It's been almost 24 hours since I landed in Shanghai, and I'm already thinking about how much I'll miss it when I have to leave next year. When speaking with Chinese students at Mizzou, I was told that Shanghai was "a big, dirty city," with "LOTS of shopping malls." That "it's crazy, but [I'll] love it." And I couldn't agree more.
Last night, my aunt and cousin picked me up from the airport (while my uncle was busy being interrogated by the Chinese authorities over issues with a work visa - long story). We rode the high-speed Maglev train (that reaches speeds up to 268 mph!) to the metro, took the metro further into town, and then spent a half hour trying to hail a taxi back to my family's apartment in the French Concession. As I'm finding with many things in China, taxis are surprisingly affordable (14-18 RMB per trip, or $2-$3).
After settling in, we went to dinner at a restaurant called "Spicy Joint." My cousin ordered nine dishes for our group of four (yes, a little excessive) - ranging from tear-inducing spicy chicken to clams and chicken feet (my uncle's favorite that no one else dares to touch). Since none of us speak Mandarin, he had to point to pictures on the menu while the waiter entered our order into a handheld computer.
Afterwards, my aunt asked if I'd like to get a foot massage. By this time, it was after 11PM, so I was surprised to find that the salon would not only be open, but would be full of customers. Apparently, massages are quite popular among Shanghai residents, and many massage parlors are open well past 2AM. And for only 100 RMB (about $15) for an hour session, it's easy to see why.
But the relaxation didn't last long. When we made it back to the apartment, we were surprised to find that a padlocked door had been put up behind the front gate of the building. After many fraught attempts to unlock the door, knock on the door, and eventually, kick the door, we finally surrendered and spent the night in a nearby hotel ("we" meaning my cousin, my aunt, and I; my uncle, whose passport was being held by the authorities, was forced to spend the night in his office). We all had a good laugh and reasoned that we could add this to the list of adventures we're bound to have in China.
Today, thankfully, has been a little less hectic. After coming back to the apartment for much-needed showers, we went to lunch at a Vietnamese restaurant called "Pho Real." Silly names aside, the food was great! Although, I desperately need to learn how to eat soup noodles more gracefully with chopsticks. Between the slurping and the chewing, it's not a pretty sight.
This will be my bedroom until my apartment is ready next month. It opens up to a balcony that has spectacular views of the city (which you'll see below).
What an adventure for less than 24 hours....sounds as if you are follwing in true David fashion :). We all are wondering more about David and his visa issues....I assume he will be snuggled into the apartment this evening and everything is okay?
ReplyDeleteChina sounds fabulous and makes me more excited about coming for a visit! I am sure by now you are missing the farm...the dogs, the heat, the work....hahahaha. Today is another work day here...Bob has taught himself how to operate a Bobcat....I'm using housework as an excuse to stay inside. It's 115 humid degrees here.
The broccoli is growing to a recognizable size now, cauliflower decided to jump start under the shade of the cucumbers, and we will be canning salsa in another week. Looking into the grass roots initiative of bringing local produce to schools...it is called farm to school....more to come wishing I could find a way to cover the costs of gardening while providing fresh veggies to the underserved children....cannot seem to find anything other than just donations.
Please keep the blogs and the pictures coming...it's like Christmas to me everytime I see a new post :).
Please give the family a HUGE thank you and hug for me. I am so at ease knowing you are with them...enjoy all that China has to offer!
I can almost feel the foot massage now....China....6 months and counting!
Lauren, your room with a view is wonderful! I loved reading this...crazy how quickly you have found adventure. I can't wait to hear all about what happens to you next, you noodle slurpin' lady of Shanghai.
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