LET THE COMMUNISTS HANDLE IT!

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While Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, flies around the country pointing at maps asking the 'people' to dig his governement out of a huge pickle, millions of people are stranded at bus stations, train stations, and airports. TWO BILLION FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTY MILLION JOURNEYS are being attempted in what is the busiest time of the Chinese year. To put it bluntly, but not so bluntly as to drive my family to their rosary beads to pray for my sin....China is Donald Ducked.

Today, we jumped on the metro (best thing about Shanghai is the metro, very wheelchair friendly) from Zhenping Lu to Shanghai Railway Station. Cue bedlam. The station was closed. Barriers surrounded the building from where a heavy police presence held back thousands. There were no public announcements via loudspeekers, nada. Every single person carried what looked like all their possessions. It was not a good place to be.

I got angry like the Incredible Hulk with the exception that my body did not turn green or gain a few pounds. No i did not. Thus, it was left to pure, clean aggression. Glasgow, Saturday night, Sauchiehall St, Wetherspoon-VodkaWKD-promo, 'WHIT YE MEAN YER NO LETTIN ME IN?,' style.
Now i must admit that i did not attempt to take on China's Communist Police myself but with Ailie glued to my side i forced my way forward, eventaully to the front.

'Do you speak English?' i asked.

A half shake of the head.

'Does anyone speak English?'

Cold stares.

'Is anyone able to help me? How long do i have to wait to buy a ticket?'

Nothing.

'Thanks for going out of your way to help me, it is much appreciated. Really is impressive how Communists handle a problem.' Shut up shop, say nothing and let the peasants stew.

Which brings me to our next move. Our only possible move. On Sunday, Feb 4th, we will fly to Hong Kong.

As with any new experience, there are many things to learn. Some have been sweet. Some have been sour.

Encounters with Chinese people have been largely negative. Beijing was bad but the Shanghainese take it to another level. Pushed out of the way when walking in the street, shopping in the supermarket, queuing for a train ticket, fobbed off when asking a question and so on. Drives me mad, so i do it back.

When we have encountered 'nice' people they ask 'Where you from? You students? How long you in China? We take you to teahouse, here once every three years.' Problem is three seperate couples asked us within 30mins. It was a scam.

Re-affirms the belief that Scotland is one of the most hospitable countries in the world.

Shanghai is overrated. Tall buildings draw comparisons with Manhattan which is ridiculous. It is a big pile of concrete. A desperate imitation of the West.

I am trying to upload photos but with Chinese symbols it is proving a little difficult.

No matter what is thrown at us it will not lead us to chucking it! We will persevere, we will survive! I did not spend four months in ASDA for nothing!

Hope everyone is well at home!

Ryan and Ailie

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Photos

View of Tsim Sha Tsui
View from hostel room at the Mirador Mansions.

Comments

[PAUL THOMSON]

THIS IS FUN!
Hi Ryan, hello Allie. Really enjoying the blog. It's fun to read and entertaining while skiving from some work here at the EK News. I can't believe you were on the plane, that when it returned from Beijing, crashed at Heathrow. That was lucky. lol. Well hope all goes well in Hong Kong. Keep us posted. :) PS - have you encountered any chinese neds/chavs yet?? lol

[Grant]

Its going to be a difficult 5 months!
Logged on today for the first time and thought I was going to end myself laughing! I know there have been difficult bits but if you keep up with this level of humour then there will be no problems ahead! Hope the flight to Hong Kong is easily negotiated and that you find the time to leave more blogs of the same standard as before. All the best and have a ball!! "Uncle" Grant