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Though the plane arrived two hours late in Shanghai, Arthur (the Foreign Affairs Director of Taizhou Teachers College and my good friend) waited patiently to meet me at the massive Shanghai Pudong Airport, and help me with my luggage, for which I had to pay an additional $25 for the over-weight. They told me, that there was no charge for my body's overweight :-) ... lucky me. From Miami to Chicago, the flight took almost 4hrs, and from Chicago to Shanghai another 15 hrs. But as luck would have it, in my row, I had 5 seats to myself, and it became a comfortable bed. Though the meals activated a volcanic heart-burn, airline-food seems to get more plastic with every trip, the direct flight seemed easier, though more expensive.
Arrival at Shanghai-Pudong Airport was harmless, and customs urged me through quickly, after checking Passport and Visa. There was no check and search of luggage, and the whole process seemed easier then on my departure from Miami International Airport. Shanghai Airport is an impressive glass structure, with large expansion ongoing. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair, and the German built Magnetic Levetation train from and to the Airport , traveling at 380 mph,
will transport visitors in no time to their local destination. It is a magnificent marvel of technology. Such a train would make the trip from Miami to Orlando not only a great experience, it would greatly reduce car-traffic, pollution, and enhance Florida's tourist industry. Let our Governor know, please.
The trip to the College lasted some 4 hrs, and I was safely deposited in my new college apartment, (with balcony I might add). German, as I am, I could not go to sleep until everything was unpacked and put in its place. The first night on my some-what "harder" bed passed and the tooooooooting of car horns, truck horns, bus horns, moped horns, motorcyle horns, in all tones and duration, made sleeping after 7a.m. impossible. Commerce and traffic starts early in the streets of Taizhou and ends late.
With me at the College will be another Veteran teacher from Australia, a "fountain" of wonderful information on what is about to await me in and out of the class-room. She is a "dynamo" of a lady, someone adapt to be a great teacher and interesting person. I have already learned much from her detailed conversations, all in a beautiful "Down-Under Australian" accent. Together we went shopping for some needed things, and I was amazed at the size of the store and the variety goods. I have taken photos, but it will take time to post them, since my two electrical-converters seem not to be "converting" too well. :-(
This second night commenced with "serious" fire-works right out-side my balcony window, announcing another wedding-festival in the restaurant across the street. At first I thought it was to announce my arrival in Taizhou, but Sue made it clear, that I was to expect this display nightly, and she was doubtful that it was in my honor. But in every other way, the appearence of a Western face in the streets of this "small" city of 5 million, is cause for surprise, giggles, and smiling hello's.
(Chef Wayne, could you please call my sister and Ron, and let them know I have arrived safely, and will figure out the telephone situation over the next days, thank you).
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monika
non-member comment
safe arrival
Hey ya Unc...glad you made it safely...you seem to be off to a good start. Have fun.