standard in US to judge other culture. European cultures are not Eastern culture. You wanted to expand your horizon, go south or East.
I hope I did not paint a negative picture for you on China. A lot of the articles that you read in some odd ways were true, but yet it is far from the experience I had here. Just like most people from Far East we are all over weight pigs, ate steak every night. Most of us wear boots and cowboy hats. Do we?
Yes culture different is expected isn’t that make the world interesting? How would you like it if I fed you just your favorite dish repeatedly, without changes for the rest of your live. In a way we are living in a monoculture, every cities and towns you can find the same thing. We can call it unification of a culture; others may consider it as boring.
In a city like Shanghai, it is actually not really China. Just like visiting Hong Kong is not really visiting the orient, it is just big shopping trip to the mall.
This is just my opinion.
Chance Encounter Shanghai.
Friday, February 17, 2012
A leasson to be learn
This is going to be an interesting topic this week. Let face it we are shop and over shop and some time even impulse buy.
Shoppers beware if you are shopping in China. Think twice and consider hard, look at all the options before you swipe that card, or (cash which is preferred). What you purchase will be forever yours.
There are certainly some exception like (foreign stores), you already pay more than you shop anywhere else with the same item, plus two extra Tax you have to pay for import goods. In that case you may be able to get them to “exchange your item”, but for a refund. Sorry dear, that is almost unheard of, there were no customer service to speak of, just lots of forms, and lots of questions, if you have a free day, with nothing else better to do, you may be successful.
If you wish for a refund from goods you purchase from a local store, your patience will be on trail. The clerk often told you refund is prohibited and not permitted in China and walk away. (Imagine yourself in one of those movies where you were left in a busy shopping mall holding the bag, while the camera pan away for a wider shot, there were hundreds of people surrounding you all going about their own business, and you were there standing alone. The shot get wider, and you get smaller, until you bend into the crowd and disappeared. Got it. That is the image.
Of course there may be some instances that you hit the jackpot after filling out many forms and investigated, more like interrogated for hours in the managers office. You may get your refund. The question is, does it worth your time.
I suspected this might be the only way my host country knew to discourage or even eliminate corruption (kick back). The following is my encounter that spark this blog story:
I subscribe to a foreign cable service. In the 4 months I had the service. My cable service went down 5 times, each time took them 3-4 days to get it running again. Some time the service disconnected as soon as the technician left the apt. It happened again three days ago, and again tonight, out of frustration I told the service technician that this would be the last time I put up with this nonsense, if the cable company can’t fix the problem. I wanted my refund, (Since cable service were pay once a year). She kindly informed me with a smile that it is not permitted in China. “What do you mean by not permitted?” I asked. She said “No refund, it is the law”.
The firecracker within me exploded. I have to give them a whole year of the cable fee up front when the service is not performed correctly; I was told I wouldn’t get my money back. I found out later it is the norm; you just had to put up with it.
What do you think? I figure the worst it could happen if I protested in front of the largest state own cable company headquarter, might be hotel Siberia with breakfast lunch and dinner included for a while, you think that worth a trial? : O
Would you come to my rescue?
I know some of you will raise holy hell if you were in the same situation, but then it is China, your protest usually fell on death ear. You can either go with the flow or you can just get mad and go nowhere.
The point is that if this country wanted to join the first world as a world power, she must give her people the most basic of choice, after all it is hard earn money from my own savings. Your thought?
Chance Encounter NYC
Shoppers beware if you are shopping in China. Think twice and consider hard, look at all the options before you swipe that card, or (cash which is preferred). What you purchase will be forever yours.
There are certainly some exception like (foreign stores), you already pay more than you shop anywhere else with the same item, plus two extra Tax you have to pay for import goods. In that case you may be able to get them to “exchange your item”, but for a refund. Sorry dear, that is almost unheard of, there were no customer service to speak of, just lots of forms, and lots of questions, if you have a free day, with nothing else better to do, you may be successful.
If you wish for a refund from goods you purchase from a local store, your patience will be on trail. The clerk often told you refund is prohibited and not permitted in China and walk away. (Imagine yourself in one of those movies where you were left in a busy shopping mall holding the bag, while the camera pan away for a wider shot, there were hundreds of people surrounding you all going about their own business, and you were there standing alone. The shot get wider, and you get smaller, until you bend into the crowd and disappeared. Got it. That is the image.
Of course there may be some instances that you hit the jackpot after filling out many forms and investigated, more like interrogated for hours in the managers office. You may get your refund. The question is, does it worth your time.
I suspected this might be the only way my host country knew to discourage or even eliminate corruption (kick back). The following is my encounter that spark this blog story:
I subscribe to a foreign cable service. In the 4 months I had the service. My cable service went down 5 times, each time took them 3-4 days to get it running again. Some time the service disconnected as soon as the technician left the apt. It happened again three days ago, and again tonight, out of frustration I told the service technician that this would be the last time I put up with this nonsense, if the cable company can’t fix the problem. I wanted my refund, (Since cable service were pay once a year). She kindly informed me with a smile that it is not permitted in China. “What do you mean by not permitted?” I asked. She said “No refund, it is the law”.
The firecracker within me exploded. I have to give them a whole year of the cable fee up front when the service is not performed correctly; I was told I wouldn’t get my money back. I found out later it is the norm; you just had to put up with it.
What do you think? I figure the worst it could happen if I protested in front of the largest state own cable company headquarter, might be hotel Siberia with breakfast lunch and dinner included for a while, you think that worth a trial? : O
Would you come to my rescue?
I know some of you will raise holy hell if you were in the same situation, but then it is China, your protest usually fell on death ear. You can either go with the flow or you can just get mad and go nowhere.
The point is that if this country wanted to join the first world as a world power, she must give her people the most basic of choice, after all it is hard earn money from my own savings. Your thought?
Chance Encounter NYC
Saturday, February 11, 2012
My Movie Experience
Week 14:
The exploration in Shanghai goes on at week 14 in the city.
I finally decided to go to a move. Not just any movie, but a Hollywood film, or as we say it here the foreign film. I was frustrated not being able to find any movie info online, even when I find the movie it does not tell me where it is being shown, nor show time information. A far cry for the info I get in the states.
Since there was more than one theater showing foreign films, I must make sure I can get there on public transports. After 12 weeks, the hidden agenda of this latest outing was to start exploring the wonderful modern Metro system in the city, therefore a theatre within walking distance from the metro station was the target plus what better time to do that than a rare beautiful sunny day in the city.
Once the target was identified, the mission was getting there. While I enter the Metro station, I was surprise to found all bags had to go thru security scanning. Not the hand checks like I had experienced at the museums, rather it is like airport scanner for luggage. Once in side, I encountered a clean and efficient modern system, just like the MTR in Hong Kong.
The theatre:
Where do you think the theatre located? It is not that unusual to find movie theatre in a mega shopping mall. However find one on the top floor of the mega mall was a little unusual. This mall had two wings and 6 shopping floors with the entrance atrium at the joint. Which scour all 6 floors provided a dramatic setting of scale as you enter the mall. Plus all the escalators are all free hanging from one floor to another, span between the floors above the atrium, like you saw in some futuristic science fiction movies or rending. It is so hard to explain, I was a little stunned by the setting, or may be I should say, admiration of the interior design.
These malls are not only well designed, the configuration of the shops were well thought off, all had one purpose to give shopping the ultimate shop till you drop experience. They also had an upscale grocery store in the basement, like what we had in numerous New York locations. They were a nice touch. After the shopping empty out their wallets, (seldom credit cards), they could consider a home cook meal for the family, since they can no longer afford to feed them. Just kidding. A devilish thought.
The floors are all divided into categories like our department stores. The restaurants are all located on the upper floors, they wanted their shoppers spend money on shops, not just go there to eat. The most amazing for me was the multiplex theatres were located on the top floor.
On all appearance the lobby of the theatre were no different than ours. However that is where the similarity ends. The movie show times where in Chinese I can’t hardly understand what they movie were without any pictures. Trying to get some info from the poster was all but impossible, with crowds of patrons blocking the view.
In front of the ticket windows were multiple long lines waiting to purchase tickets, as if the movies were free. Granted it was my first time going to movie any in Asia, I had no idea what all the lines were all about. I stand there like an idiot (This will be the first and last time you will ever heard me describing myself this way); lost and confused not knowing where to turn and my friend was not much help either. After 8 years in Asia, he spoke no Chinese.
After a looooong while I kind of figure out at least one line out of the three were coupon holders. However I can’t figure out what the other two lines where all about. Suddenly, I was shaken by loud noise from a man with the bullhorn came out from nowhere, and the stampede begun with people rush from one line to the other. In the mist of the confusion, I finally decided that I should really ask someone where I should go; at this rate I could have end up standing there for hours without even getting my hand on any ticket.
With my limited Chinese the guy with the bullhorn (you must ask the one in charge in China.) seems to understood me, or perhaps took pity on me, he shuffled me to the front of the shortest line, in front of everyone else been waiting there. Honestly I do not wanted to cut in line but he insisted that I should stay there and the others do not seem to mind. So there I was first in line. Facing the agent, a (SWEET) girl with a straight face.
Now came another challenge. I have no idea what “Sherlock Holmes 2” was call in Chinese nor I knew what the name of the movie in that matter. I do not remember what I told her. Some how there seems to be a problem; I finally understood she was trying to tell me there were no tickets available for the next two scheduled shows I preferred to see. In the end I manage to get ticket for the show that starts three hours from the time I purchase the ticket. Why can’t they have “Fandango” in China? That would have made things a lot simpler isn’t it?
By the way I forgot to tell you that they had computer ticket machines in the lobby, but it was not working, and not sure if they ever worked, it could be there for show only, I think someone forgot to plug it in.
Next step. Payment.
What is the most expensive movie ticket you ever purchased for a single show? I was in shock when I hand her 100 RMB, and she look at me, as if I am out of my mind. They want 100 RMB (EACH TICKET) that was almost $16.00 USD for a ticket. Talking about highway robbery. How could all these young people afford to go to the movie? Needless to say I have to skip my favorite popcorn. (Yes they had American pop corn, just like back home). However popcorn and a Pepsi combination (No Coke) Pepsi only, and no ice as well was ONLY 28 RMB. (Less than $5) Now that was a bargain. Still I am not paying for it.
More Surprise:
As we enter the theatre hall, we found no one nor sign to show us where the movie is playing. The two of us going from theater to theaters, looking for the theatre that play our movie, it was not that much fun. We were in an out of theatres, and no one notice, we can actually paid once and see every movie that was playing. Just a thought, you know I am too honest to do that kind of thing. Not worth trying either.
Never the less, after the right movie was located, we had to tackle another problem, the assigned seating.
Since we can’t read the tickets, we had to speculate where our seats were and what it meant. This is better than “Some” airlines, they had assign seating in the theatre, although you have no choice on which seat you can pick, but you are assigned anyway. As luck had it. We end up on the wrong side of the theatre in the dark. When we finally got to our seat two girls was in it. Don’t assume that we were the foreign devil that was wrong, because we were the dummy, we came to found out they were on our seats. Since we did not get any dates out of the two young ladies that took our seat. We made them moved.
What is the lesson learn here for me?
Encounter happens every day, even as mundane as going to a movie in a foreign land. You could consider it as a hassle or you could look at it as a wonderful experience.
I hope you share my sense of adventure, the love of foreign culture and travel. My encounter will go on.
Chance Encounter Shanghai
The exploration in Shanghai goes on at week 14 in the city.
I finally decided to go to a move. Not just any movie, but a Hollywood film, or as we say it here the foreign film. I was frustrated not being able to find any movie info online, even when I find the movie it does not tell me where it is being shown, nor show time information. A far cry for the info I get in the states.
Since there was more than one theater showing foreign films, I must make sure I can get there on public transports. After 12 weeks, the hidden agenda of this latest outing was to start exploring the wonderful modern Metro system in the city, therefore a theatre within walking distance from the metro station was the target plus what better time to do that than a rare beautiful sunny day in the city.
Once the target was identified, the mission was getting there. While I enter the Metro station, I was surprise to found all bags had to go thru security scanning. Not the hand checks like I had experienced at the museums, rather it is like airport scanner for luggage. Once in side, I encountered a clean and efficient modern system, just like the MTR in Hong Kong.
The theatre:
Where do you think the theatre located? It is not that unusual to find movie theatre in a mega shopping mall. However find one on the top floor of the mega mall was a little unusual. This mall had two wings and 6 shopping floors with the entrance atrium at the joint. Which scour all 6 floors provided a dramatic setting of scale as you enter the mall. Plus all the escalators are all free hanging from one floor to another, span between the floors above the atrium, like you saw in some futuristic science fiction movies or rending. It is so hard to explain, I was a little stunned by the setting, or may be I should say, admiration of the interior design.
These malls are not only well designed, the configuration of the shops were well thought off, all had one purpose to give shopping the ultimate shop till you drop experience. They also had an upscale grocery store in the basement, like what we had in numerous New York locations. They were a nice touch. After the shopping empty out their wallets, (seldom credit cards), they could consider a home cook meal for the family, since they can no longer afford to feed them. Just kidding. A devilish thought.
The floors are all divided into categories like our department stores. The restaurants are all located on the upper floors, they wanted their shoppers spend money on shops, not just go there to eat. The most amazing for me was the multiplex theatres were located on the top floor.
On all appearance the lobby of the theatre were no different than ours. However that is where the similarity ends. The movie show times where in Chinese I can’t hardly understand what they movie were without any pictures. Trying to get some info from the poster was all but impossible, with crowds of patrons blocking the view.
In front of the ticket windows were multiple long lines waiting to purchase tickets, as if the movies were free. Granted it was my first time going to movie any in Asia, I had no idea what all the lines were all about. I stand there like an idiot (This will be the first and last time you will ever heard me describing myself this way); lost and confused not knowing where to turn and my friend was not much help either. After 8 years in Asia, he spoke no Chinese.
After a looooong while I kind of figure out at least one line out of the three were coupon holders. However I can’t figure out what the other two lines where all about. Suddenly, I was shaken by loud noise from a man with the bullhorn came out from nowhere, and the stampede begun with people rush from one line to the other. In the mist of the confusion, I finally decided that I should really ask someone where I should go; at this rate I could have end up standing there for hours without even getting my hand on any ticket.
With my limited Chinese the guy with the bullhorn (you must ask the one in charge in China.) seems to understood me, or perhaps took pity on me, he shuffled me to the front of the shortest line, in front of everyone else been waiting there. Honestly I do not wanted to cut in line but he insisted that I should stay there and the others do not seem to mind. So there I was first in line. Facing the agent, a (SWEET) girl with a straight face.
Now came another challenge. I have no idea what “Sherlock Holmes 2” was call in Chinese nor I knew what the name of the movie in that matter. I do not remember what I told her. Some how there seems to be a problem; I finally understood she was trying to tell me there were no tickets available for the next two scheduled shows I preferred to see. In the end I manage to get ticket for the show that starts three hours from the time I purchase the ticket. Why can’t they have “Fandango” in China? That would have made things a lot simpler isn’t it?
By the way I forgot to tell you that they had computer ticket machines in the lobby, but it was not working, and not sure if they ever worked, it could be there for show only, I think someone forgot to plug it in.
Next step. Payment.
What is the most expensive movie ticket you ever purchased for a single show? I was in shock when I hand her 100 RMB, and she look at me, as if I am out of my mind. They want 100 RMB (EACH TICKET) that was almost $16.00 USD for a ticket. Talking about highway robbery. How could all these young people afford to go to the movie? Needless to say I have to skip my favorite popcorn. (Yes they had American pop corn, just like back home). However popcorn and a Pepsi combination (No Coke) Pepsi only, and no ice as well was ONLY 28 RMB. (Less than $5) Now that was a bargain. Still I am not paying for it.
More Surprise:
As we enter the theatre hall, we found no one nor sign to show us where the movie is playing. The two of us going from theater to theaters, looking for the theatre that play our movie, it was not that much fun. We were in an out of theatres, and no one notice, we can actually paid once and see every movie that was playing. Just a thought, you know I am too honest to do that kind of thing. Not worth trying either.
Never the less, after the right movie was located, we had to tackle another problem, the assigned seating.
Since we can’t read the tickets, we had to speculate where our seats were and what it meant. This is better than “Some” airlines, they had assign seating in the theatre, although you have no choice on which seat you can pick, but you are assigned anyway. As luck had it. We end up on the wrong side of the theatre in the dark. When we finally got to our seat two girls was in it. Don’t assume that we were the foreign devil that was wrong, because we were the dummy, we came to found out they were on our seats. Since we did not get any dates out of the two young ladies that took our seat. We made them moved.
What is the lesson learn here for me?
Encounter happens every day, even as mundane as going to a movie in a foreign land. You could consider it as a hassle or you could look at it as a wonderful experience.
I hope you share my sense of adventure, the love of foreign culture and travel. My encounter will go on.
Chance Encounter Shanghai
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Chinese New Year in Shanghai
Wishing everyone a Happy Water dragon New year from Shanghai, even though you are not Chinese, all you need to do is to take you two finger and press at the temple of you forehead, and lift upward, look into the reflection in the mirror, now you look like a Chinese.
If that does not work try plastic surgery. What can I say, it is the modern world. You can become a man or a woman in just a matter of hour. However becoming a Chinese takes a little longer and lots of practice.
So here is a blog written during the holiday.
First New year in Shanghai
Another week passed, it seems I am getting a little lazy to get out my computer try to write a blog, or perhaps I am really relaxing a little after a 4 months whirlwind of work, now that I have the rest of the 7 days doing nothing, but lounge and eat. Where are the cookies and chips when you need them?
Not that I am running out of topic to blog, far from it, rather I am starting to get familiar of the unfamiliar and expecting the unexpected. Therefore choosing subject to talk became more selective, there are often I started with one subjects and end up abandon the topic an move on to a more interesting one. This happens to be the case this week. However I hope this is till interesting to all of you to learn of my experience here as an expat and not a tourist.
This is my first Chinese New Year not in the Far East but in the heart of China. I was expecting a festival atmosphere, lots of sight and sound etc. To say the least I was utterly disappointed and almost outrage.
A week before “The Spring Festival” which is prefer to be called, rather than Chinese New Year; the city starting to empty out. The migrant workers that made up at least 60% to 80% of the workforce where all heading home, resulted in a lot of shops and restaurants closing for the week. The usually bustling streets were all empty and dark in the evening the avenues like a lighted ghost town. This was reported on News all over the world, it is in epic proportion, you have to see it to believe it.
However, the transport hoops were a different story. The bus station and the train stations are fill to the max with travelers all trying to get home. It is like the battle scene from “Gone with the wind”. Do you remember the scene? OK, no one is going to ask you how old you are, therefore you do not have to lie about you never heard of the movie. Perhaps the fall of Vietnam, where all the people were trying to get to the last plane out. To be honest I do not even remember that one. At least the movie, I can visualize it.
Never the less, it is a lot of people all trying to get to their home town in some remote villages, there are many stories to tell, some of them have not seen their families for many years. Others it is the only time they get to see their only child. You may think you have experienced the similar situation during Christmas rush so what is the big deal? My friends you all have many means of communications like your mobile, email and SKYPE, these people more often than none, first not knowing how to use any of the device, Second can’t afford a mobile service. They work hard to support their families, and this is the only chance they get in a year, or many to see their love one.
Unfortunately China is like every country in the world, in their desperate effort to ease the massive movement of humanities during the rush. China introduced the first every Internet reservation. That may help the middle and educated class to get their tickets to their destination, unfortunate for the poor and the uneducated, getting the return home ticket on public transportation is now worse than ever, because there were now less live ticket available at the ticket windows. They have no place to go, can’t give up their position in line, can’t afford hotels, the only solution is to camping out in the train stations, waiting for that next available ticket that gets them home. There is no accommodation to speak of, no sleeping cart or blankets, but many moving stories will bring you to tears. Very disheartening.
In tune with the changing and modernization of China, many of the Chinese tradition all but disappeared. Imagine a Christmas without a Christmas tree in your home (to some), not even the artificial one, so lights either. That is exactly what happening here. The all-familiar blossoming peach trees, daffodils and many of the Chinese flowers associate with the holidays were nowhere to be found. There is no such thing as the flower market that everyone rush to get fresh flowers to decorate their homes after the family dinner on New Years Eve. Even more shocking is that there were few red pocket envelopes to be sold in the city. These were the envelopes that married adult stuffed good luck money in it to be given out to children. I was relief to learn that children still get that from their parent, but not everyone else. Not that I am expecting a red pocket unless it contains the winning lottery ticket. It is a tradition like bonus money I gave to my helpers in NY during the Holiday season. Since I can’t find any, I think I am going to hide in my apt in the next 10 days until the wind blown over, instead of facing all the door mans without a Red Pocket to give them.
Many of my friends in NY get together with me to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown often. We watched the Dragon and lion dance, the parade etc. I have yet seen any such performances here. The Massive firework display that we saw on TV is only limited to Beijing and Hong Kong. In Shanghai however it was the light show, all the buildings and bridges is like a Vegas showgirls put on their best custom. Since Chinese never do any thing in small scale, theirs bridges was not only light up in neon colors, but all computer controlled flashing and moving neon. It was a sight to be seen, I was in awe and forgot to take out my camera. Can you imagine that, the Japanese without their camera? That was me on my way back from a first ever Shanghai family dinner. Will tell you about that later.
I was warned that I would have firework for the next 10 days. On New Year Eve, it all started at 11PM sharp. We do not have the massive display down on the Bund, (Waterfront). What made up for it was all the business in the city had it’s own firework display. Including three at my apartment complex alone. These are not fire cracker my friends. I am talking about the professional shooting firework that explodes. Some explored right in front of my balcony on the 23rd floor I was so busy running from one end of the house to the other to catch a glimpse of the action. Look further on the whole city seems like it was on fire. Now I know how it looks like if a city is being attack by booms. Fire and smoke all over except this is a celebration, and rather unusual one.
Again, I was shock that I forgot to take pictures of my experience. This is definitely worth recording otherwise.
I was also fortunate enough perhaps I should say my personal assistance took pity on me, invited me to his home for their family gathering on NYE. I was treated with food I have never had before. The name may be familiar but the taste is different, and don’t ever let the appearance fool you either. I took a bite on a smoke or deep fried fish, I can’t tell, it was cold, instead of tasty meat, I encountered blood thirst bones that I almost chock to death on a Chinese table. Next came seemingly harmless Chinese cabbage was actually so hot that will burn all the way down to the other end. I also saw familiar sight of shredded Chicken meat, or so I thought, was actually shredded Bamboo stock. Some dark duck, but it was not smoke. A big bowl of potato salad with green pea and mayonnaise I though was the saving grace was actually apple salad. There were thousand year eggs, supper hot dipping sauce. Wine chicken, and shrimp. Sweat and sour bony fish. Mutton and more bones suppose to be pork rips in a sauce I do not know what it is. Also lots of dry tu fu. Just when I thought it was done. There came more vegetables, seafood it seems endless. The most interesting dish of all was sticky rice that is filled with sweet red bean paste. I saw it was sold in the grocery store but not sure how to serve it. It turn out it should be steam. The whole experience was exotic and fun. I was being spoon fed literally by my assistance and his family. My bowl was full at all time with food; he told me his family would blame him if he does not serve food for me.
I am blessed to have experienced this kind of hospitality even when my host family did not speak English, with my limited Chinese I was able to make some new friends, gain some understanding of other culture. Experienced the warmth and welcoming of a Chinese family in a foreign land that is very different than my own world. They opened their home and welcomed me in, their generosity and goodness in their heart is a memory I will not soon forget.
Chinese Encounter Shanghai
The year of the water dragon.
If that does not work try plastic surgery. What can I say, it is the modern world. You can become a man or a woman in just a matter of hour. However becoming a Chinese takes a little longer and lots of practice.
So here is a blog written during the holiday.
First New year in Shanghai
Another week passed, it seems I am getting a little lazy to get out my computer try to write a blog, or perhaps I am really relaxing a little after a 4 months whirlwind of work, now that I have the rest of the 7 days doing nothing, but lounge and eat. Where are the cookies and chips when you need them?
Not that I am running out of topic to blog, far from it, rather I am starting to get familiar of the unfamiliar and expecting the unexpected. Therefore choosing subject to talk became more selective, there are often I started with one subjects and end up abandon the topic an move on to a more interesting one. This happens to be the case this week. However I hope this is till interesting to all of you to learn of my experience here as an expat and not a tourist.
This is my first Chinese New Year not in the Far East but in the heart of China. I was expecting a festival atmosphere, lots of sight and sound etc. To say the least I was utterly disappointed and almost outrage.
A week before “The Spring Festival” which is prefer to be called, rather than Chinese New Year; the city starting to empty out. The migrant workers that made up at least 60% to 80% of the workforce where all heading home, resulted in a lot of shops and restaurants closing for the week. The usually bustling streets were all empty and dark in the evening the avenues like a lighted ghost town. This was reported on News all over the world, it is in epic proportion, you have to see it to believe it.
However, the transport hoops were a different story. The bus station and the train stations are fill to the max with travelers all trying to get home. It is like the battle scene from “Gone with the wind”. Do you remember the scene? OK, no one is going to ask you how old you are, therefore you do not have to lie about you never heard of the movie. Perhaps the fall of Vietnam, where all the people were trying to get to the last plane out. To be honest I do not even remember that one. At least the movie, I can visualize it.
Never the less, it is a lot of people all trying to get to their home town in some remote villages, there are many stories to tell, some of them have not seen their families for many years. Others it is the only time they get to see their only child. You may think you have experienced the similar situation during Christmas rush so what is the big deal? My friends you all have many means of communications like your mobile, email and SKYPE, these people more often than none, first not knowing how to use any of the device, Second can’t afford a mobile service. They work hard to support their families, and this is the only chance they get in a year, or many to see their love one.
Unfortunately China is like every country in the world, in their desperate effort to ease the massive movement of humanities during the rush. China introduced the first every Internet reservation. That may help the middle and educated class to get their tickets to their destination, unfortunate for the poor and the uneducated, getting the return home ticket on public transportation is now worse than ever, because there were now less live ticket available at the ticket windows. They have no place to go, can’t give up their position in line, can’t afford hotels, the only solution is to camping out in the train stations, waiting for that next available ticket that gets them home. There is no accommodation to speak of, no sleeping cart or blankets, but many moving stories will bring you to tears. Very disheartening.
In tune with the changing and modernization of China, many of the Chinese tradition all but disappeared. Imagine a Christmas without a Christmas tree in your home (to some), not even the artificial one, so lights either. That is exactly what happening here. The all-familiar blossoming peach trees, daffodils and many of the Chinese flowers associate with the holidays were nowhere to be found. There is no such thing as the flower market that everyone rush to get fresh flowers to decorate their homes after the family dinner on New Years Eve. Even more shocking is that there were few red pocket envelopes to be sold in the city. These were the envelopes that married adult stuffed good luck money in it to be given out to children. I was relief to learn that children still get that from their parent, but not everyone else. Not that I am expecting a red pocket unless it contains the winning lottery ticket. It is a tradition like bonus money I gave to my helpers in NY during the Holiday season. Since I can’t find any, I think I am going to hide in my apt in the next 10 days until the wind blown over, instead of facing all the door mans without a Red Pocket to give them.
Many of my friends in NY get together with me to celebrate Chinese New Year in Chinatown often. We watched the Dragon and lion dance, the parade etc. I have yet seen any such performances here. The Massive firework display that we saw on TV is only limited to Beijing and Hong Kong. In Shanghai however it was the light show, all the buildings and bridges is like a Vegas showgirls put on their best custom. Since Chinese never do any thing in small scale, theirs bridges was not only light up in neon colors, but all computer controlled flashing and moving neon. It was a sight to be seen, I was in awe and forgot to take out my camera. Can you imagine that, the Japanese without their camera? That was me on my way back from a first ever Shanghai family dinner. Will tell you about that later.
I was warned that I would have firework for the next 10 days. On New Year Eve, it all started at 11PM sharp. We do not have the massive display down on the Bund, (Waterfront). What made up for it was all the business in the city had it’s own firework display. Including three at my apartment complex alone. These are not fire cracker my friends. I am talking about the professional shooting firework that explodes. Some explored right in front of my balcony on the 23rd floor I was so busy running from one end of the house to the other to catch a glimpse of the action. Look further on the whole city seems like it was on fire. Now I know how it looks like if a city is being attack by booms. Fire and smoke all over except this is a celebration, and rather unusual one.
Again, I was shock that I forgot to take pictures of my experience. This is definitely worth recording otherwise.
I was also fortunate enough perhaps I should say my personal assistance took pity on me, invited me to his home for their family gathering on NYE. I was treated with food I have never had before. The name may be familiar but the taste is different, and don’t ever let the appearance fool you either. I took a bite on a smoke or deep fried fish, I can’t tell, it was cold, instead of tasty meat, I encountered blood thirst bones that I almost chock to death on a Chinese table. Next came seemingly harmless Chinese cabbage was actually so hot that will burn all the way down to the other end. I also saw familiar sight of shredded Chicken meat, or so I thought, was actually shredded Bamboo stock. Some dark duck, but it was not smoke. A big bowl of potato salad with green pea and mayonnaise I though was the saving grace was actually apple salad. There were thousand year eggs, supper hot dipping sauce. Wine chicken, and shrimp. Sweat and sour bony fish. Mutton and more bones suppose to be pork rips in a sauce I do not know what it is. Also lots of dry tu fu. Just when I thought it was done. There came more vegetables, seafood it seems endless. The most interesting dish of all was sticky rice that is filled with sweet red bean paste. I saw it was sold in the grocery store but not sure how to serve it. It turn out it should be steam. The whole experience was exotic and fun. I was being spoon fed literally by my assistance and his family. My bowl was full at all time with food; he told me his family would blame him if he does not serve food for me.
I am blessed to have experienced this kind of hospitality even when my host family did not speak English, with my limited Chinese I was able to make some new friends, gain some understanding of other culture. Experienced the warmth and welcoming of a Chinese family in a foreign land that is very different than my own world. They opened their home and welcomed me in, their generosity and goodness in their heart is a memory I will not soon forget.
Chinese Encounter Shanghai
The year of the water dragon.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Week 10. Hong Kong 2012
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
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
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