It's Time to Go Home

We're going home.


It's Sunday morning and after 10 days we're preparing to go home. Our travels in China have come to an end and although we are anxious to catch up with our families and friends, it's somewhat bitter sweet to be leaving China. It has been an exciting 10 days filled with much activity, diverse experiences, and a great deal of learning. It will be hard to say goodbye to a country we have come to understand more fully during the time we have spent here.


A wake-up call this morning has us up and preparing for what will be a very long day. We'll go to the market to pick up some last minute items and then hurry off to the airport via bus through the early afternoon traffic. Our plane will take off in just a few hours and we'll fly back through time and arrive in Chicago, about the same time we leave Beijing! Ah, those time zones!


It has been a wonderful experience being in China with others eager to explore more about topics of personal interest as well as topics related to their fields of study. It seems each experience we had spoke volumes and meant a great deal to specific members of our group. As we reflected on what we enjoyed most about the trip, the answers were different for each member of our group! For me, it is definitely the people we have met as we traveled across China including our very special guides who shared their knowledge of the cities we traveled through as well as experiences from their personal lives.


Another experience that has meant a great deal to me was visiting the countryside of China. The countryside truly shows the varied faces of China, the differences in lifestyles between rural and city life. Traveling through the countryside helped me see more clearly the traditions in place and the transformations taking place in this rapidly changing country, though the changes are exceedingly more rapid in the cities.


All in all our experiences have taught us valuable life lessons and we have made connections to people in a country we hope to stay connected to. One lost iPhone later, we are on our way home, changed, even though we came to explore changes in a country far from our own homes.

Shanghai Living

Where do you park in Shanghai? We haven't seen parking ramps as there is not a lot of space for them in Shanghai. This is another reason there are only 2 million motor vehicles in the city and over 900 bus lines. Whil Volkswagon and Buik are the two major car manufacturers in Shanghai, there are other makes on the roadways. Shanhai residents also purchase special license plates. The special "Shanghai" plates alllow them to drive on the bridges and upper level streets during rush hour. It seems the extra cost of the plates would be worth it as there are a lot of those upper level streets here!

Where do people live in Shanghai? The old hutongs are disappearing from the landscape, making way for modern apartment complexes. The massive concrete apartment buildings tower to the sky here. One such building looks as if it might house all the residents of the small town I'm from in Mississippi. The apartments within them are small and yet spendy. People in Shanghai own their apartments, but not the land on which they are built. Thus apartment owners can use the land for up to 70 years at which point they must move, or extend their agreement with the government to own their apartment in the area.

Immigrants who come here from the countryside in search of work try to find an inexpensive place to stay, but it is difficult. Working in Shanghai is a dream for many of them and the route to financial progress for them and their familes. However, work is hard to find unless you are educated for just the right position. For some, working in Shanghai becomes begging in Shanghai, which some favor over laboring on the land in the countryside.

The Pudong New Area, the Financial Zone, and the High Tech Park reflect the economic reforms have benefited many in the cities here. To some extent I;ve heard it's trickling to the countryside in the form of social security benefits and government supported reforms. China is increasingly becoming ever more open to the world and the world is becoming ever more interested in China. Tourism industries reflect this as well. I plan to travel here again some day.

Experience of a Lifetime!!

Being in China has been an experience of a lifetime. Everything I expected was different. I was expecting everything from the movies, especially a strong religious part to everyday life. I also expected a strong resentment for us, as Americans, to even be here. I wasn't too sure what the experience for me would be like for me as an African-American. So far, most everybody has welcomed us warmly though. Beggars and vendors are at every bus stop. As soon as we get off we get swarmed. Elderly ladies will motion their palms to their mouths and then hold their hand out, showing that they need money for food. There are many beggars with wounded or amputated feet, making it really difficult to ignore them. One sat on the curbed holding her daughter outside the Forbidden City. She had a third deformed arm, but how could I know where my money was really going? It didn't matter. I was pratically in tears just from the site of it. Vendors hound you with the same products at shops only meters away. I have never been to any place in the world where you can buy a Rolex or a Gucci bag (authentic, of course) for less than 5 US dollars.

At the department stores, things can get fun. In a Beijing shopping center I walk through a sea of people grabbing at my arm telling me I need a silk scarf for my mother, or a tie for my dad. One girl grabbed me firm and told me I had promised to come to her shop and buy some things when I met her earlier. This was obviously a lie and I wondered how many people actually go with it as I tried to break free. Natasha and I usually go to the market together, and it's entertaining watching her bargain. It's also a lot of fun. I have seen her drop the price by at least 80% on most occasions. I now know the tactics like starting ridiculously low, and that if you walk away and they call for you to come back you can almost guarantee any price you choose will be the final one.

I always thought China was one of the more religiously rich countries of the world. After that I learned that they were officially an atheist country. And then, after that, I learned that only the government was considered atheist and less than 5% of the population was a member of the Communist Party. We have visited the Jade Buddha Temple. It was beautiful and so peaceful! Outside the Buddhist temple there was Hindu music playing in the streets where people following Islam were gathered. The stones and concrete on the ground was old and the buildings were older. Because over time streets and cities were built around it, but the temple had been undisturbed, the foundation was a few feet lower than the street where we entered in. Buddhists were buying incense and offering prayer. Others were giving fortunes to locals for a small fee. Incense burned making some of the most soothing smells I have experienced so far in this somewhat polluted (but beautiful) country. We saw statues and guardians and other significant contributors to the religion. It’s good to see these religions and buildings in tact after so many years. The taking of money is not pleasant to see all the time, especially in religious establishments, but if that’s what it takes to continue the traditions then it is fine by me. I walked with Montira for a while and she helped explain some of the customs and what they meant. It was so enlightening and peaceful. I bowed my head in reverence and prayer for a moment in the temple.

Rock Climbing Baby!!

Rock Climbing Baby!!!
Today we will be taking a tour bus to the Badaling section of the Great Wall, approximately 60 kilometers from the city center. This section of the wall, built in 1505, was an important defense for the Ming Dynasty, and is 7.8 meters on average in height with a width to accommodate five horses or ten people walking abreast.There is a famous Chinese quote, "Bú dà Chángchéng fĕi hăo hàn," (You are not a real man until you have climbed the Great Wall); hence, we had to climb the Great Wall.The day started out gray and cool with the threat of rain, however the rain held off and by the time we started climbing up the extremely steep section of steps, we had shed our coats, and were taking regular breaks along the wall to capture the beauty, as well as photograph the stunning scenery.

The imagery was like nothing we had ever seen, as we experienced a part of history. We continued climbing the stairs as they led us up the mountain, down into the valley and then back up again.As we passed people along the way, we would exchange the greeting "Ni Hao" (Hello) and wave, and soon, the friendly people were asking us to pose with them and their families for photographs, which we readily did. We continued climbing the Great Wall sometimes having to pull ourselves up the extremely steep sections using the railing and making new friends along the way, for more than 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

After our morning climb, our legs were a bit stiff, and we were more than happy to ride the lift back to our starting point. We slowly made our way down the mountain taking photographs along the way, and savoring each moment of our very memorable journey.Now when BJ grows up, he or she can tell friends the story of climbing the Great Wall with mommy!!

Shanghai: Sights, Sounds, and Smells??

Shanghai is a full-on assault of smells. The wide variety of different odors mix together on the average walk down the street. Some are good; most are bad.
The natural scents are ....tolerable. Imagine this. On our way to the resteraunt for dinner and you could smell and combination of these things or all of them:

Steamed Buns, Cooking Oil, Vomit, Dead Animal, Vegetable Scraps, Dirt, Flowers, Fish, Vinegar,
Rinse Water, Turtles, Cow head, Sewage, Pee, Dog Poop, Fried Tofu, B.O. , and of course my favorite...Chicken Blood! Whew!!!

The sights, sounds, and smells are a lot to take in, in a city as busy as Shanghai! We took in all that we could, in spite of a bit of jet lag that threatened fatigue and nausea at times....from the smells. Tomorrow we are off to explore the Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Gardens before flying off to Beijing.

Shanghai Market Adventures

Someone from the states asked me if I was going shopping, and if I was going to the fabric market. "Am I gonig to the fabric market?????"

Of course I'm going to the fabric market. (And for those of you who don't know, the fabric market is just that -- a three-story market in Shanghai that houses hundreds of tailors and their shops. Each shop is full of fabric -- Chinese silk, wool, linen, cotton, cashmere, knit, etc. You name the fabric, it's at the fabric market.
Blue jean? Yep, there's blue jean at the fabric market.
Corduroy? Oh yeah, lots of corduroy.
Rayon? Yep, if you really want rayon when you can have Chinese silk, you can have rayon.
Coats? Coats, coats, everywhere!!!

If you can think it, they can make it!!!

Ooh, the fabric market is a mighty seductive beast! You see all the beautiful Chinese jackets and cashmere coats and soft, linen dresses hanging about and you know that the prices are WAY, WAY cheaper than anything you'll ever find at home and suddenly, your arms are in the air and your chest is being measured by a skinny Chinese tailor.

Is it always successful? Does every skirt you order fit perfectly? Drape across your hips just the way you like? Nope. The average success rate is 50/50, but stuff is so incredibly cheap that you write off the 50 percent that doesn't fit and donate to a charity. Then you enjoy the 50 percent that does.

Aww, the inticement, but I think I'll save my shopping for Beijing. I don't want to buy an extra suitcase just yet, besides I can't carry it all :)

Ni Hao Shanghai!

Sorry this is late. I couldn't get an Internet connection for the first two days and when I finally did my blog headers were in Chinese and I hadn't figured out how to post until now. Oh well...do you miss me :)

Day One

We arrived in Shanghai on Saturday afternoon. The flight wasn't terrible, but it was a long one. I tried to sleep for most of it, but then you get to a point where you just can't sleep anymore no matter how much you want to. I did get caught up on some movies though. They served three meals on the flight. It was an American flight, but I guess they were in the China spirit. We had chicken and rice for lunch, noodles for snack, and noodles again for dinner (they ran out of lasagna and turkey sandwiches), but I won't complain, everyone said the noodles were better :) Good thing I brought snacks. We arrived at the airport and things were smooth. I got Yuan ($) from the ATM 7 Yuan = 1 Dollar!!! I'm Rich!!!! Our tour guide Rainy met us at the airport and we road the bus back to the hotel, and what an exciting ride it was....the traffic is CRAZY! I'm not really sure what Red and Green lights mean here, and there is no such thing as pedestrian's right-away....no way. There are lots of bikes and scooters, and traffic moves fast. 10 x worse than New York. Man does this put traffic back home into perspective.

As we ride along on the bus, I notice there is a lot of construction going on. There are lots of tall building and there are very little traces of things that you and I might consider Asian architecture. The city is more modern and you can see the transition from Old Shanghai to New Shanghai. The combination of old and new is astonishing and the government even passed a bill to preserve buildings built prior to 1940s. They are preparing for the big China Expo set for 2010. Apparently there is some political mayhem (what a surprise) going on. The Bush Admin pulled the plug on funding a US pavilion for the expo and mandated that US private companies fund it. They has been no success in raising the 60 million dollars required, and there was some mix up with the RFPs for the job so the US might not have a pavilion at the Expo if we can't get out crap together in time. Go figure......even Luxembourg has a pavilion!

We arrive out our hotel. It's nice and very modern. The goal is not to go to sleep so that we can adjust better to the local time here, so a few of us head out to find local cell phones so we can call back home for a cheaper rate. We get directions from the front desk for the "Cyber Market" . The concierge also told us that there was a market nearby and that there might be cell phones there. She wrote it on our card in Chinese. We start out on foot, and head in the most promising direction. We have no idea where we are going, but it's an adventure and we feel like pioneers, so we just go. We stumbled into the market. Not sure if you have ever been to Mexico or Jamaica where there are open peddlers, but here they are everywhere, and they are worse. I learned very quickly how to say No Thank You in Chinese (boo yao shay shay). Sometimes it works and they move on, but mostly they are persistent and it takes 3-4 times of saying no.

Anyway, we walked around for a bit, but were unsuccessful in finding any cell phones, so we head back to the hotel to catch a cab to go to the cyber market. We get to what we think is the cyber market and we end up in a mall, with still no luck of a cell phone, so with not much left to do and when such a huge language barrier we head back to the hotel for dinner. We figure at this point, dinner trumps phone, and we will try again tomorrow. Stay tuned for Day Two....I know it's already Day four, but I'm just too tired to type anymore right now. Pea

Last Minute Packing Anyone....

I don't know about most of my class, but I haven't started packing yet. I keep thinking it's no big deal. To get me motivated...you guessed it. I searched online for tips to pack for China. Here is what I found from a recent traveler:

When we're packing for a trip far from home, our 'stuff' can act as a comforting security blanket. After many days on the road, though, it turns into an unwanted anchor! (Bricks? Why am I carrying bricks?, you may well ask!)

Let your itinerary pack your bag!
Once you know where you are going and for how long, and which activities and tours are scheduled, your bag will pretty much pack itself. But get involved so it doesn't run amok and try to take everything you own. YOU are the one going on a trip, not your closet.

Be Fussy About Fabrics Choose fabrics that breathe, don't show dirt, don't wrinkle, and are easy to wash and dry. It sounds like a tall order, but with all the great fabrics for travel and sports clothing, there's lot's to choose from. This means no linen, of course. You'll look great and feel great!

Pack Your suitcase To save space, roll clothes into tidy sausages, and only fold clothing, like suit jackets, that do not readily roll. Stuff socks and any small items into the various crevices around larger items. Put a second pair of shoes (you will be wearing the first pair) into a plastic bag (or put each shoe into its own plastic bag) and pack near the top of the clothing. Shoes with heels generally do well in the corners.

Be Ruthless When Choosing Everything must do double or triple duty or it stays home. This is the hardest part of packing, when you begin to second guess your wardrobe choices with thoughts of 'What if . . . ?' Whether you are going for one week or four weeks, you don't need as much as you think you do. Lay out 4-7 tops and 3-4 bottoms, and see how many outfit combinations you can make. Three pairs of pants and seven tops gives you 21 combinations so 21 outfits. Ideally, every top should go with every one of the bottoms, or it stays home.

TIP When you have your travel wardrobe laid out on your bed at home, do a final check. Think about your itinerary, and what activites you have planned. Ask yourself questions like 'What will I wear to fancy restaurant? What will I wear when going from my hotel room through the lobby to the swimming pool? What will I wear for the canopy walk? What will I wear for dinner at the Captain's table? You get the idea. Make any changes now, then get packing!

Beijing in winter can be quite cold, Shanghai a bit warmer than Beijing. Layer, Layer, Layer If you'll be in a hot climate, you can take things off; in a cold climate, you can put things on.

Travel Pants: One to wear, two for spares (or one in the laundry), in neutral colors like khaki, black, or dark denim. For Winter travel pants (Beijing, Shanghai), if you can, find a black fleece pair. They looked dressy enough for restaurants, yet were cozy and warm (and didn't show dirt - Bonus!). For Spring and Autumn trips (all areas), black denim jeans (also dressy and forgiving of dirt, but could be dressed up for a night at the opera).

Travel Skirts: While pants are by far the more practical to wear, if you prefer a skirt, especially then substitute skirts (in either a print that goes with the tops or in a neutral color) for one or two pairs of pants.

Tops -- blouses, shirts, Tshirts, etc: Since tops generally are smaller and less bulky than travel pants, you can easily pack 5-7 or so, depending on bulk. Be sure to lay out your pants, and then the tops you are considering so that you can see if each top goes with each pair of pants. If you have 3 bottoms (pants, skirts) and 7 tops, you have 21 possible combinations, so 21 outfits.
Sleepwear / Jammies One pair Tshirt top (can do double duty as outerwear if needed) and pants, or one nightie are enough. Many hotels in China wil also provide dressing gowns. Even if you prefer no jammies at all, plan for unexpected nightime departures from your room, should a smoke alarm go off.

Shoes Two Pairs -- One pair sneakers / walking shoes (lace up are more forgiving) to wear on plane (they are bulky to pack in suitcase) for wearing on tours or going out shopping, etc., and one pair of dressier shoes -- black leather slides with a medium wedge heel for evening or hotel. Proper sneakers or walking shoes give better support and surer footing, especially on rough pavements. Slip-on's or slides are good for just running down to breakfast in the hotel. Most hotels in China will provide disposable slippers in your room, Bless them!

Jacket: Wear it for the flight (Jackets can take up too much room in your suitcase). If you are coming from a cold climate, wear your preferred winter jacket / coat, or consider buying a jacket or coat from a charity shop to wear while you are in colder parts of China, then leave it behind before you fly home. If you are travelling on business substitute / allow for business suits (pants and jackets) to be part of the overall travel wardrobe.

Rain coat / jacket: (one) plus a small fold up rain poncho. Keep it in your day pack or purse, and even one in your camera bag, so you can get at it in a hurry. Keep one in your carry-on bag so you can get at it easily, and take one just to cover your luggage, in case you have to hike several blocks on a rainy day. Umbrellas, no matter how tiny, require a hand to hold them, and you may have yours full with your bags!

Swimsuits, Work out gear: Take along at least one swimsuit or bathing suit, just in case you need it. Swimsuits take up little room, yet are time consuming to buy when travelling. Take along something to wear over the swimwear for the trip from your hotel room to the pool area. Most large hotels will have a work out room or gym, so if you are planning to use this facility, then roll up something suitable to wear in the gym.

That's all the tips I have for now. Happy packing, maybe I will get started tonight!

China..here we come!

Ni hao ma, meaning how are you doing? The last two weeks have been interesting as our EMBA class prepares for our trip to China. We are learning new things about Chinese way of life and values. In anticipation for our first stop in Beijing, I looked up some interesting facts:

• Beijing is the capital city of People’s Republic of China.


• Beijing is the second largest city in China.


• The Summer Olympics 2008 were held in Beijing.


• Beijing was known as Peking in Imperial China.


• There are 16 districts and 2 counties in Beijing.


• China Rose or Chrysanthemum is the city flower of Beijing.


• The city tree of Beijing is Arborviate or Chinese Scholar Tree.


• Beijing is referred as the one of the ‘Four Great Ancient Capitals of China’.


• Beijing is the major transportation hub of the country, as it houses many roads and railways.


• Beijing is the political, cultural and educational nerve center of China.


• Beijing is one of the four municipalities (equivalent to provinces in China's administrative structure) of the People’s Republic of China.


• The term 'Beijing' literally means ‘Northern Capital’.


• Beijing was renamed Beiping in 1928 (after the success of the Kuomintang (KMT)'s Northern Expedition), but given back its original name in 1937 (during Japanese occupation).


• On an average day, the air pollution levels in Beijing are nearly five times above World Health Organization standards for safety.


• 1406 through 1420 saw the building of Beijing’s Forbidden City, home of Ming Dynasty emperors. Twenty-four emperors ruled from this eminent locale.
  Visitors are welcome to visit the Forbidden City which is located at the rear of Tiananmen Square. This complex holds nearly one thousand rooms.


• Tianamen Square is also the resting place for Chairman Mao’s tomb.


• Beijing was only reinstalled as China’s capital as late as 1421 AD.


• Beijing enjoys four distinct seasons. Most travelers prefer to visit the city in summer and fall.


• Currently there are more than fifteen million people residing in Beijing. Most residents are of Han ethnicity.


• China’s largest wooden Buddha statue is located in Beijing’s Yonghe Lamasery.


• The city is considered to the bicycle capital of the world as has many parking lots dedicated to bikes alone.

The Chinese Monkey....Interesting

2009 is the Year of the Ox,which is also known by its formal name of Ji Chou. After reading more about the Chinese New Year, I was curious as to what my Chinese Zodiac sign might be.

Monkey Years are ninth in the cycle following the Sheep Years, and recur every twelfth year.
1908*1920*1932*1944*1956*1968*1980*1992*2004*2016

The Monkey (that's me)" The Sign of Imagination"

Monkeys can run circles around other people with ease. They are curious and clever people who catch on quickly to most anything. Monkey people generally can accomplish any given task. They appreciate difficult or challenging work as it stimulates them and makes them think.

Characteristics

Imaginative, responsible, humorous, witty, curious, clever, sneaky

The characteristics of the Monkey are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL MONKEY 1920 AND 1980
Persuasive and passionate, this Monkey is a warm person. He is successful due to his innate determination and ambitious nature. He works hard to climb the ladder of success and prefers to work alone. They are loyal employees, always prepared and tactful with answers and upper management. In love these Monkeys are just as loyal as well as loving and affectionate.

The Sign of the Monkey

Monkeys are fun-loving people who really enjoy a good time with friends, family or anyone else for that matter. They love practical jokes and like to play tricks on colleagues and friends alike. Monkeys tend to stir up trouble simply out of boredom, which can end up being more hurtful than they intended. Often, when this causes trouble, they expect others to understand it was all a joke and to deal with the consequences on their own.

Monkeys are curious creatures as well. Some people call them nosy. Others call them interested. The Chinese say they are just downright curious. Although gifted with a strong intellect, creativity and intuition are nor their fortes. They can’t put themselves in your shoes even if they try and will become easily distracted or confused.

EAST MEETS WEST

CANCERIAN MONKEY
Cancer gives the usually out and about Monkey a sense of domesticity. This Monkey enjoys a quieter life than most and treasures his time with his family.