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Published: March 3rd 2006
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I've been in Shanghai for nearly 24 hours and I was correct in assuming that it would be a good place to start my second trip to China. Generally, getting around is easy and I haven't had to much problem find inexpensive and filling food.
I arrived yesterday afternoon (March 1st) about 3 in the afternoon, got myself through customs, found someone to ask directions for the Maglev train and caught it to Shanghai. Now, this Maglev is pretty cool...we were travelling at 430 kph at it's fastest and it got me near Shanghai in just a few minutes. It was expensive by China standards, but it was worth the price. I then transfered to the metro carrying my huge backpack and then, carefully following the directions, I made my way to the Hiker Youth Hostel.
The hostel is located down a rather dingy street near Beijing donglu and seems to be pretty much unheated with the exception of the rooms, which are super-heated. I'm staying in a 4-bed dorm room which is maybe 3 meters wide and 5 or 6 meters long. It has just enough room for the 2 bunk beds, the 4 lockers and a desk.
First meal
Here's my first meal...noodles, spare ribs and beer. When I got to the room, someone had clothes hanging everywhere to dry after washing and they had turned up the heat to 30* celsius to help. I think I've been in saunas that are cooler.
After getting as settled as I could, I went out for a bit of a walk, first down to the Bund and then back towards the hostel to find some cheap food. I found some at a little place and was able to get noodles in broth with a few vegetables and some pork spare ribs, plus a beer...all for Y23. That works out to a little less than US$3. So, I am sticking to budget although the first day is always a little more expensive when you enter a country or even travel to another city.
Anyway, my first impression of Shanghai is that it is a bustling and vibrant city. It reminds me of Seoul with it's expensive shops mixed in with the discount stores. It has been a good way to get back into the swing of China. I'm also remembering the things you have to look out for in China...like the men who make a bee-line at you
Looking towards Pudong
The picture is clearer during the day. to ask if you want a fake watch, sunglasses or a number of other things. There are also the men who quietly sidle up to you until you notice them out of the corner of your eye. They will then, in good English, ask where you are from. These men are usually one of two types: the first is a man, who, again, speaks good English, and scratches out a living leading tourists on quick tours of the city. At the end, they ask for money (mine asked for Y50, which I figured was a good reminder lesson not to let myself get hijacked when I'm walking around). The second, equally adept at English, is the "professor" (mine was from Beijing Normal University). These men will say that they want to practice their English, will show you a sight nearby, but there main goal is to take you to a small studio to show the artwork of professors and students. This same thing happened to me in Beijing when I was there. This time, I let him lead me around and show me the art...he even gave me a free calligraphy with my name and the symbol for peace on
it. He then asked me to buy some of the art, but I begged off, with my free sample. I think what I'll do for the rest of my time in Shanghai is when these men approach me is to say that I am teaching English in Shanghai, I'm just taking a break between classes, and I don't have time to either be guided or look at art.
I am also tempted to just be upfront with these men, asking if they want to guide or show me art. If it is the first, I will help him with his pitch. I think that if they approached and made a clear offer to be the person's guide for the day for a reasonable price (Y50 or so), that more than a few foreigners would do it. The way it happens now though, you feel cheated by their apparent good will, which turns into a plea for money. The same is true for the art. Just say that you would like to show some student and professor's art, that any purchase that is made helps with scholarships for the students.
Anyway, I'm having fun and feeling relaxed, so everything
is fine. These are a few photos from the first 24 hours in Shanghai including my dinner from yesterday.
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Jerry
non-member comment
wow
Joel- It looks like you are off to a great start there. We just got done with graduation here in KMA. I was hoping to catch you before your departure monday. Travel safely and keep uploading pics for me. thank~~~and take care