Trying Out Tai Chi

On August 31, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel1 Comment

I have always wondered why there aren’t more bodies littering the streets here in China what with the crazy traffic vs. pedestrian daily battles over turf. Now I know–Tai Chi. Embracing Tai Chi and practicing every morning on any street corner that’s available, locals here are nimble, stress-free and can gracefully leap out of the way of the buses bearing down on them without breaking a sweat or screaming obscenities. Me, not so much. Hardly a morning goes by without me starting my commute with a rude gesture to a motorist trying to kill me.

So off to Tai Chi Class we went today. We had tried a Tai Chi class when we were on the boat cruise in Halong Bay but it was very brief and meant to be just an intro to what this ancient sport was all about. Now, we were headed to a class for a hour long session to give it a whirl. Old people here embrace it and do it daily. And by “old people”, I mean WAY older than me. How hard could it be??? Right???

Thom's first attempt at Tai Chi when we were in Halong Bay. — Thom’s first attempt at Tai Chi when we were in Halong Bay.

Now having personally attempted it, I know why Tai Chi is not that popular in the U.S. I just laughed myself silly when the class instructor performed a move which involved bending like a pretzel while lowering your entire body to the floor only to bounce up like a jack in the box and fling one leg in the air, slapping it hard with your hand for some unknown reason. Unfortunately, there was no way I was able to do that and not injure my body and dignity so I abstained. Damn-this was way harder than Yoga! Thom dipped a little but didn’t make it all the way to the floor but I give him credit for trying.

I guess I thought of Tai Chi as an exercise routine but it is really a martial arts form of training used for both defense and also for its health benefits. The slow movements looked so interesting when I watch the ladies in the park outside my window every morning. I have all new respect for them, especially those who practice it with the shiny swords. I can’t even imagine the “guns” these ladies are packing on their arms to be able to hold up that sword for any length of time and practice their moves. You go girls! Ain’t nobody messing with you!

After the class, I did some research and Wiki says, “Medical research has found evidence that t’ai chi is helpful for improving balance and for general psychological health, and that it is associated with general health benefits in older people.”. I would say that anyone who practices this daily could whip anyone’s ass without breaking a sweat.

I bestowed several of the moves with western-style nicknames like the “No Way In Hell” and the “No F*&King Way”. At least the instructor didn’t come up to me and manually twist my body to demonstrate moves like he did to Thom and the other guys. I guess the ladies are off limits to touch-yippee! I had a yoga instructor try that on me in Seattle and I about backhanded her after she kept pushing and prodding me to do moves that were physically not possible, at least for me. LIke it bothered her that I was sullying her class with my imperfect moves. End of yoga time for me.

It was fascinating how these complicated hand gestures were really a complicated way to defend yourself. Coming from the US where we typically defend ourselves with guns not Tai Chi, one has to wonder how many lives could be saved if we worked out all differences with our hands and feet instead of with a bullet. First off, any incident where “alcohol was involved” would end up being resolved quickly because no way anyone could perform Tai Chi after having a few beers or shots. They would just fall over after the pretzel move and pass out. I had a hard time following the intricate precision movements stone cold sober–good luck if you’ve had a few too many.

Of course, I was thinking as I watched Thom get his personal training in protection that a good “knee up” would take care of any male attackers quickly but Tai Chi was definitely more elegant. Since I have the attention span of a gnat, it was really hard for me to concentrate for a hour on at least showing some mimic ability of the moves being shown. I would give myself a “C” for effort and “F” for execution if I’m being honest. It wasn’t pretty. At. All.

Afterward, a nice couple who live in our complex (class was part of our onsite gym) came up and told us that they had been coming to class for a year and still were learning. That made us feel not as inadequate and they encouraged us to keep coming to learn our moves. There’s hope for us after all! Tai Chi baby–watch out motorists in Shanghai–you won’t hit me now!

Exploring Close to Home

On August 27, 2014August 28, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

Who knew we had caves, a waterfall and a maze on the grounds of our apartment property???

Our very own "French Maze" — Our very own “French Maze”

WTF! Seriously, we have lived here for almost one year and this past weekend we finally stopped having adventures outside the walls of our property and spent time exploring closer to home. It got hot and humid so walking for miles wasn’t appealing to me so we decided to have a more “local” adventure. On our side of the complex (total of 7 buildings with Weifang Road splitting the property into two sections) we discovered, among other things, a real life huge maze. My first thought was “Why??” but I felt very Harry Potterish as I threaded my way among the hedges though I didn’t find any port keys but I’ll keep on looking.

There is actually a tower built to observe the action as people try to find their way out and two sections–low shrubs even shorties like me can see over and tall ones that even Thom couldn’t see over. Then, next to the maze was a beautiful formal garden with statues and fountains. Thom and I want to take over the management of the grounds so we can rent out these places for parties and events–they seem to be very underutilized. Party time-let’s enjoy these beautiful spots!

Then we decided to try the other section to see what we could find and, amazingly, we found a section where a cave and tunnels had been carved out. Again, I wondered “Why??” but as I doubt that many people had ever discovered these as they are hidden towards the back of the property but someone was parking their scooters in them so someone was using them for their own personal parking lot. If we ever need a hiding place, this is it!

Next to the caves, we discovered a gorgeous waterfall and lake with koi swimming under the bridges. The traditional buildings house a restaurant, spa and dry cleaners–right on property! We knew about the little grocery and liquor store on site–they deliver for free and it’s super convenient but have never been in these other facilities. Leave it to me to know where to buy wine as close to home as possible. That I’m never to busy to find out.

My best friend and her husband will visit us this fall for a month. We can’t wait to show them all around and have new adventures. Now we that we know all the hidden gems on our own property, we will show them around and they can explore the beautiful grounds when they need a break from the hectic life on the streets of Shanghai.

Pond, waterfall, and a view of downtown Pudong-all on property!

Quick Way to Get A Seat on a Shanghai Subway

On August 26, 2014August 26, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

I’ve often written that I know if I get hit or fall sick that I am on my own. No one is going to assist me, call an ambulance or aid in any way. It’s just not the China way. To illustrate and confirm this, just read this recent Shanghai Daily article: http://www.shanghaidaily.com/metro/society/Metro-appeal-after-fainting-foreigner-panic/shdaily.shtml

A guy passed out or fainted-who knows really-but pictures were publicized of the full subway car and then the quickly vacant car after this dude slumped to the floor. Now the debate is on in the Shanghai Daily over what to do if this situation happens–government officials state “not to panic” because people running away from such an incident can be more dangerous. True.

Photo from Shanghai Daily showing foreign dude passed out and all alone after crowd ran away

A follow-up editorial in the Shanghai Daily in the Shanghai Street View section by Doug Young debates whether “many Chinese lack compassion for strangers.”. Basically, the general thought is that most people are just afraid of any trouble in general and they just want to disengage and run away from all disturbances if at all possible. I guess some people called and reported this particular incident after they had fled the scene so the authorities did show up to investigate soon after it took place.

So, my advice to all foreigners–travel in packs and take care of each other. It’s nothing personal but don’t expect anyone local to take care of you if you need help. Better yet, try really, really hard not to get in accidents or get ill in public. Dodge those buses and carry OTC meds from your homeland on your person always. Happy Travels and, if you ever just feel the need to get an empty seat on the subway in Shanghai, you know what to do!

Dogs Play in Shanghai Despite The “Rules”

On August 25, 2014August 25, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Dog, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

So, residents in my apartment complex have obviously not been informed that the unofficial rule is you’re not supposed to have large dogs in China. On our walk today around the property, we came upon the British Lawn, a large expanse of green lawn and trees-a really lovely oasis for us in the chaos of China, our very own small Central Park. This morning, and perhaps every Sunday morning, it seemed that the British Lawn had been turned into a Shanghai Dog Park, complete with one guy driving his pooches crazy chasing after a remote controlled car all over the greens. Super funny to watch Mr. Golden Retriever run ragged chasing the car until he finally said F*&K It and stopped, panting with his tongue hanging out. Where’s my water, Mr. Owner???

Unfortunately, our new rescue dog, Thor, is teeny tiny and still waiting for to get all his shots so he won’t be seeing the light of day or playing on the lawn any time soon–maybe next summer, Thor!

Good idea, bad execution--no bags to be had in nice container — Good idea, bad execution–no bags to be had in nice container

Now, the complex does provide a container to provide Pets Poo Poo bags, but, of course, it was empty. Thus, the pooches do their business whenever and wherever they want and the owners don’t really police it. Watch where you step! Take off those shoes at the door!

The Property “RULES” state: “Do not walk your pets on the lawn.”. I guess if no one uses a leash and lets their dogs run wild, it’s technically NOT walking your pets. Oh, and I have no idea what this rule means but am dying to find out: “Behaviors such as bare-backed are not welcome on the lawn.”. Hmmm…. could mean so many things if you think about it, all interesting. I guess I’ll have to walk around more looking for bare-back activities..more to come.

Shanghai Headlines Never Fail To Amuse

On August 20, 2014August 20, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel2 Comments

Ahh, what would I do without the daily Shanghai headlines that amuse and confuse???? Every day, I read the Shanghai Daily and it never fails to make me shake my head in wonder. Here’s just a few of today’s stories:

“Plane circles as controllers sleep on job”. These fine employees “broke the rules by sleeping” on the job–YOU THINK??? This particular China Eastern flight just circled and waited for someone to wake up so they could land safely. HELLO!!! THIS IS YOUR WAKE UP CALL!! Now these napping controllers face “disciplinary action”– just a piece of advice–please fire them before I fly again.

“Shop pulls pasta as ‘mac & fleas’ fails to impress” Warning–Don’t read this article at dinner time. Seems a local store in Gubei had to withdraw Pasta delLevante branded items that were housing bugs. Two for one special–bugs AND pasta. You get your protein and your grains in one bag all for one low, low price. What a deal!

“‘Leftover’ men buy brides from Vietnam”. In a country with over a billion people, there seems to be a shortage of available women so rural gents are making deals to bring over Vietnamese women looking for their Prince Charming. Of course, cash is involved for these heartwarming couplings. The Chinese women often come with high demands from the parents–a car and house may be required for the parental blessing to be awarded. Poor men who can’t come comply to snag a local bride are turning to the hard-working Vietnamese women looking for an easier life. Of course, this tradition is rife with abuse and kidnappings vs. consensual wedlock. As one “Vietnam dating” service detailed, they supply “kind and obedient” women with a guarantee if the new bride “escapes”, they will replace her for free. Now that’s customer service at it’s human trafficking best!

“From dusk till dawn, Suzhou Creek sculpture is a no-go zone for locals”. Locals have complained that “spooky” sculptures are giving them nightmares and that they are “freaked out” by the design. These works of art by sculptor Yang Jinsong were inspired by a photo of 1960’s women who were textile workers near Suzhou Creek. It seems at night, the fading light makes them look like they have no heads. Of course, that could also be from the local weed these people may or may not be smoking. Who knows? The government is contacting the artist to resolve the issue. Don’t hold your breath for resolution.

And that is just one day’s worth of wacky headlines. What did I learn? Don’t take night flights or walk by the sculptures at night, and, more importantly, check the pasta to see if it is moving before buying!

I’d REALLY like to NOT die today!

On August 18, 2014August 19, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Dog, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

So I don’t know if talking to yourself, silently usually, is a sign (and not a good one probably) but I find myself repeating a few mantras daily to myself. I think that mantras are usually supposed to be calming and inspirational. Perhaps soothing and meaningful spoken during yoga or meditation. But, I live in China and have a new puppy so my mantras are more down to earth, usually screamed and sometimes with accompanying rude hand gestures:

Mantra #1-usually spoken to China drivers: I’d REALLY like to NOT die today!

Mantra #2-always spoken to Thor: PLEASE do NOT pee on me. SERIOUSLY. You have vampire teeth. STOP biting me.

Yes, this is my life and I like it. It’s complicated, messy (literally with Thor) and challenging, just the way I want it to be.

First, as to the “not dying today” mantra, when you live in China and walk to work, by the time I hit the first crosswalk and the bus is gunning for me and the scooter I didn’t see going the WRONG WAY on the street touches me and the car is driving down the damn sidewalk instead of the street, I am usually making my pleas to God. I’m REALLY not ready to go yet–places to see, family to take care of, blogs to be written, etc. Give me more time please.

Yes, that's a car entering the crosswalk after driving down the sidewalk. — Yes, that’s a car entering the crosswalk after driving down the sidewalk.

Now, if I get hit in a crosswalk in China, I’m going down and I know it. No bystanders will assist (not that people are mean here but they just don’t get involved) and no ambulance will come. If I can’t limp or crawl to a taxi, which will never pick me up if I’m bleeding so why even try, then I’m toast. Dead toast. So, I’m nimble, look both ways and behind me to avoid getting hit and I pray ALOT.

Now on to Thor. He really does have vampire teeth. WHAT. THE. HELL. When do those sharp little suckers drop out and he gets normal teeth? Can’t come soon enough for me.

And he has a bad habit of peeing everywhere but the pee pads. Yes, it’s a big apartment and he has little legs so maybe (and I’m giving him a HUGE benefit of the doubt here) he gets tired halfway to his room and he just has to let it go. Okay but when he’s sitting on my lap all warm and cuddly and then I’m feeling a cold, wet sensation, that’s just not cool. We had to take up all the rugs after he decided that they seemed like pee pads too and James stepped in poo on the kitchen rug. While he was gagging, Thom scrapped the shit off his foot and washed it. A dad’s job is never done! Tough love Mom that I am, I would have told him to hop right on into the shower and wash it off himself. He’s 21 for God’s sake. Guess that’s why Thom stayed home and raised the kids while I worked. They are all the better humans for it. Good job, Thom!

So, I’ll keep on dodging traffic and watching where I step, all the while repeating my mantras and enjoying this crazy life I lead. Hallelujah!

Mornings in Shanghai

On August 16, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Seattle, Shanghai, Travel, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Mornings in Shanghai start slow. I’ll never forget that first time I showed up all perky at 6:30 a.m. at the local Starbucks by the Four Seasons where we were staying on our first trip over to Shanghai. Not open yet? WHAT THE HELL? How is a Starbucks not open by that hour? After a few days of wandering around trying to find an early caffeine fix, I discovered that most coffee places (and there is a café on every corner) open by 8 a.m. but not before. This falls right in line with the start of the typical office work day which is never before 9 a.m. and more likely to be 10 a.m. by the time everyone wanders into work. Not me, of course, but everyone else in China.

I am an anomaly in Shanghai (and really everywhere in every way if I’m being honest) as I usually wake up at 5ish and am ready to walk to work by 8 a.m. at the latest. As I do my new commute to the SWFC offices, I get to see the locals just getting started for their day. This usually consists of a stop at the food cart where you can get scallion pancakes or steamed buns plus the daily fruit buy, which right now is very melon focused. The ayi’s actually deliver fruit to our office desks every afternoon-very refreshing. Melons, grapes, apples, etc. just appear like magic–all juicy and delightful. Love this China tradition–YUM!

The shoemakers and vendors selling their wares are not up yet when I am on my way in–they work late into the evenings. Most of the locals do not have a/c so everyone tends to stay outside in the streets dancing and socializing well into the evening probably to let their apartments cool down after dark. The heat this summer in Shanghai isn’t as brutal as last year. I remember melting in the 100+ degree heat many days after coming over last August, especially in contrast to the coolness I was used to in Seattle.

All by ourselves at Camel Pub, Pudong, watching Seahawks and enjoying breakfast cocktail!

Speaking of Seattle, we were so excited to discover a Friday night Seattle vs. San Diego preseason football game would be played in real time at our local pub but at Saturday morning 10 a.m. our time. Entering the dark pub that early in the morning, we woke up the staff and got them to boot up the TV’s so we could, all by ourselves, watch the game. Screwdriver please! They served me a salad with my scrambled eggs. Sorry-not too early for the screwdriver but way too early for a salad. I still have a Western stomach. Of course, I’ll probably die of food poisoning. I’ve been warned never to eat at an empty establishment because the grill will be cold so the food served will not achieve enough heat to cook the food thoroughly. Time will tell….

Guess there are either no Seahawks fans in Pudong or it’s just too bloody early for most of the blokes around here-yes, most of the expats are Brits that we have met. American Football–what’s that? If it was a big rugby match, the bar would be packed! Plus side to be the only ones here–no smoke. Everyone smokes here and you go home from any bar smelling like a pack of Marlboros. The muzak is heavy into 70’s with Barry Manilow (Thom was once mistaken for him in the 70’s on a NYC subway–worse compliment ever) and Johnny B Good. Ahhh, mornings in Shanghai….eggs/salad/cocktails, bad 70’s muzak and Seahawks Football–no better way to start the weekend!

Shanghai Street Scenes

On August 12, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

Walking home from the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) to our apartment a block off the Huangpu River, I reminded myself tonight to soak it all in and observe life in China. I walk through the business section of office workers and construction workers anxious to board their bus and get the heck home after a long day.

Many of the people in Shanghai live and work on or near the busy streets. Whether a food vendor or shoe cobbler or seamstress or plant seller, their lives revolve around selling their services and goods to the locals walking by. That’s me!

The plant guy loves me because nothing makes a home seem cozier than live greenery. Do they all live long lives? NOPE. We’ve had about 50% success rate so far but I just keep buying. Like I said, the plant guy grins wide when he sees me because he knows I’m a sucker for any size plant. Large. Small, Doesn’t matter!

These hard workers carve out their space with a lounge chair actually in the street or on the sidewalk. From another century sometimes, the materials are basic to perform their jobs…. an old sewing machine, a crockpot with eggs simmering, etc. It’s fascinating to see the diversity of this life vs. the “behind closed doors” lifestyle of the average person in the U.S. This seems more social but hard for sure. When it rains, these outside vendors get soaked and business sucks.

Here in China the sidewalks are teaming with people–eating, working and socializing. On a relatively nice evening, everyone floods outside to soak up the low AQI and cooler breezes. Ahhh, Shanghai Street Scenes on a lovely August eve. How lucky I am to experience it!

Shoes and Tattoos

On August 11, 2014August 11, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel1 Comment

Last summer, Thom and I started a new tradition for our wedding anniversary gift –Shoes & Tattoos. We both love a nice pair of shoes and thus own way too many of them plus we had never gotten tattoos. So, off we went to buy gorgeous shoes and then went under the needle to get inked by a Seattle tattoo artist. Did it hurt? HELL. YES. But, as we are crazy adventuresome folk who love creating special moments not to be forgotten, we loved our new tradition. Our kids both thought we were crazy but reacted differently–Hannah asked, “Who ARE you people?” and James got himself a large Celtic cross inked on his upper arm. Love them both!

For my first and only tat, I got a cute little Chinese symbol for happiness in a non-public place and Thom got a big ass Tardis on his upper arm. Yes, he’s a Dr. Who geek. While he is considering adding on to his artwork with 9 planets, etc. circling his Tardis (he’s in a science fiction phase), I have advised against getting a tat in China. All kinds of concerns and red flags are flying about cleanliness and needles/ink being injected into your body, etc. However, he won’t listen (do men ever??) and it’s his body so I’ve said my piece and now will get to tell him “I TOLD YOU SO!” when his limbs drop off his body if he proceeds. Make your choice, Thom.

Having two different size feet is great excuse for custom boots!

Fast forward a year to our anniversary just passed and we are now in China not Seattle. This year, I’m sticking to the much safer tradition of just cool shoes for our 26th wedding anniversary gift. When in China, DON’T get a tat but DO get custom made shoes—less chance of dying. After many recommendations from online sources and locals expats, we went to YanYe in the former French Concession area. After a previous trip, I was all set on a buttery tan leather ankle boot with red accents. I got to select the leather, designed the style using several different models and picked the red accent pieces. SHOE HEAVEN!

“Your right foot is bigger than your left foot!” Who knew?? Obviously, Mr. Zhao knows after his careful measuring. It takes 3-4 weeks including a second fitting to get custom shoes just right. I can’t wait to see how my unique boots turn out. Here’s hoping I love my creation because at $250 US, I’ll be wearing them for the rest of my life. While I wait for my special shoes to be created, Thom will ponder his tattoo design and decide whether or not to go under the needle.

JUST SAY NO! Shoes are a fashion statement but a tattoo is forever.

Daily Craziness That Is Life in China

On August 10, 2014August 10, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Travel, Uncategorized1 Comment

I enjoy the daily craziness that is living in China. Always something new to see and experience. This past week my commute has been upgraded to walking to/from work vs. taking the subway. Hallelujah! Of course, it’s 90+ degree with 110% humidity daily so by the time I arrive, I am soaked but still, it’s nice not to be crammed into an underground tube with millions of coughing strangers. At least on the street, the DNA being spit out has room to expand and a chance to blow away if I’m lucky enough to enjoy a breeze. Now, I usually embrace public transportation as easy and cheap but enjoy it not being a daily necessity. This past week when we were in Hong Kong, we travelled by subway and enjoyed the clean, well marked and lovely lime colored ambience.

My fellow walking commuters crack me up. Several times I have seen ladies of a more seasoned age walking backwards down the sidewalk. Now, are they just crazy or is there a reason for this awkward commuting behavior? I’ve researched online and many opinions exist including that the Chinese believe that walking backwards is good for the brain and stops memory loss and also that it improves your balance. Thom believe that these lovely ladies I see think walking backwards is like going in reverse in a car and rolling back the odometer— acting like a time machine, you can easily take years off your life! Of course, it could just be as simple as: WHY NOT? Makes perfect sense to me.

The stories just rolled in this week of odd behavior that people wanted to share. A friend visiting from the U.S. just had to tell me about his “shocking” experience in the public bathroom. Standing at the urinal, the dude next to him dropped his pants and proceeded to do his thing buck naked from the waist down. Again, WHY NOT? When I told Thom this story, he one upped it by telling me his story of odd public bathroom behavior. He was using the facilities when in walked a gent who proceeded to not only drop his pants to use the urinal but then proceeded to waddle over, pants pooled at his feet, and wash his junk in the sink. Needless to say, Thom made the wise choice to use hand sanitizer vs. waiting to use that sink to wash up. Smart man!

Now, some of you may be just dying to know more about the local slant on why you should poop more often so I am sharing the article I read this week that is just hysterical and comes with handy tips–read on if you dare:

http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/blog/health-matters-poop-yourself-happy/

For those of you who might just want a quick quip from the article, here is a snapshot, “..Chinese fruit stalls also sell fancy gift boxes of fruit. So while your colleagues may have thought that when you bought your angry supervisor a box of pears you were pai ma pi (kissing ass), what you’re really doing is making the workplace better by helping your boss be a little less full of shit.”. The author makes a good case for the perfect gift for all–fruit, fruit and more fruit!

Who knows what craziness will greet me this week as I walk down the street on my morning commute??

Looking forward to the unexpected and the crazy as I relish the adventure of living in China. Now, I’m off to buy some pears.

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