Day 4 in Shanghai

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We got here on Friday night after a looooooooooooooong trip via Tokyo. Actually, the trip was pretty uneventful--just the way I like 'em.

Shanghai is a huge city--it totally dwarfs New York. Actually, being here has given me a much better understanding of New York and its immigrant roots and influence, from teeny hole in the wall restaurants to contantly being offered great deals on "Rolexes." (So hard to resist!)

This is a city of contrasts. If you wander the back streets and alleys you get a glimpse of old China and how the masses really live. If you stay on the tourist track, you see opulence and loads of conspicuous consumption. There must be more Gucci (and Versace, and Prada, and Chanel--well, you get the picture) stores per capita here than anywhere else in the world. Western retailers are chomping at the bit to get a piece of this market. There is currently a coffee craze, fed in large part, I am sure, by the ubiquitous Starbucks.

Emilia is garnering quite a bit of attention as everyone is clamoring to have their picture taken with the cute little American girl. People stop her on the street to comment on her hair, ask if she is warm enough, and have her pose for a snapshot with the whole family. She is getting a bit of an ego. It is amuzing for a time, but I am sure it would get on both of our nerves if we were here for the long haul.

It's early here and I need to go start my day. Later!

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Photos

Tokyo airport
Emilia catching a Sumo wrestling match while waiting for the plane to Shanghai

Just the first of many...
Emilia having her picture taken with a Chinese family

Me and Gigi
This was a great market!

Bad translations abound
This is tough to take for a former translator. I have not seen ONE decent translation yet!

For my buddy, Mike
Who'da thought golf would be big here? Not sure what the translation of the second store is getting at...

Scaffolding
Bamboo scaffolding in Shanghai

The Bund
This is the area near the river. It is not a hazy day: This is pollution.