Ni hao everyone!!

Ok, I’m a tad bit late getting to this posting. I promise to do better. Like I mentioned on Monday, I’m trying to make these postings routine. Thanks for bearing with me. 

I’m still geting used to the major time differences between China and the United States. Still, I think I’ve figured out a system that works with me contacting my family and friends in the states. Here’s hoping I stick to it. 

Side note: I’m trying to upload videos and photos from the Nikon D90 I’m using, but my Mac won’t recognize the camera. :/ … In the meantime, I’ll continue to upload iPhone photos from my Instagram page.

OK, let me catch you all up to speed… I LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!

That was a bit much, I know. Seriously though, I’m so blessed to be here for the next two weeks. I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.

No solo dolo

Many of my friends have been asking me whether or not I traveled to China by myself. The answer is no. I’m accompanied by some really chill people who are just as excited about this experience as I am. 

There are eight students from VCU’s Strategic Public Relations master’s program here on the trip with me. All of them have just completed their year-long degree program and this is considered their last class. We also have with us professors Yuan Zhang and Ernest Martin, both who have coordinated and planned every aspect of this trip. Zhang and Martin are very knowledgeable about the Shanghai region, having had lived in the country before. It’s a benefit for us to have these valuable resources handy when we have a pressing question about a particular structure or custom.

Much food makes happy bellies

It’s no secret I love to eat. So when I learned I would definitely be going to China, I told myself not to hold back. I don’t mean being a hungry hippo every time I chow. I meant refusing to try something new just because it is out of my comfort zone. The food is actually great! I could get used to the cuisine here in this country. The Chinese pride themselves on cooking everything fresh. There’s lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grain wheats and a wide range of meats with every meal. 

Also, the Chinese people are very prideful when it comes to service. For instance they find it insulting when you take your plate to the trash when they’re supposed to do it. I found that out the hard way… lol.

“I’m walkin’ here!!”

The traffic in Shanghai gets really congested. I mean, c’mon, we’re talking about a city with close to 30 million people. So basically, that’s the population of California on the roads each day. Not exactly what you would called organized. Many residents either bike to and from their destinations, own a moped/scooter, then we have those who drive cars and buses.

What’s also interesting is that in Shanghai, people walking or crossing the streets do not have the right away. Ok, there’s traffic lights, but honestly, that concept doesn’t matter. If you’re crossing the street, it’s nothing for a car that’s doing quick sped to keep going – with you in the crosswalk.

Night life

I could get with the night life in Shanghai. It’s very chic and hip. There’s a lot of bars and rave spots for young people. I ventured to this one club called Soho. The club was filled with young Chinese partygoers, indulging in bright lights, “fist-pumping” bass, and endless alcohol.

I also paid a visit to the Hyatt in the Bend. The hotel had a gathering at the 30th floor, which was very mellow and formal. There’s was a cool mixture of young and old, draped in swanky clothing, clutching glasses of the finest liquor. Oh yea, there was a jacuzzi and patio on the roof, which overlooks the Pudong River.

Another notable nightspot was this place called The Shelter. The venue is a bomb shelter from World War II – hence the name – converted to an underground haven for emerging hip hop artists in and around the city to come and showcase their talents. The DJ’s made some ill mixes with R&B and hip-hop cuts from the 1990s. Plus, the groups performed their sets with kung-fu flicks playing in the background. How dope is that?

Well, that’s all for now. I’m off to sleep. Peace, two fingers!