Mask changer entertainer

In the afternoon we had the party for the students and Chinese volunteer students. The ‘party’ consisted of a program of items including singing and instrumental items by the Chinese students and the overseas students items. We also played games, tying balloons around ankles and trying to burst them and guessing word game. Ms Lee the famous singer entertained us again and also an incredible mask changer entertainer. He performed a dance and every so often he changed the mask over his face but you couldnt see how he did it. It was amazing! He was a friend of Davids and you would have to normally pay a lot of money to see him perform.

Our singing of the national anthem followed by the poi dance and the

NZ group ready for party

haka were well received and many thanks has to go to Tash for her patience in trying to co-ordinate some not very talented participants. Unfortunately Melissa (who could have helped) was still recovering from her illness but managed to join in for the final event but we lost Jen who became unwell in the morning so couldnt attend. Thanks also to Jack for very impressively leading the boys in the haka.

Interesting talking to the Australian students on the difference between how we know about and integrate the Maori culture where they wouldnt know anything about the aboriginal customs or songs and didnt particularly want to either. Their performance was a group singalong of Australian songs.

In the afternoon, had the interesting experience of going to a hairdressers when you cannot communicate with language. Slightly scary but turned out OK. Must have gone to the wrong hairdresser though as was more expensive than at home and I had the apprentice. Just kept pointing to different numbers but I had no idea what they were meaning till I got to the cheapest which must have meant you had a trainee hairdresser.

Group at revolving restaurant for dinner

In the evening, Hannah, Niall, Jess, Jas and I took Robinson, one the main volunteer students, out for dinner in the revolving restaurant at the top of the Radison Hotel with an amazing view of the lights of Shanghai. It was an international menu and the first time we had knifes and forks to eat with for a long time! Ordered food from ‘home’ lamb chops (Aussie) with baked potato. Yum!!! with freshly squeezed orange juice. Decided to go walking on

Buildings on the Bund

the bund beside the river afterwards and Jas decided it was time I went for a motorbike ride. The students just ask anyone on the street on a bike if they will take them somewhere-as you can imagine quite scary in the busy traffic.

View over river from the Bund

‘You only live once’ I thought, so hitched up my best dress and very elegantly got on the back of the bike with Jas and the rider so quite close so didnt need to hang on and to blasted around the streets of Shanghai. Nothing like helmets as they are not compulsory in China but disconcertingly our driver was wearing one so Jas made the comment that maybe not a good sign as he might not think he was a good rider!! Thanks Jas.

It was a lot of fun and very cheap – saves your energy in the heat. – should have tried it earlier!!! Three of the group decided to party on and the rest of us were feeling tired and returned to the hotel where we met another group going to karaoke so we forgot about being tired and went out again! I wanted to experience karaoke in Asia and it was different from home. You wouldnt know it was even in the building as no advertising and you go down a back alley into a grotty lift and then get out into this very nice reception area where you negotiate the price for your room (about $5.00 per person for our large group) and the room has couches and chairs one large screen and several smaller screens set up and you sign and dance as much as you like in privacy. Not like in a pub situation at home. A lot of fun in a big group – ended up quite a late night.

Last day and we had the farewell event in the morning so had speeches by the President of SHIFT and David the Manager of the International program. Jack made the speech on behalf of the New Zealand students then we were presented with certificates and gifts and then many photos later we were taken for a final Chinese banquet lunch which was great.

Last visit to the markets to purchase my prescription sunglasses for $35.00 and ready in 40 minutes and a tshirt. Cant squeese anything else into my case and worried about excess luggage which is a flat rate of $70.00!!! Some students have bought an extra case to share ($35 each) as an extra bag is the same cost. Good idea. Ill just hope for the best. Hard to judge when you dont have scales.

I will finish now as want to go for a last walk on the streets before the coach comes to pick us up. I will miss China and feel quite sad to leave – it has been amazing. You feel as though you have just got to grips with how to deal with everything (heat, language, people, traffic – you wanna a handbag lady, watch, scarf??? at the markets and in the streets) and you are heading home.

Farewell Shanghai!!!!

Markets

Everyone is getting a bit tired now – a lot of students you talk to have been having afternoon naps – and its not always the ones that are going out late at night. The design students, Laura, Teryn, and Mia have been working on a booklet of photos and thoughts of the students attending summer school. Were told how many pages they could use so set up a proof and were then told ‘suggestions’ on how it should look so they were a bit disheartened and have lost their enthusiasm but still putting in a lot of time and effort.
A large group have just departed for a days biking (RMB700 about NZD140) and some of us are thinking of going to the waterpark once they have had a sleep in. Its raining today but doesnt matter as still hot.

Its funny how quickly you get used to the traffic here. Mad taxi drivers who go on the wrong side of the road and then swerve into a queue of traffic all the time talking on their cellphone and staring at the strange foreigners in their mirror!! We are amazed we dont see more accidents. The pedestrian crossings are a nightmare – you have to keep your wits about you as cars come from all directions – they are allowed to turn against the red light on to the crossing and as most bikes dont have lights they can sneak up on you. Buses missing you by centimetres are very scary. The motorbikes, electric bikes and pushbikes also use the footpaths. Its a dangerous place for a pedestrian!

Traffic

We went for an excursion to the Qipu markets yesterday. Reminded me a bit of markets in Australia – lots of small ‘shops’ on about 5 floors spread over 2 blocks. No place to try anything on = I bought a pair of shorts and the girl measured me and told me I was XL!!!! I must be eating too much fatty food. Tried them on when home and they fitted. So pleased to have some more shorts to wear as only bought ‘smart’ clothes with me but neednt have worried. Nobody cares what Im wearing as Im treated like a student.

Didnt end up doing much on Sunday – didnt go to pool as long way to go and very expensive in weekend. Went to the malls but far too many people – queue for trying on clothes, queue if you want to buy clothes and shoving and pushing everywhere. You cant tell what sizing is yours so have to try on and then if not right you just give up. (well I do – some of the students seem to cope OK)

Had Chinese language Monday morning – we have to try and learn a poem for the final party. Bit of a challenge. Monday afternoon was free as cultural concert changed to the evening. Had some time out and got my nails manicured. Luckily client beside me spoke some English to could help out with information. Not quite brave enough to get hair coloured – may get request lost in translation. Much less expensive for services in Shanghai.

Went to an Acrobatic Show on Monday night – it was very impressive! People throwing and catching large pots on their heads, balancing on chairs, multiple hoola hooping, climbing up each other and swinging from ribbons. Finale was 5 motorbikes being driven inside a large metal ball – great riding.

Balancing act!

Melissa and Jarn’s flight back from Xi-an was delayed by 5 hours so they didnt arrive back till 0200 Tuesday morning very tired from busy weekend and late flight. Unfortunately Melissa has been unwell and have just been with her to local Doctors which seems to be part of a hospital. The insurance company gave us the name of a hospital but it turned out it was especially for Japanese expats but they graciously agreed to treat Melissa. Hopefully she will recover quickly with rest and drugs from Japan (not Chinese which can be suspect).

On Monday, Robinson, one of the Chinese student volunteers suggested that since we have the biggest group we should do an item for the final party and did any of the students have special talents they can perform. I knew a few students played instruments but bit difficult as dont have them with them. We have decided to do a poi dance with instruction from Tash so spent Monday afternoon out looking for material and then making pois. We were meant to spend Tuesday practicing but Tash went to the World Swimming Champs to watch NZ versus Australia so lost our teacher!!! Had a look on the internet and tried a few twirls but not sure if going to be a very high standard. The boys are doing the haka and we are all going to sing the national anthem.

Went to a Thai restaurant for tea last night with a group of students and then went to the world financial centre all 492 metres and 101 floors!!! Its called the ‘bottle opener’ because thats what it looks like.  Had a drink and a dance and then home.

Out on the town

Must have been the oldest there by about 30 years!!! Vicky, the most popular student volunteer told me that Chinese ladies of my age would be at home looking after family or animals not travelling around the world and going out at night. She said I was very ‘young’. You can see why she is so popular!!!

Wednesday

Had a very interesting talk on the financial system in China yesterday-the lecturer in between her slides told us what happened to her when the cultural revolution happened and she was forced to go into the countryside and work in the fields for 10 years. She cried as she was telling us – very emotional story. The army burnt all the books and she wasnt allowed to listen to or read any English. Im not sure all the students understood what she was talking about as some of them didnt know any of the history of China.

This afternoon met with Dave Cull, mayor of Dunedin, Phil Ker, Marc Doesburg and Mike Waddell for an informal chat about the students experiences in Shanghai. The students all made very positive comments and thanked all the right people so a successful meeting I think.

Next stop, try to use our pois. A bit challenging so poor Tash has the task of trying to whip us into some semblance of an organised group by tomorrow afternoon. The students also have to prepare a presentation of 15 minutes in groups of 5 about their experiences so feeling a bit pressured as its all a bit late and with not very clear guidelines on content required.

I think 2 hours is too long in class to try and learn a language. You can only take so much and then it all turns to custard. We finished the lesson with a Chinese song this week so that was a bit of light relief.

The afternoon classes were the start of either choosing painting, calligraphy, ping pong or dance. For some unknown reason I put my name down for dance – not exactly full of energy after traipsing along the Great Wall but along I went. There were two other Aussie girls, an Aussie guy, James and Bruno. The three Chinese student volunteers were a bit disconcerted at the arrival of boys and didnt quite know what to do with them.

For the first 20 minutes there was a lot of discussion between them as they wanted to show a dance sequence by a famous dancer but didnt have a laptop. James arrived with his so we watched a classical dance sequence then one of the students showed us a short dance for us to follow.

Bit of a struggle getting fingers in correct positions etc and trying to remember steps. I sent my apologies for the next two classes as decided my time would be better spent updating blog and having a rest.

Mia and I went for Chinese massage – interesting when cant communicate through language. It was only $14 for an hour – didnt realise we had chosen the one where they massage you through clothing. Bit different. Mia and I were in same room and the two Chinese girls talked all the way through the massage – not exactly relaxing. A lot of clenched teeth later I was not sure if I felt better or worse. One of the students had unpleasant experience with male masseuse so we made sure we had females.

Next mornings lecture was Chinese economy and FDI which was reasonably interesting and easy to follow – the only trouble is every lecture starts with the same background info on China re population, size etc so they lose the students attention before they start.

Chinese Legal system was also OK but the lecturer talked very fast and you had to concentrate very hard to understand her English.

Me and Will student volunteer @ gardens

Today we were to go for a day trip to Tongli, another canal town. Leaving time was 0915 but unfortunately the coach’s door wouldnt close so we had to wait for another bus. On the road by 1000, had to stop for petrol and then had to make a couple of detours as driver unsure of route!?. Air conditioning stopped working (dont forget about 37 degrees and sticky)Stopped again on side of road for about 30 minutes – some problem with brakes I think. Somehow departed again and made our way to lunch stop. Chinese lunch – not sure good idea for me and then went to Tuisi Gardens a large Chinese garden built by one man in 1990s. Very peaceful – had entertainment from duo playing traditional instruments and singing.

Boat ride @ Gardens

Had to wait for bus to be fixed by roving mechanics so we could get home again. A big day out for lunch and seeing a garden for an hour. Another day in China.

Have stayed in the last few nights – just bought food from local shops and watched movie or read my book. Havent felt that great – went out last night to get some money to loan to Melissa before some money comes through from NZ for her to go to see the Terracotta Warriors and the machine ate my card so will have to go tomorrow and try and retrieve it with help from Chinese speaking volunteer.

I was too scared to try with my credit card in case lost it too!

Im bit sick of my own company so am going out with Taryn and Sarah for tea tonight. The tummy lurgy has caught up with me but have taken drugs so hope will be fine.

The squat toilets take a bit of getting used to when out and about – also remembering to take your own toilet paper and not putting it down the toilet but in the plastic bucket beside the toilet!! Bit hard to work out what to do with your bags as you dont really want to put them on the floor.

Lovely squat toilet

It rained today for the first time – absolute downpour but stopped again fairly quickly. May have to buy another umbrella as threw mine out as blew inside out.

Getting a bit sick of not seeing blue sky, the sun or the moon. It was lovely to see it in Beijing – I dont think I could live in Shanghai.

Vicky, one of the main student volunteers, was asking me about retirement age and if our children supported us in our old age!!! I explained they were still trying to get themselves set up in houses etc and couldnt afford to support parents usually. Their parents help with money for education and also to buy property so then they pay them back when they start working.

Ive decided not to go anywhere this weekend – several groups are going different places but feel two extra trips have been enough and Id like a free weekend to see the places I havent visited yet in Shanghai. Jarn and Melissa have just visited excited about their weekend excursion. Im feeling a bit jealous but still happy with my decision.

Ended up going out for tea with Hannah who has been unwell. She went to the local doctor and has been taking the pills she described and has been feeling worse. When we looked at the drug on the internet it was for old people with dementia!! Ive given her ibuprofen from my drug store so hope that works.

We went to a cafe which had such things as potato salad and pasta – good food for an upset stomach and since Ive been talking about toilets, they had a beautiful toilet with so many options for washing, drying etc it was very exciting. A new experience for me – having never used a bidet style toilet before.

On the Great Wall!

Made it back safely from my adventure to the Great Wall. The Chinese have a saying that if you get to stand on the Great Wall then you are a hero – I still really cant believe that I managed to get there. We kept being told that we shouldn’t do it as we didn’t have enough time but we left early on Friday afternoon (excused myself from knot making class- first class I have missed unlike some others) by the new high speed Shanghai to Beijing fast train which was comfortable and took 5 hours – luckily we had an Australian Chinese with us who had been to Beijing before and negotiated the metro and got us to the Sanliturn Backpackers in one piece. Sharing 6 bed dorm with 3 unknown guys – all adds to the experience. Very popular place as was booked out and some of the group had to go to another backpackers which they couldnt find so walked back to ours to get the English translated into Chinese but then even the taxi couldnt find it without an effort.

Carving our Peking Duck

The group staying at the Sanliturn all went out to have Peking Duck for tea – very nice!
The other group didn’t have a good experience – first of all the other backpackers said I had only reserved one 4 bedded room not two, the rooms and bathrooms weren’tclean and the mattresses were harder than the ones at SHIFT hotel!They were not happy travellers but came round to our backpackers for breakfast which was included in our Great Wall tour and they managed to all book in to the Sanliturn for Saturday night.

There was a group of 16 of us who went to Beijing – some students went on a cycling trip and some went to another lake town to the South – can’t remember how to spell it at the mo – something like Hongzhou I think. We decided not to muck around with local buses to get us to the wall as only had limited time so paid for tour from backpackers. Was a wee coach and only just enough seats with using the fold down ones in the aisle. The tour guide got her money easily – a very short talk about the wall at the start of the 50 minute journey and then another short talk when we arrived about time for lunch and if we werent back by 2.45pm we would have to find our own way back to Beijing. No waiting for late arrivals.

You had the choice of walking or cable car journey up to wall – I had thought should walk up but was pleased I didnt when you realised how much walking you had to do once you were on the wall. I was very brave going the cable car as only a very flimsy open car with your feet dangling in space – not my idea of fun but did manage to ungrip to take some photos.

You have a choice of different places to visit the wall – we went to Mutianyu which is a bit further away from Beijing but not as busy as the other main part. Once you get out the cable car you can go right to the older section or left to the newer sections. Mia and I decided to go look at the older part which wasnt a smart move as it was very steep stairs for most of it and no flat areas. It was very hard work in the hot sun. We were very lucky we had perfect clear blue sky but very hot for stair climbing!!!

I couldnt believe it when I went in the other direction and found large parts of it were paved like a street! Mia didnt want to go back quickly but I wanted to cover as much as I could so took off in the other direction but couldnt find anybody else and began to wonder if they had all gone back down and I had the departure time wrong and had been left at the Great Wall! I kept going for quite a while and then thought Id better turn back and luckily came across Hannah and Mellisa who hadnt bothered going to the end and were just relaxing so I did the same and then we joined the queue for the tobaggon down the mountain.

Hannah Mellissa and Mia on Great Wall

I thought it sounded a bit sacrilegious to have a tobaggon on a World Heritage site but enjoyed it and wished the slow people up in front would go faster!!

Did a little bit of souvenir shopping and then went for lunch. Were worried the other students may miss the bus but everyone arrived very exhausted having ran back as panicked not realising it was so far. Had a nice Chinese lunch and then got back into the van. Then we were delayed as one of the Spanish guys on the tour had crashed into another toboggan and hurt a girl who apparently was connected to the triad gangs so they were demanding money off him so our tour guide went to help him out leaving everyone else waiting. So much for leaving at 2.45pm we left at 3.45pm worried we were going to miss our show.

You have to factor delays into your trips in China – nothing goes to plan. We arrived back at rush hour but managed to have a quick shower before heading out in taxi for Kung Fu concert. I was in group in first taxi – showed taxi driver destination in Chinese – he nodded all Ok so we gave translation to other group. After about 10 minutes he gestures he needs to see card with translation again – obviously lost. We begin to think we are not going to see the show as noones cell phone charged so cannot contact anyone.

We looked across the street and there was the Red Theatre where we were heading so managed to get taxi to stop eventually block away and walked back. Everyone else had arrived safely. Show was fantastic!!! Great performance with a story with English translations and parts spoken in English. Went into town to the street market for tea. So nice to walk around with a lot less humidity.

I was not brave enough to eat insects on a stick – kind of puts you off when they are still moving!! Settled for caramelised grapes on a stick – very sweet and some veges wrapped in something. Metro’d back to backpackers sat down for a chat and to bed as early start to fit in

Insects on sticks - Yummy!

as much we can before train home at 4.00pm.

I really wanted to go to summer palace as everyone I spoke to said to go there but it was about an hour to get there and by the time you looked around you would have spent all the time there so went with group going to Forbidden City (now called Palace Museum) and Tianamen Square. Maybe we picked the busiest day of the year (Sunday and holidays) but the queue was enormous and packed inside even though big area.

It is an amazing place – magnificent structures and overwhelming. Touched the copper vats (cause everyone else was) near the Gate of Heavenly Purity so dont know if it means Im now pure or going to be rich.

The Palace of Complete Happiness was exclusively for the common concubines to live. Not sure how that was achieved!!! We thought we’d try and go to the Imperial Garden to sit and contemplate but ‘no’ it was packed with people and we ended up having to sit on a ledge and looked at the masses.

Crowds at Forbidden City

Interesting experience over here, is the Chinese people like to have their photos taken with you. I have only been asked once so must look too Chinese. Once you say yes all these other people appear with cameras and also want their photo taken. We are very much in the minority over here!!! Dont see other European- looking people very often.

One of the Aussie students wanted Peking Duck before he left so we went searching for a restaurant – found one but price ridiculous so walked all the way round the outside wall of the Forbidden City – and gave up and got lunch at a stall. Sweet pastry something. Not bad.

We were too exhausted to travel anywhere else before going to train station so made our way to metro which was so packed you were like a sardine – dont think my feet were touching the ground. Quite scary trying to get in and out the carriages.

The train station is very modern and bigger than some airport terminals. We played a game of how many photos we could get of people in matching clothes. Whole families wear the same t shirts and trousers, boyfriends and girlfriends and friends. Bit different.

Thankfully everyone made it to the train and we settled in to go back to Shanghai only to stop for 90 minutes for ‘communication problem’ . Poor train hostess was in tears with passengers abusing her. Train was on bit of a lean so slightly disconcerting. Whenever a train went passed the other way we shook. Very relieved to start again but made for late arrival on Sunday night. The TV cameras and press were there to meet us as must be news when the new high speed train breaks down. Jarn and Aussie student had a great time talking to the cameras and getting photo taken.

This is turning into a bit of a book so will go and have a bit of a lie down now. Just as Ive been saying that I havent been ill my lovely bit of fatty meat which I had for lunch is not sitting well in my tummy.

Yesterday was quieter which gave me a chance to catch my breath. We had Chinese language in the morning and a Chinese movie, quite a slow drama about girl meets boy, separated, she waits then never separated again until he dies. Son returns to village and his mum wants father buried in traditional way – being carried from town back to village through snowstorm. He was a teacher and all his pupils returned to help. A moving story and has won several film accolades but was not Jackie Chan or Kung Fu as some students were hoping.

Had my best lunch ever – its served at the hotel and comes in a ‘lunch box’ with 4 different compartments. One is always rice (no good for me as cant eat it) so have to hope enough in other areas to fill me up. Yesterdays was 2 mouthfuls of nice fish (like fish bites) mine didnt have bones but others did. One of the other students said that the Chinese say we are lazy eaters because we like all the bones out of all the dishes before we eat! Other compartments had egg/tomato and other had green vege of some sort. They also have water melon but for some reason you have to go up and ask for it specifically otherwise its not offered. Just another little difference. (There is an insect flying round hoping to get some fresh blood so hoping repellent working-most of us have lots of bites)

There is plug in repellent in the rooms but when one plug is hidden by the wardrobe, one is needed for the fridge (vital for cooling water), and the other one is close to the floor by the bed and needed daily for recharging batteries for camera, computer, phone and the occasional cup of Jasmine tea Im not using it and have bought mosquito repellent patches.

Students had a ‘friendly’ game of soccer with French students they had met yesterday. Personally, think they were mad – watched for 20 minutes and was dripping wet (sweat) so they must have been close to passing out. Once again, went to Hooters for tea with Mia and Taryn as Taryn hasnt eaten for last few days and needed Western food in her stomach. Strange seeing Chinese girls trying to copy American Hooters girls!

Stopped off for a dance in the park on the way home – they have music playing and there is a large group of couples dancing and then another area with a large group of ladies dancing. Similar to line dancing but more graceful. Taryn and I tried to join them but its a bit like first day at Zumba class – you keep going the wrong way. Kept the locals amused.

Better go get ready for a full day out of museum and temple visiting!

Just returned and have a spare half an hour to shower, eat and go out again to a cultural show which they have added to the programme. Would love not to go but Im afraid quite a few students may not front so I had better go.

We have had a very hot and busy day. Walked to the metro about 15 minutes in 35 degrees and then on to the metro 2 changes and then another walk to the Shanghai museum. We were all very excited to see large banners advertising Cultural exhibition will be arriving from the Otago Museum on the 22nd July. Made the students from Dunedin feel proud! The museum is amazing and probably needed more than an hour to go round it. We then walked again and arrived at the God Temple area which is a maze of streets with shops and tea houses built in cultural buildings.

Smiling Buddha

We split up to go find lunch and look at the sights. My group ended up at the nunnery and we could hear the nuns chanting and one of them came out and invited us in. She mimed to us how we had to put our hands together in prayer position and go down on our knees and bow to the picture of ?? 3 times and then sit down. It was a bit awkward when you were carrying bags and you are not trying to cause offense by doing it wrong. He sat and joined the chanting for about 15 minutes and then started to wonder about when it would be polite to leave and how would we do it. Indicated to the nun we thought we should leave and we bowed our way out. It was a special experience.

Went and looked at the God temple which was quite lovely but a lot like the other temples we have already seen. Purchased a drawing that an artist quickly did with pictures for the initials of your name. Nice and colourful. Didnt go to the Gardens in the area – will have to go back another day. Too hot and had enough walking.

Left to return by subway at 3.30pm and then couple of us got a taxi back to the hotel. Taxis are incredibly cheap here – cost us $4.00 for 10 minute ride and that was only because they have a minimum fee.

Havent go time to load photos – having trouble with one of the cameras – batteries keep saying not charged when have charged them all night. Very annoying as miss out on photos I want to take.

Will take other camera to the concert but cant load them on to the computer. Life is difficult sometimes!

Another morning of Chinese language – I feel sorry for the poor young man who is teaching us – I feel we are not his best students and we have asked him to go back to Chapter One as we missed learning our tones properly. I don’t know if we will have finished our ‘Experience Chinese’ book in one month. Once again I was not asked to participate – phew!

In the afternoon we had a game with chopsticks similar to the game with the straw where you have to get lollies between plates except with chopsticks. I think they were surprised how competitive we were. Winners got to nominate a punishment for the losers e.g. pushups, doing ballet etc. Bit of fun. Were then instructed on Dumpling making by video and then all had the chance to make our own but really the cases and stuffing were all made so all we did was put the correct amount of stuffing on the pastry and fold it over.

We went back and ate them for tea – very nice too. One of the students bought Chinese wine and with one of the student volunteers taught them a Chinese drinking game. As if they need encouragement! They then went to a Karaoke bar and had some more fun. I was in bed sleeping off the dumplings.

Today we were taken by the University coach (all NZ students there in body) along with some French students to the main campus. It is the lovely looking one that features on their website but it is a long way out of town. We had a look at their classrooms up to 100 computers set up with simulated board for stock exchange and another business centre set up for simulated role play situations.

The first year students were involved in their one week of military training so there was a lot of marching going on. It was quite light hearted and some students joined in briefly and lots of photos were taken. They have a very large gymnasium, ice skating rink and swimming pool. Because it is still very hot we did not walk round much but went for lunch which was good.

Very exciting even had a potato dish – yum. Too much excitment for one day – I had my towels changed after Id given up that they were going to be changed ever and had washed them. I cant quite work out how this hotel works. Some students have already had clean towels and had their dishes washed. Mine have never been washed – Ive bought my own cleaner.

After lunch we went to Zhujiajiao another ancient water town – we were just let off the bus and walked around these alleyways full of shops for the tourists and another temple alongside a canal. Once again we are dripping with sweat and everything is probably twice the price somewhere else – bit like shopping in Queenstown.

Short break when returned to the hotel and then met with Hannah, Jen, Jack, Jarn, Melissa and an Aussie and went for dinner in town where we had been for lunch before and enjoyed.

Very good value RMB60 each = about NZD12.00 for 8 dishes and drinks at a nice restaurant. We then went back along to the Fashion Market where I bought a leather bag. Its all very clock and dagger. They have bags and watches in the shops and then will say ‘come with me we will show you very very special watch bag’ whatever and they take you out the back into this other room with ripped off brand names and you start bargaining. Id have to say Hannah is a great bargainer and got a rolex watch and Jimmy Choo bag for a very good price.

Some students have missed out on going to Beijing as the train was fully booked but they may go in the next free weekend. Shame we could’nt all go together.

I didnt know who arranged the group or what the tour was but just thought it was transport there and back. We once again walked and then metro and then walk again and then race trying to find correct bus. We split into two groups as two different buses. Unfortunately someone went in wrong group and there was one seat short so Bruno (who was unwell) and BJ didnt get to go. We were in a minibus with 2 other Chinese tourists. Took about 90 minutes to get to Suzhou – after about 10 minutes the tour leader was trying to get more money out of us to go to another towsn. Robinson our wonderful student volunteer, said we were already going to go to the other town so didnt need to go there. It was an organised tour with a trip to a temple but more money required so didnt go. We decided we wanted to go on a canal cruise as the town is known as the Venice of China = no comparison but it does have canals. There was a fierce debate between Robinson and the tour conductor on price and we said we would negotiate with the boat owner himself. In the end, I have a feeling we may have paid a dollar more but by that time we had lost our strength in the heat. The air conditioning wasnt working on the minibus so was very unbearable.Tour on canal was enjoyable – interesting seeing the back of peoples houses.  Water very dirty (dead rat floated past) but did see people scooping up debris on our way back so must attempt to clean up occassionally.

Tour guide was the worst ever and was very demanding and at the end of the tour had the gumption to give his name and phone number to Robinson in case he ever wanted to use him again?!?!?!?! He said ‘No way’.

We visited the Lion Forest Gardens which is a world cultural heritage site = interesting – packed with people as Sunday and holidays. A lot of manmade structures like hills and small waterfalls that everyone wandered round and walked over. It is the only garden to have survived from the Yuan Dynasty. There are rare species of old trees and lovely halls and pavilions. It covers a very large area and I think we only saw a small portion of it.We also went to the Humble Administrators Garden which contained a teahouse where we were treated to a cup of tea and you could pay to sing – a bit like karaoke – we had no takers from our group. Just pleased to relax and sit out of the heat.

We then were taken to two typically Asian type tourist places – a large pearl showroom which gave us a talk on how pearls came about and a large showroom – quite interesting and then we had the full on sales pitch to buy the pearls. The tour guide didnt make much commission from our group – I think Jack bought a pearl for his dreds for about $5.00. We then went to a silk house and were treated to a fashion show from some models with interesting moves and then once again sales pitch fell on deaf ears. Some lovely silk bedding for an expensive price!

My shopping has not improved and my suitcase will not be very full on the return journey if things dont improve soon.

We stopped outside a restaurant for lunch but refused to go there – once again angry tour leader – even the other people on the tour walked in and walked out again so told tour leader we would be back in an hour and went to another shop where we confused the girl serving completely.
She either undercharged or forgot to get drinks for people. Jarn and James were a great hit with some Chinese girls who wanted to get their photos taken with them. Lots of giggling. This happens quite often as Europeans are not that common here. Poor Jen had lots of men wanting to have photos with her – as soon as you say yes to one they just keep coming till you tell them to go away. Quite strange to be stared at.

Eventually we made our weary way home = absolutely exhausted. Jarn tried his best persuasive powers to try and get dropped back to the hotel but didnt work so once again on metro and then walk. James witnessed a guy trying to get into an unsuspecting girls backpack on the metro but stared at him till he stopped. You have to be very careful especially in rush hour.

Had a relax for an hour while Jen went to gym (dont know how she does it) and then group of us went to Indian restaurant for tea. Just for a change! It was very nice food – butter chicken definitely hotter than Green Island’s Butter Chicken. I was very glad had yoghurt drink to cool myself down.

Very tired girl went to bed and straight to sleep – hard bed no problem now!

Friday 01 July

Survived Chinese language class by successfully hiding in back corner. Different teacher this time. Young Chinese guy who is trying very hard with us. Jack one of the Australian law students had to sit by me as no seats left. Im a bit intimidated by him as he writes nothing down but still remembers all the Chinese and then we have to have conversations together. Bloody hell – would quite like to miss this class.

David, the head professor has requested I choose a NZ very good student who is friendly to speak at the final dinner. Noone springs to mind but will think on it.

Just relaxed in the afternoon – couldnt be bothered rushing round to get back by 2.45pm when we were leaving to go to the Xintiandi area for sightseeing and to the pub. Didnt realise we were walking to the metro -very hot and sticky again = went to a museum and for short walk around the area then to local pub.

The group took over the pub (music and all) and everyone had a good time. A group left to go back to hotel @ 2230 (including me) and the rest stayed out. Some went to a jazz bar at Peace Hotel and some went dancing. One of the student helpers stayed with them and spoke to me this morning at breakfast if I could talk to the kiwis as he has to stay with them and he cant cope with their drinking. Great!

Not too many down for breakfast but a group of about 9 of us left to see the Jade Buddha temple and the Jing’an temple. Unfortunately, Hannah was overcome by the heat and dehydrated from drinking so I had to bring her back to hotel to rest and get her some lunch.

Everyone else went to the markets – had thought of going back but by the time had been out in the heat to get food have decided to stay in. Maybe tomorrow,

Some students have organised a trip to Suzhou one of the water towns for tomorrow. Not sure whether to go or not and we are already organised to go Tongli which sounds similar.

Will decide soon as have to put name on list.

Hopefully will be quiet night tonight as they have to be up @ 0600.

]]> http://lbrandham.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/first-weekend-in-shanghai/feed/ 0 lbrandham http://lbrandham.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/ni-hao-from-shanghai/ http://lbrandham.wordpress.com/2011/07/02/ni-hao-from-shanghai/#comments Sat, 02 Jul 2011 08:33:01 +0000 lbrandham http://lbrandham.wordpress.com/?p=32 ]]>

Our patient Mandarin tutor - Apollo

Wednesday 29 June

Awake early again and my stomach has decided its been nice for long enough and is playing up so into the drugs cache to find something suitable to fix it,

First class yesterday was enjoyable. Our professor (70 yrs but only looked in 50′s) gave us a lecture about the history of Shanghai and about food and customs. Used powerpoint slides with photos and microphone. Very hard uncomfortable seats but maybe good reason for that! He was very friendly and his lecture was amusing at times. After the lecture we had lunch – much same as day before but with a very hot surprise in the bean sprouts.

I had already eaten one of my bananas and buns as lunch provided when you dont eat rice is not enough. They gave us each RMB200 (NZD42) to purchase our dinner for eight nights – not enough to cover the cost so cheap option for them!

Our volunteer Chinese student guides are getting a bit frustrated as students are not turning up on time (those Aussies!) – say that Chinese students would always be on time. One girl failed to advise she had changed her arrival flight and they sat at the airport until midnight waiting for her. Trying to ensure that they know the kiwis are not the same but they cannot tell us apart so we are all lumped in together.

Departed after lunch on the SHIFT coach for another scary trip into town with grumpy bus driver yelling and tooting at everyone. Lots of near misses but havent seen any crashes yet.

The lecturer who is staying with the group did say that he has had 5 crashes in 2 years driving in Shanghai. He hates driving here.

We went to visit the stock exchange which may have been more exciting if there were a lot of people working but only about 6 people in a huge hall. Everything done by computers and phones now. The centre of Shanghai the Pudong new area which was farmland 10 years ago is amazing – beautiful buildings everywhere and more still being built. We went up the Oriental Pearl Tower 468m tall and looked out over Shanghai – even managed to walk out on the glass viewing area – very brave. Stunning views. We then went down to the basement which houses the Shanghai History Museum – sort of like the early settlers but on a grander scale.

Students wanted to go on the roller coaster ride but it was shutdown. Waited round some more and then went for lunch. Bought a Mandarin phrase book to try and study before class but went to sleep instead.

Once again, students didnt turn up when they were supposed to so waited again but still managed to get to the river cruise on time. Students said their meal didnt come that they ordered and then one student had drink spilled on them. (Aussies again)

The river cruise on the HuangPu River was great = slightly cooler breeze and different view of Shanghai. Amazing when all the buildings started to be lit up. They even have flashing lights like icicles hanging from the trees and all the garden plots are lit up – like an over the top Xmas.

Had a chat to Matt the lecturer from SHIFT – he said he got married last year – quite old at 29 years but he had to own a house and apartment before getting married. Very difficult as expensive. Government requirement – he said starting to change as more people want to get married but cant afford to buy housing especially in Shanghai.

After cruise had another scary bus ride back to ‘hotel’. We asked about pedestrian crossings and how noone seems to take any notice of them and Matt said they only really have to take notice of the ones controlled by lights and if anyone hits you its always their fault. Very reassuring???

Came home – sent some emails and went to sleep – very tired. Students, however, are off to town to find some entertainment. Must be old!!

Feeling quite pleased didnt go out last night as some of the students were very tired and not looking the best. The SAB students were fine, of course – think they may have returned home earlier than others. Everyone seemed to have had a great time but not too good when trying to learn Chinese the next morning!

Thanks goodness we were divided into groups of those who already had studied Chinese and the rest of us. We had another entertaining teacher so made it easier to learn. Id have to say

Maori would be easier because you dont have to worry about the tones as you do in Chinese. Hopefully will have mastered some phrases before I return home.

Gave lunch a miss and had bun and biscuits instead.

The afternoon session was about folk songs so we learnt all about the different songs from different areas and then were ‘treated’ to a recorded song from each area. The lecturer spoke in Chinese and David Qui one of the professors translated. The lecturer was a singer herself and sang about four songs which were great. David also sung a song – just as well we dont have to entertain our students by singing! They tried to get volunteers to sing but no takers.

Having a short break before setting off out for dinner. Hopefully will sort out my stomach,

Went out to searching for recognisable food as some of us needed to eat something our stomachs were used to so we ended up at ‘Hooters’.A new experience as only had seen on the movies. Jarn was not sure how you can have an Asian Hooters as the girls are small in the Hooters department!!!

The food was great and the girls looked good and got up and did a dance routine during the night. Was fun = then walked home to bed. Good sleep thank goodness.

Thursday 30 June

The lecture this morning was the Business Environment in China which I thought would be very boring but wasnt too bad.He spoke about all the different regions in China and how they are governed, what is special about China e.g. size – 3^rd largest in world, largest population 1.4 billion mainland China, diverse groups, worlds 2^nd largest economy, 95% people have savings in bank, one country 2 systems, mainland China and Hong Kong and Macau. Accounts for 9.5% worlds GDP.

54 Chinese enterprises in World Top 500 Enterprises in 2010. State owned monopoly on resources, energy an capital possession.

He talked about importance of Guanxi – having a good relationship – using personal contacts only way to get business done. He quoted example of Walmart which has been in other parts of China for 10 years but didnt get to Shanghai until 2 years ago as they had been waiting to be ‘invited’ to come to Shanghai.

Problems China faces are Inflation, non educated work force, inefficient govt bureaucracy, foreign currency regulations, access to financing, political instability, tax regulations restrictive labour regulations,inadequate supply of infrastructure, poor work ethic in national work force, tax rates, corruption, poor public health, govt, instability, crime and theft.

Went out looking for sports shop for Jen to buy gear to wear to gym – a few students have secured membership at the gym across the road for a month. Walked for about 10 minutes to mall but nothing suitable so went looking for food. Tried to find way to get into this mall – seems strange but couldnt find entrance way which was through an alley and another shop. Eventually found very good restaurant – beef noodles for about $5.00. Slurped my way through them like a native. Very messy with chopsticks and spoon.

Came across one of the student volunteers, Vicky who reminded us we had to back for the next class @ 1400 which we knew but amazing to meet a person we knew – just like in Dunedin.

Afternoon class was with Miss Li the singer from yesterday, she is very beautiful but speaks no English so Vicky had to translate and we missed quite a bit as Vicky did not know how to translate. We learnt about all the unusual Chinese instruments and listened to audio and also video of some concert performances of famous Chinese musicians,

Presented Miss Li with a gift at the end of class and she was very grateful. Xie xie, xie xie, xie xie. thank you, thank you, thank you.

After class Hannah, Jen, Taryn, Laura and I left to go shopping again – went on the metro to a large shopping building and confused myself trying to find something to buy. Ended up with a white cotton top. Shopped for an hour – very hot and busy and then we decided to go into the Bund – the pedestrian street in centre of Shanghai and look round for somewhere for tea. Took the metro which is very modern and easy to use. Was very busy as rush hour but we coped OK. Once again, the lights are amazing – all the buildings are lit up so look great. We were hassled buy sellers but they leave you alone if you keep walking Wallked down to the rivers edge and walked along the pedestrian walkway. Searched out a recommended restaurant but was too expensive for us so found Grandmas Chinese restaurant which was very good. Tried crispy duck, spicy tofu, sweet sour pork and spicy beef. All nice. Walked, metro’d and walked again to get home. Im sure I must be fitter by time get home – lots of walking in the heat. Home by 2200 very tired and then couldnt sleep but am now up at 0600 and have Chinese language again today. Going to hide at back of class and hope teacher doesnt pick on me – will have to do some practice before breakfast.

Arrived Dunedin airport and met photographer Isabella who was to take group photo for marketing. Had nice chat with her and Megan while waiting for student to arrive. Had fun trying to remember who was who but eventually was only missing one until she was located upstairs having coffee with family. All sorted and flights all left OK despite worries about ash clouds – very relieved to be flying with Air New Zealand as so many other airlines flights were
cancelled.

Flight was uneventful – had forgotten how small airline seats are even for a short person. Was lucky to have window seat but then you have to disturb people when you want to go to the toilet. Sat next to two students from Auckland uni who were going to study in Berlin for a semester. Seems everyone is studying overseas – they were studying town planning. I didnt think the service on the plane was particularly friendly or helpful – only seemed to be doing what they had to. Watched movie – cant remember name of it – NZ movie about
kiwi girl Chinese descent marrying pakeha boy against parents wishes – cute movie. Took sleeping tablet so managed to sleep for a few hours. Collecting luggage and clearing customs was easy and student from SHIFT was there to meet us and was very friendly and spoke good English.

Polytech group arriving @ SHIFT

We went by SHIFT coach to the hotel which took about 40 minutes. A bit disconcerting on first appearance as were expecting this flash new place and the building was looking a bit tired they seemed to be very disorganised and didnt know what to do with us. Eventually we got room keys and went to rooms. Some girls came back to say there room was dirty and eventually someone came to fix it. Mine still had unmade beds, empty beer bottles and dirty towels in bathroom. I think we arrived a bit earlier than what they were expecting. The accommodation promotes itself as a hotel and some rooms look like it but mine has mould everywhere in the bathroom and not that clean. Some girls changed rooms cause they had cockroaches. Some rooms have shampoo, soap etc – mine didnt!!! The beds are incredibly hard – you have to sleep on your back else you’ll bruise your shoulder.
I dont have much trouble getting to sleep though still waking too early about 0400 so makes for long day. Dont want to nap though cause need to change pattern.
We went for a wander along the road after unpacking as Will our friendly student wanted to show us around. He took us to a local cafe for lunch and we needed him as all menu in
chinese and we didnt know procedure for ordering, paying and eating. I forgot that Jamie told me about the chopsticks just being rinsed between customers but have survived in tact so far.Food was an interesting adventure. We explored some more and had dinner at the hotel cafe which is served in a compartment box – like takeaways. My favourite was the watermelon. Im going along the road to buy myself one as soon as Im finished this as need something to eat and have nearly finished all my jet planes!!!
The students went out looking for a pub but couldnt find one but drank at a sushi bar instead just didnt order food. Not sure if they can go back. I went to bed and read my book.
On Sunday we all decided to go to the zoo and the market – some went by underground and some by taxi. Very hot once again – zoo wasnt fantastic – small cages with large cats and Childrens pet area with dogs in cages. Most happy looking were the pandas as being fed.

Pandas

Looked very cute.
went from there to market by taxi – students amused themselves learning to haggle – mostly watches, tablecloths, chinese clothing rip offs – hopefully will find something better later on.
we found a great restaurant with great food, a manager who spoke english for a good price. We will go back there. Came back to hotel and then ventured out to the French concession area by subway to find Omalleys bar. I thought the idea was to talk to the locals to find out places to visit but noone seemed extra friendly so we had very expensive drinks and tried to search for food on the way home but only found street vendor which noone was brave enough to try. I went to store bought dried mango to have with small buns they gave us with our welcome pack – like sweet bread – unusual. Home to bed.

Chinese takeaway

Monday – woke 0400 coudnt get back to sleep so got up and went for walk – just saw people getting ready to go to walk. Wandered into vege market – even had potatoes- wanted to take one home if I had a way to cook it. Man kept saying something to me which couldnt understand so I felt uncomfortable and left.
Lots of people ride on electric bikes in various states of repair, still some pushbikes but lots of motorbikes. Also lots of the latest cars and still men towing carts full of rubbish and wood.
Had breakfast with Jack who had thought it was 0800 when only 0700 and wondered why not many people around. Unusual breakfast food including rice porridge, sweet bread, dumplings
stuffed with bean paste, cooked pumpkin, cauliflower and cucumber and boiled eggs. Yummy!
Most of the students looked exceptionally smart for the photo – very impressive. Met a few of the Aussie contingent at breakfast – most seem to have some Chinese language background so probably handy to get to know. May be embarrassing in Chinese language classes.

We had the welcome meeting to explain how wonderful SHIFT university is and it does sound very impressive. Only business orientated uni in China Staff of 900, 11000 students, 800 international students. China scholarship List university with 11 schools. Excellent employment statistics after graduating. No. 1 out of 2113 univs i 2008 and No, 2 in 2010.
They have an impressive list of agreements with other universities throughout the world including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Croatia and New Zealand.
Had lunch at the hotel and then went had a relax in room and then Hannah and
Taryn came to ask if I wanted to come with them to the supermarket so we went in search at the wrong time of day through rush hour traffic. Very scary – they dont seem to take any notice of pedestrian crossings – you take your life in your hands trying to get across these massive intersections when cars are coming round corners at you and dont even look at you and then the motor scooters come on to the footpaths and crossings so you have to keep your wits about you.
Eventually found supermarket – about 6 floors of it – and spend about an hour looking at different food and then went to subway for tea as one of student had upset stomach and wanted food she could recognise. I said to her its only the third day – hows she going to last!
Got home saftely = a bit cooler at night so quite pleasant.
Vicky – one of the student volunteers has just rung to say she will meet me at 8.50am to take me to the lecture so looks like I’m going to be a student. will be fun.
Off to my lovely hard bed now.