Today I traveled to WuJiang to address the continued issues with my Chinese Visa. Actually, folks from Fragomen law firm and a worker from our factory in WuJiang are out dealing with the issues on my behalf. I basically had to come down here in order to hand my passport over to them and to pretend that I live here.
So, this morning I packed up a few PB&Js along with some oranges and snicker bars and headed out. The ride down was good as I practiced Chinese with our company driver – Mr Chi.
I just checked into my hotel – its actually in Suzhou – and I am in LOVE! First, it’s a huge room with a walk-in closet. Second, there is a great view we are right on the river (I’m assuming it’s a river). Third, there is a bath tub! Oh yes, there will be bubbles later tonight. Rub-a-dub-dub!
Until then, I am a bit worried as two people I hardly know are out somewhere in this town with my passport, 3 pictures of me and various company documents. I’ve had my fingers crossed for the last 20 minutes and will likely keep them like this until my visa extension gets approved – hopefully in 7 days.
I’ll try to take some shots of the city while I am out running tomorrow.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
To vomit, to puke, to hurl
The smells during my weekly grocery trip reached an all time (horrible) high. The smely combination of fish and freshly butchered meat almost caused me to be violently ill.
As I've mentioned any trip to Carrefour is an experience. It’s hard to put into words what a trip involves. During a typical trip you can see, hear or experience any of the following:
1. Carts being used as bumper cars as the phrase “Excuse Me” is rarely – if ever used
2. Demonstrations galore. Favorites of mine include the vacuum sealer and all the food samples
3. An amazing amount of workers on the sales floor including the 20 people that walk around mopping up any small smudge, to the man that stands all day watching the carts come up the escalator. I am convinced making payroll at these stores is not a concern/concept.
4. A screaming match at the produce weight stand (you go here to have your food weighted and priced)
5. The sound of butcher knives whacking apart pieces of beef
6. A man jumping in front of a line of 10+ people because he only has three items and thus feels we shouldn’t be made to wait.
7. And so much more….
On there own any of these items aren’t really things to find annoying, put them together and they can test your patience. Being in Carrefour tests my patience more than waiting at a doctor’s office.
I wonder what the locals would think of a store operation if it used the “Fast, Fun and Friendly” standards espoused by Target. I think though that even Target would be challenged in China. Despite the examples I listed above, I think a lot of issues are a result of the crowds --- there are just SOOOO many people in the store at one time.
I tried this week to capture my trip to Carrefour in pictures as they are worth a 1,000 words.
Use this link to access my pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/MyWeeklyTripToCarrefour
Wading my way to work
I had a new experience yesterday morning. In order to get to work I had to take off my shoes and socks, roll up my pants legs and wade through flood water.
Let me set the stage for my recent adventure.
Around 7:30am on Monday morning the skies over Shanghai opened up. It rained hard and fast for about 60 minutes. After that it was on and off showers for the first half of the morning.
I realized I had no chance of catching a cab due to the rain so resigned myself to walking to work. At 8:30 I stepped out of my hotel and immediately saw that there was water up past the sidewalk (3/4 of the way up a car’s wheel well). Traffic was gridlocked. I sighed to myself and decided to go back inside. I logged into my work systems from the hotel and waited for the water to recede.
At 11:30 I went back out. I had to get to the office as I had afternoon meetings scheduled.
The streets around the hotel where clear, but the closer I got to work I realized that the flooding (and traffic) was still an issue. I tried to find a different path to the office – I checked out the other side of the road, investigated walking out of my way. Any option was flooded out. With a chuckle to myself I grabbed my camera out of my backpack. I knew that this adventure required pictures.
Use this link to access my pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/FlashFloods
Let me set the stage for my recent adventure.
Around 7:30am on Monday morning the skies over Shanghai opened up. It rained hard and fast for about 60 minutes. After that it was on and off showers for the first half of the morning.
I realized I had no chance of catching a cab due to the rain so resigned myself to walking to work. At 8:30 I stepped out of my hotel and immediately saw that there was water up past the sidewalk (3/4 of the way up a car’s wheel well). Traffic was gridlocked. I sighed to myself and decided to go back inside. I logged into my work systems from the hotel and waited for the water to recede.
At 11:30 I went back out. I had to get to the office as I had afternoon meetings scheduled.
The streets around the hotel where clear, but the closer I got to work I realized that the flooding (and traffic) was still an issue. I tried to find a different path to the office – I checked out the other side of the road, investigated walking out of my way. Any option was flooded out. With a chuckle to myself I grabbed my camera out of my backpack. I knew that this adventure required pictures.
Use this link to access my pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/FlashFloods
Friday, August 22, 2008
Beef ….It’s what’s for dinner
I’ve hit a point where aside from craving vegetables I am also craving USDA Certified beef. Thankfully it is easily enough to fulfill this craving in China. Although I’m pretty certain the beef here is not USDA certified.
Last weekend I headed over to Sunil’s house for a BBQ. There was a unique mix of folks, including Expats, and locals in attendance. Our host treated us to his soon to be famous “Sunil Burgers.” How very yummy. One of the more interesting moments was when I showed the local girls how to make vegetable kabobs for the grill.
Aside from burgers, just tonight, I have had a great steak. It was at Roosevelt’s Prime SteakHouse. My neighbor and I headed there to celebrate his 50th Birthday. What a place, I felt like I was walking into the Chicago Chop House. My steak was great. One odd thing is it appears they only cook one side of the steak; the top was well done, the bottom medium…put it together and I guess it makes medium-well. It didn’t top Gibsons as my favorite steak but it’s in my top 10, if not top 5.
Use this link to find pictures of the food/my experiences:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/SunilBurgers
Last weekend I headed over to Sunil’s house for a BBQ. There was a unique mix of folks, including Expats, and locals in attendance. Our host treated us to his soon to be famous “Sunil Burgers.” How very yummy. One of the more interesting moments was when I showed the local girls how to make vegetable kabobs for the grill.
Aside from burgers, just tonight, I have had a great steak. It was at Roosevelt’s Prime SteakHouse. My neighbor and I headed there to celebrate his 50th Birthday. What a place, I felt like I was walking into the Chicago Chop House. My steak was great. One odd thing is it appears they only cook one side of the steak; the top was well done, the bottom medium…put it together and I guess it makes medium-well. It didn’t top Gibsons as my favorite steak but it’s in my top 10, if not top 5.
Use this link to find pictures of the food/my experiences:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/SunilBurgers
Thursday, August 21, 2008
My typical week…
I’ve settled into a nice routine here in China. I am reminded what it feels like to hold a position that doesn’t involve much (if any) travel – its nice. You may be wondering what my week is like so here are a few of the highlights:
Weekdays
6:00am Morning Workout - Cardio
8:30am – 5:30pm Work
6:30pm – Evening Workout – Weights
7:30pm – Dinner, conference calls with Bobcat US or watch movie, or read a book, or study Chinese
Saturday
Morning - Long Walk/Run followed by running errands. This basically translates into a trip to Carrefour. Sometimes I add in a trip to the movie/cd store.
Afternoon – Chinese Class
Evening – Catch-up with some of the other expats I’ve met and/or some other crazy adventure
Sunday
This day is lot like Saturday except this is my day to sleep in and not workout!
Yep, the routine I have here is likely similar to many of yours. The only difference is I am often confronted by unexplained cultural differences that can cause you to simply wonder aloud “What the….”
I don’t mean to imply that the way the US does everything is the best way. It is simply what I am familiar and comfortable with. I know that there are some lessons/ideas that I am learning in China that could be applied in the US and work well. However, there are some things that just wouldn’t cut it back at home.
Weekdays
6:00am Morning Workout - Cardio
8:30am – 5:30pm Work
6:30pm – Evening Workout – Weights
7:30pm – Dinner, conference calls with Bobcat US or watch movie, or read a book, or study Chinese
Saturday
Morning - Long Walk/Run followed by running errands. This basically translates into a trip to Carrefour. Sometimes I add in a trip to the movie/cd store.
Afternoon – Chinese Class
Evening – Catch-up with some of the other expats I’ve met and/or some other crazy adventure
Sunday
This day is lot like Saturday except this is my day to sleep in and not workout!
Yep, the routine I have here is likely similar to many of yours. The only difference is I am often confronted by unexplained cultural differences that can cause you to simply wonder aloud “What the….”
I don’t mean to imply that the way the US does everything is the best way. It is simply what I am familiar and comfortable with. I know that there are some lessons/ideas that I am learning in China that could be applied in the US and work well. However, there are some things that just wouldn’t cut it back at home.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Wish me luck!
Recall about two months ago when I had issues with my Chinese visa? Well my issues continue. First when in the US I wasn’t able to get a 6 month visa due to the Olympics and changing regulations. I then requested a 3 month visa but was instead issued a two month visa.
As the two month mark is quick approaching I submitted a visa extension request via a third party agency. Well the third party submitted the request to the appropriate government office. As a result of the submission I have been summoned to the immigration office for an interview.
EEEK! For some reason I feel like I have been asked to go to the principal’s office. I think what I am feeling must be similar to what a sixth grader about to get in trouble and have their parents called in for a conference feels. The problem is I was never called to the Principal’s office – at least not for negative reasons.
Perhaps I am freaking out a bit too much. What’s the worst that is going to happen - I have to go home. I’ll cross that bridge if and when it comes.
I still can’t control the butterflies. I’m already trying to put together answers to potential questions. The problem is I have NO IDEA what an immigration official would ask.
Why are you here?
Why do you need to stay longer?
Why couldn’t a Chinese person due what you are doing?
Etc….
AHHHH!
I’ll keep you posted on how it goes – but for now please keep your fingers crossed!
As the two month mark is quick approaching I submitted a visa extension request via a third party agency. Well the third party submitted the request to the appropriate government office. As a result of the submission I have been summoned to the immigration office for an interview.
EEEK! For some reason I feel like I have been asked to go to the principal’s office. I think what I am feeling must be similar to what a sixth grader about to get in trouble and have their parents called in for a conference feels. The problem is I was never called to the Principal’s office – at least not for negative reasons.
Perhaps I am freaking out a bit too much. What’s the worst that is going to happen - I have to go home. I’ll cross that bridge if and when it comes.
I still can’t control the butterflies. I’m already trying to put together answers to potential questions. The problem is I have NO IDEA what an immigration official would ask.
Why are you here?
Why do you need to stay longer?
Why couldn’t a Chinese person due what you are doing?
Etc….
AHHHH!
I’ll keep you posted on how it goes – but for now please keep your fingers crossed!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Team Building in China
I initially thought that I wouldn’t write about work in my blog – I figure it’d be best to keep these observations to myself. However, this week I experienced something that I had to comment on.
Within Bobcat NA we often have team meetings and during these there is usually time allowed for team building activities. Common activities include golf, trap shooting and playing cards. As I managed a group in NA I often struggled with how to make quarterly staff meetings fun or at least prevent us from going crazy while being trapped in a conference room for five days straight. My favorite group activity in NA is either hitting the arcade or going bowling.
This week I attended a quarterly meeting for the Aftermarket group in China. I had been informed the meeting was only one day in length. Upon receiving the agenda I realized that it showed two days. So I asked the question – “What are we doing on the second day?” The answer “We are having some team building activities.”
I was told that we would be doing beach activities. A million questions came flooding into my mind….
What type of activities would we be doing at the beach?
I was hoping for a little beach volleyball
Would I be able to pass get away without swimming?
I really didn’t want to put on a swimsuit in front of my tiny Chinese colleagues
Would we spend all day outdoors?
If this was the plan I’d have to pack a case of water
How could this be considered a good group activity?
Body image issues aside, what if people didn’t like the beach, were sun sensitive or couldn’t swim….how could these activities appeal to the masses.
We arrived at the beach at 9:30am. The group was dressed in a wide range of clothing – from long pants with polo shirts, to dresses to shorts and flip-flops. We simply looked like an odd group. After paying to enter the beach we stepped through the turnstile and were accosted by people trying to sell us their wares – sun hats, life preservers, water toys, etc…
The group pushed through and made it to the waterfront. Once there we bargained with a vendor offer use of some tables and chairs. Or at least I think that’s what was going on – All I heard was a very heated (lengthy) discussion.
All of us settled in to the spot we had claimed. Immediately a portion of the guys surrounded a vendor – I couldn’t figure out what they were doing until someone from the group asked “Do you swim today?” I replied “No.” Then I put it together. They were buying one time use suits. I couldn’t take my eyes of the group of guys bartering over swimsuits. I have no idea what they paid for these suits – I can’t imagine much. Almost as soon as it started it was over and the group was headed over to change into their suits.
What a crazy concept, I mean heck in the US a girl will easily pay over $100 for a suit and I know brand name suits for guys can run over $50. Evidently the amount of inches a suit took off your waist, or the lengths of the trunks are not a concern over here.
While the some played in the water I watched a group of three play cards. I was trying to figure out the rules via observation. It reminded me of Gin. After awhile one of the managers came over and asked if I wanted to learn. So he coached me through like 10 hands. I only one once, but on the other hands I didn’t lose too badly – which is good as typically you count points in the game and the amount of points you have left equals the amount of money you have to hand over to the winner.
90 minutes later we left the beach. I had a surprisingly good time.
Use this link to access Team Activity pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/WorkMtg
Within Bobcat NA we often have team meetings and during these there is usually time allowed for team building activities. Common activities include golf, trap shooting and playing cards. As I managed a group in NA I often struggled with how to make quarterly staff meetings fun or at least prevent us from going crazy while being trapped in a conference room for five days straight. My favorite group activity in NA is either hitting the arcade or going bowling.
This week I attended a quarterly meeting for the Aftermarket group in China. I had been informed the meeting was only one day in length. Upon receiving the agenda I realized that it showed two days. So I asked the question – “What are we doing on the second day?” The answer “We are having some team building activities.”
I was told that we would be doing beach activities. A million questions came flooding into my mind….
What type of activities would we be doing at the beach?
I was hoping for a little beach volleyball
Would I be able to pass get away without swimming?
I really didn’t want to put on a swimsuit in front of my tiny Chinese colleagues
Would we spend all day outdoors?
If this was the plan I’d have to pack a case of water
How could this be considered a good group activity?
Body image issues aside, what if people didn’t like the beach, were sun sensitive or couldn’t swim….how could these activities appeal to the masses.
We arrived at the beach at 9:30am. The group was dressed in a wide range of clothing – from long pants with polo shirts, to dresses to shorts and flip-flops. We simply looked like an odd group. After paying to enter the beach we stepped through the turnstile and were accosted by people trying to sell us their wares – sun hats, life preservers, water toys, etc…
The group pushed through and made it to the waterfront. Once there we bargained with a vendor offer use of some tables and chairs. Or at least I think that’s what was going on – All I heard was a very heated (lengthy) discussion.
All of us settled in to the spot we had claimed. Immediately a portion of the guys surrounded a vendor – I couldn’t figure out what they were doing until someone from the group asked “Do you swim today?” I replied “No.” Then I put it together. They were buying one time use suits. I couldn’t take my eyes of the group of guys bartering over swimsuits. I have no idea what they paid for these suits – I can’t imagine much. Almost as soon as it started it was over and the group was headed over to change into their suits.
What a crazy concept, I mean heck in the US a girl will easily pay over $100 for a suit and I know brand name suits for guys can run over $50. Evidently the amount of inches a suit took off your waist, or the lengths of the trunks are not a concern over here.
While the some played in the water I watched a group of three play cards. I was trying to figure out the rules via observation. It reminded me of Gin. After awhile one of the managers came over and asked if I wanted to learn. So he coached me through like 10 hands. I only one once, but on the other hands I didn’t lose too badly – which is good as typically you count points in the game and the amount of points you have left equals the amount of money you have to hand over to the winner.
90 minutes later we left the beach. I had a surprisingly good time.
Use this link to access Team Activity pictures
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/WorkMtg
Friday, August 15, 2008
Its Raining, Its Pouring the Old Man is Snoring (sign with me!)
For the last two days Shanhai has been hit with sporadic thunderstorms. I should say that differently. For the last two evening Shanghai has been hit with storms. Meaning that I am trapped inside my hotel. I am going stir crazy. Who wants to be stuck inside on a Friday night.
Mind you I didn't have a lot planned, dinner out and a trip to the pearl market (more on the market later) but I had been looking forward to doing this all day. Especially, considering I had hoped to do this last night and had been washed out.
Unfortunately, shortly after I got home from work the skies opened up for the second night in a row.
So instead of buying gifts for my friends and family I am stuck eating PB&J and wathcing the olympics.
About those Olympics - while here if China is playing they are on TV. The priority is Chinese sports even if that means airing badminton over the US vs. Greece basketball game. Seriously why is badminton an Olympic sport?
Also, a lot of the events I'd have like to watch are taking place during the day. I tried to work with this by watching the videos of the event online. Unfortunately, China has a block on any type of Internet video from outside China. Grrr!
Mind you I didn't have a lot planned, dinner out and a trip to the pearl market (more on the market later) but I had been looking forward to doing this all day. Especially, considering I had hoped to do this last night and had been washed out.
Unfortunately, shortly after I got home from work the skies opened up for the second night in a row.
So instead of buying gifts for my friends and family I am stuck eating PB&J and wathcing the olympics.
About those Olympics - while here if China is playing they are on TV. The priority is Chinese sports even if that means airing badminton over the US vs. Greece basketball game. Seriously why is badminton an Olympic sport?
Also, a lot of the events I'd have like to watch are taking place during the day. I tried to work with this by watching the videos of the event online. Unfortunately, China has a block on any type of Internet video from outside China. Grrr!
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Run 3, Walk 2 – Smile at the locals!
My morning workout routine continues. I’m going back to basic running training and focusing on using a run/walk combo. I’ve been out enough in the morning that some of the faces on my route are starting to become familiar – the taxi riders outside my building, the group doing Tai Chi, the old woman with extreme Osteoparosis, etc.
I still pass numerous strangers during my workout though. It is amazing the looks that these strangers give me as I run/walk by them. At times I feel like I am the main event at a Circus Side Show. In my own neighborhood I’ve become accustomed to the looks. They don’t seem as blatant. I think because every day the locals likely see a handful of Caucasian expats; perhaps not out running – but they are around.
As you move further away from the center of Shanghai the number of expats decreases dramatically. That made one of my runs this week very interesting. I was out in a distant suburb of Shanghai for one night. In the morning I went on a run. The amount of extremely obvious and direct looks I got was amazing. Heck at times they even turned around once they passed me to look at me again and again. (double and triple takes).
My response was simply to smile bigger and hold my head up higher. I proclaimed silently in my head “Yes, you are witnessing something unique for this area – you are watching a tall, white, female American run down the street while wearing an I-pod, an SI Band and a waterbelt!”
I still pass numerous strangers during my workout though. It is amazing the looks that these strangers give me as I run/walk by them. At times I feel like I am the main event at a Circus Side Show. In my own neighborhood I’ve become accustomed to the looks. They don’t seem as blatant. I think because every day the locals likely see a handful of Caucasian expats; perhaps not out running – but they are around.
As you move further away from the center of Shanghai the number of expats decreases dramatically. That made one of my runs this week very interesting. I was out in a distant suburb of Shanghai for one night. In the morning I went on a run. The amount of extremely obvious and direct looks I got was amazing. Heck at times they even turned around once they passed me to look at me again and again. (double and triple takes).
My response was simply to smile bigger and hold my head up higher. I proclaimed silently in my head “Yes, you are witnessing something unique for this area – you are watching a tall, white, female American run down the street while wearing an I-pod, an SI Band and a waterbelt!”
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Keep your comments coming….
I wanted to let all of you that post comments know that I do read them. In fact I have re-read most of them many times. The thoughts you share are great and at a minimum lets me know who has been reading my entries.
Also your comments help me get through the moments where I miss home. Although I haven’t talked about it much I have had some very interesting conversations with myself over the past few weeks, trying to keep myself entertained, trying to make sense of Chinese customs, trying to deal with lonliness, trying to rationalize homesickness….etc.
So thanks again!
p.s. I will have an interesting entry soon about recent "team building activities"
Also your comments help me get through the moments where I miss home. Although I haven’t talked about it much I have had some very interesting conversations with myself over the past few weeks, trying to keep myself entertained, trying to make sense of Chinese customs, trying to deal with lonliness, trying to rationalize homesickness….etc.
So thanks again!
p.s. I will have an interesting entry soon about recent "team building activities"
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Girl Down – I repeat Girl Down! LITERALLY
DISCLAIMER: READ THIS STORY AT YOUR OWN RISK. BEFORE PROCEEDING - PLEASE NOTE: ERIKA IS NO LONGER “DOWN,” SHE IS FINE AND RESTING SAFELY IN HER CHINESE HOME.
My family often uses the line “that’s Johnson Luck.” For today’s adventure I feel that sentiment sums it all up rather nicely. My morning started out like most of my weekend days – I slept in a bit and after waking up cracked a diet coke and settled down with a book to pass some time. This morning though added in to the mix was my agreement to purchase a bicycle.
My neighbor purchased a bike a few weeks ago and I finally committed to also get one. He had them all scoped out for me. At 10:00 I headed to a mall 2 miles west of my apartment. In the mall was a major sporting goods store (similar to Dick’s in the US) and across the street was a specialized Trek bike store. After scoping out the selections at both stores I opted to get an 8-speed Trek road bike.
My bike is “pimped out.” I had her customized with a headlight (aka a small flashlight) a flashing rear light, a storage back for under the seat and a rack for carding things on the back. With my backpack on my back I settled onto my bike and headed to my apartment. I immediately grabbed my school books and my neighbor and I hoped back on our bikes. My destination was my Shanghai Center for my Chinese Lesson. I arrived to class safely.
Close to the end of my lesson a thunderstorm rolled in – it was a downpour! I grabbed some dinner after class all the while keeping my fingers crossed that the rain would end. Thankfully it did. Back on the bike I headed out onto the sloppy wet streets for the 3-4 mile ride back home. In Shanghai you play a bit of a game, swapping between riding your bike on the street to on the sidewalk. At one point during my ride I was on a side/frontage road next to a bustling 6 lane road. It was one lane wide.
50 feet onto this road I could hear a car coming up behind me. I looked back and realized I had time to make it to the next side walk entrance IF I kicked it up a notch. Focused back on the road I felt my tires due a weird movement through some uneven pavement and then start to skid/plan on some of the slime* on the road. I was afraid of losing control so put the brake on a little bit. BIG MISTAKE! My back well went out from under me and before I knew it I was down on my side.
Adrenaline pumping all at the same time I jumped up, yelled out “PAT!” and looked back to realized the car had stopped a good 20 feet behind me. I fell literally right in front of the driveway entrance I was aiming to use to get onto the sidewalk. My neighbor Pat, who was about 10 feet ahead, swung back coming up beside me on the sidewalk.
Thankfully the wounds I incurred were minor – road rash and a skinned knee and elbow. I literally used the shirt off of Pat’s back to clean up my wounds. He focused on fixing my handle bars with a portable tool kit he carries. We made it back to the hotel without further incident; however, I was a nervous Nelly for the remainder of the ride.
I concluded as I rolled my bike onto the elevator to my apartment that I need to avoid driving any sort of wheeled vehicle in the rain – this is the second accident due to hydroplaning I have been involved in. Johnson Luck strikes again!
Use this link to check out pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/ChinaMyBike02
My family often uses the line “that’s Johnson Luck.” For today’s adventure I feel that sentiment sums it all up rather nicely. My morning started out like most of my weekend days – I slept in a bit and after waking up cracked a diet coke and settled down with a book to pass some time. This morning though added in to the mix was my agreement to purchase a bicycle.
My neighbor purchased a bike a few weeks ago and I finally committed to also get one. He had them all scoped out for me. At 10:00 I headed to a mall 2 miles west of my apartment. In the mall was a major sporting goods store (similar to Dick’s in the US) and across the street was a specialized Trek bike store. After scoping out the selections at both stores I opted to get an 8-speed Trek road bike.
My bike is “pimped out.” I had her customized with a headlight (aka a small flashlight) a flashing rear light, a storage back for under the seat and a rack for carding things on the back. With my backpack on my back I settled onto my bike and headed to my apartment. I immediately grabbed my school books and my neighbor and I hoped back on our bikes. My destination was my Shanghai Center for my Chinese Lesson. I arrived to class safely.
Close to the end of my lesson a thunderstorm rolled in – it was a downpour! I grabbed some dinner after class all the while keeping my fingers crossed that the rain would end. Thankfully it did. Back on the bike I headed out onto the sloppy wet streets for the 3-4 mile ride back home. In Shanghai you play a bit of a game, swapping between riding your bike on the street to on the sidewalk. At one point during my ride I was on a side/frontage road next to a bustling 6 lane road. It was one lane wide.
50 feet onto this road I could hear a car coming up behind me. I looked back and realized I had time to make it to the next side walk entrance IF I kicked it up a notch. Focused back on the road I felt my tires due a weird movement through some uneven pavement and then start to skid/plan on some of the slime* on the road. I was afraid of losing control so put the brake on a little bit. BIG MISTAKE! My back well went out from under me and before I knew it I was down on my side.
Adrenaline pumping all at the same time I jumped up, yelled out “PAT!” and looked back to realized the car had stopped a good 20 feet behind me. I fell literally right in front of the driveway entrance I was aiming to use to get onto the sidewalk. My neighbor Pat, who was about 10 feet ahead, swung back coming up beside me on the sidewalk.
Thankfully the wounds I incurred were minor – road rash and a skinned knee and elbow. I literally used the shirt off of Pat’s back to clean up my wounds. He focused on fixing my handle bars with a portable tool kit he carries. We made it back to the hotel without further incident; however, I was a nervous Nelly for the remainder of the ride.
I concluded as I rolled my bike onto the elevator to my apartment that I need to avoid driving any sort of wheeled vehicle in the rain – this is the second accident due to hydroplaning I have been involved in. Johnson Luck strikes again!
Use this link to check out pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/esjohnson80/ChinaMyBike02
Friday, August 8, 2008
BeiBei, JingJing, HuanHuan, YingYing, NiNi proclaim “Let the Games Begin!”
BeiBei, JingJing, HuanHuan, YingYing, NiNi are the (rhyming) names of the 5 Olympic Mascots. These five “Fuwa” represent each of the Olympic Rings; more than that their names are supposed to evoke a sense of playfulness among a group of close friends. Also in China if a person uses a rhyming name/nickname in referring to a child it is a sign of affection. China, always big on symbolism and meaning has taken it one level deeper.
If you translate their names it roughly equals “BEIJING WELCOMES YOU!”
I thought this was a neat concept upon hearing the explanation behind their meaning and the translation of their names. I think though that the expression should be expanded to say "CHINA WELCOMES YOU". First, because there are multiple cities helping to host Olympic events; for example Soccer Matches are being held in Shanghai and Equestrian events are going on in Hong Kong. More than that though is the sense of pride that Chinese people, regardless of town, express about these games.
This sense of national pride was very evident last night during the opening ceremonies. After a great work out at the hotel gyme my neighbor and I headed out for dinner. I was craving a burger so we headed to Hooters. We were lucky to get a table as we arrived just a few minutes before the ceremonies started.
The locals (and Expats alike) all had their eyes glued to the television. The difference was during our meal Pat and I talked about a host of things. I realized that the locals hardly took their eyes off the TV, barely saying anything. When they did talk I have a feeling it was about the games.
During the ceremony even the restraunt got into the celebration. The Hooter girls proudly handed out stickers of the Chinese Flag and celebratory shots to their patrons all while singing along to the national anthem.
It was a fascinating scene to watch. I consider myself a proud supporter of the US and feel I am pretty patriotic. Regardless of this I simply can't recall every being so enamored with an Olympics hosted in the US.
I think some of what I was seeing relates directly to the Chinese culture. The Chinese want to make certain that their country is perceived well on the world stage – they don’t want to "lose face." Plus, in recent history I can’t recall China ever opening up their country (and way of life) to the world for such scrutiny, on such a large scale.
By the way….I passed on the shot BUT the cheeseburger I had was great – considering it was made in China
If you translate their names it roughly equals “BEIJING WELCOMES YOU!”
I thought this was a neat concept upon hearing the explanation behind their meaning and the translation of their names. I think though that the expression should be expanded to say "CHINA WELCOMES YOU". First, because there are multiple cities helping to host Olympic events; for example Soccer Matches are being held in Shanghai and Equestrian events are going on in Hong Kong. More than that though is the sense of pride that Chinese people, regardless of town, express about these games.
This sense of national pride was very evident last night during the opening ceremonies. After a great work out at the hotel gyme my neighbor and I headed out for dinner. I was craving a burger so we headed to Hooters. We were lucky to get a table as we arrived just a few minutes before the ceremonies started.
The locals (and Expats alike) all had their eyes glued to the television. The difference was during our meal Pat and I talked about a host of things. I realized that the locals hardly took their eyes off the TV, barely saying anything. When they did talk I have a feeling it was about the games.
During the ceremony even the restraunt got into the celebration. The Hooter girls proudly handed out stickers of the Chinese Flag and celebratory shots to their patrons all while singing along to the national anthem.
It was a fascinating scene to watch. I consider myself a proud supporter of the US and feel I am pretty patriotic. Regardless of this I simply can't recall every being so enamored with an Olympics hosted in the US.
I think some of what I was seeing relates directly to the Chinese culture. The Chinese want to make certain that their country is perceived well on the world stage – they don’t want to "lose face." Plus, in recent history I can’t recall China ever opening up their country (and way of life) to the world for such scrutiny, on such a large scale.
By the way….I passed on the shot BUT the cheeseburger I had was great – considering it was made in China
Use this link to check out pictures
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Hong Kong in Pictures
Dessert in HK: Me on HK Street on way to dessert place/Steamed Milk Dessert (similar to custard)
Dinner in HK: Fatty Pork Belly/Fried Bean Curd/HK Chicken/Winter Melon Soup
Lena and Me on Bus/View of Stanley Market
Dinner in HK: Fatty Pork Belly/Fried Bean Curd/HK Chicken/Winter Melon Soup
Lena and Me on Bus/View of Stanley Market
The Buddha/Gelato/View from the Cable Car
View from the Peak/Tram Ride
Lan Kwai Fong
View from Star Ferry
Monday, August 4, 2008
Planes, Trains, Automobiles and Blisters
This weekend I headed to Hong Kong for a whirlwind trip. I was in HK for less than 48 hours and am amazed with all I experienced and saw. During my weekend I think I used every available means of transportation HK has to offer. I spent time on/in planes, trains (subway), trams, cable cars, minibuses and taxis. I’ll share a few of the highlights with you…..
1. Meeting My Siblings Co-Workers: Kris and Tim do a pretty good job at watching out for me; even when I am on the other side of the world. Upon hearing of my trip to HK both put me in touch with some of their coworkers. Shortly after checking into my hotel I met up with Irfan who works at Target. We headed out for coffee (and for me lunch). Irfan is also an Expat, he is on assignment in HK for approximately 18 months. It was nice comparing stories with him.
2. Thai for Dinner – Later that same day I meet up with Bonny, who works with my brother Tim. We headed out to dinner to a Thai restaurant just a few blocks from my hotel. Her brother and some friends also joined us. The food was great. I especially liked the Satays. At the end of the meal I was impressed with how much meat I had in one sitting. I’ve really been struggling to get enough protein in my meals. This meal was the exception to the norm.
3. Star Ferry – Hong Kong is interesting in that it is made up of a bunch of islands and a peninsula that connects to mainland China. The main island is referred to as Hong Kong. Across a harbor from it is the Peninsula. Throughout the day and night there are ferries going back and forth across the harbor. After dinner some of us hopped a ferry to the peninsula. It was great seeing the HK skyline at night.
4. Lai Kwon Fae – After our ferry ride we went out for a drink at a popular neighborhood in HK that is basically a pedestrian street filled with bar after bar with a few eateries mixed in. I’ve since learned that my brother Tim really had a good time here when he was last in HKJ. I limited myself to two hard ciders. They tasted great and I could have easily had more but I wanted to be clear headed for the adventures I had in mind for Sunday.
5. Victoria Peak (a.k.a. The Peak) – On Sunday morning I woke up early and headed out for a few adventures on my own. I headed first to a Starbucks to get some much needed caffeine. I soon realized that the streets were empty and stores, including Starbucks, were closed. Evidently HK gets started a bit later then places in the US. So at 7:20am I quickly changed plans and headed to the subway. I took this over to the base of Victoria Peak. To get to the top of the peak you ride a tram up the hill. At one point on the ride it feels as if you are lying down due to the steep grade. The views afforded of Hong Kong from the top of the peak are simply amazing.
6. The Big Buddha – After the peak I headed back to the subway in order to go see the Big Buddha. It is a large statue located on the top of a mountain on Lantau Island. To get to the statue you can either take a bus or a cable car. I opted for doing a round trip on the Cable Car. This ride is known as the 360; aptly named as it also allows for great views.
7. Pizza and the Stanley Market – I hightailed it from the Buddha back to Central HK to meet back up with Bonny and Lena (another person who works with Tim). We headed out for some shopping and lunch/coffee. We actually wound up at the California Pizza Kitchen. Aside from Starbucks it is the first time I have eaten at an American Restaurant since coming to Asia. It was comforting in its familiarity. After lunch Lena escorted me to Stanley Market. It’s basically a big market catering to tourists. However, it is on the southern part of the island and the drive to it offered me a chance to see the differences from the more populated central HK to the Oceanside communities. We rode a double-decker back to the city center. I was impressed with my ride back to the hotel due to the crazy twists and turns the driver was able to handle all while driving on the left side of the road.
8. Traditional HK Meal – After this adventure I threw my packages in my room and headed right back out. My next outing was with my manager Eric. He had planned to take me out to dinner. Eric actually had a list of options to choose from and although the thought of a good steak was appealing I opted to go for a local meal. During our meal I tried; HK Chicken, Fatty Pork Belly, Winter Melon Soup, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Fried Bean Curd. I won’t be asking for seconds of the HK Chicken and Winter Melon Soup, the rest of the items were very good.
9. Shopping – HK is known for shopping. As they are land locked they malls typically occupy the lower levels of high rise buildings. My hotel was next to a mall that took up the first 11 floors of a building. CRAZY. I put a fair amount of money into the HK economy as I stocked up on workout clothes, summer capris/shorts, light weight dress clothes and books in English. In addition I started buying gifts for family and friends back home. Ok, in truth I have only bought things for myself and for Cori and Cooper. I can’t help spoiling them – it’s my duty as an Aunt.
I flew back to Shanghai just this morning. I am exhausted! I realized that yesterday I was on the go from 7am – 11pm and if you don’t believe me I can show you the blisters to prove it!
p.s. I will try to post some pictures in a future message - I am having issues getting them to load right now.
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