Having fun in Shanghai is always interesting. When I interview people I always ask them, “Who Likes To Have Fun At Work?” They sometimes look at me like I have three heads. Fun. At Work? Yes, it is possible but not probable. I understand that, in any culture, having fun in the workplace is unusual. It takes special leadership and a special company to embrace this type of workplace but it is possible. As I walked home tonight around 8 p.m., I stumbled upon a great example of a team that has found a way to bond, have fun AND stay in shape all at the same time.
I can only hope to find folks to hire with this type of energy and coordination because I LOVE to dance at work! Every day as I walk to and from work, I enjoy seeing couples dancing, ladies marching, guys doing tai chi, etc. as they try to stay healthy in a challenging, generally unhealthy environment. But the team dancing together this evening definitely wins the prize for “Fun Factor” despite all odds. I just feel fortunate to have recorded the moment so I get to share with you this slice of every day work life in Shanghai. I hope this inspires YOU to dance at work, or on the sidewalk or wherever, and have a great time–LIFE IS SHORT, SHAKE IT IF YOU GOT IT!
Spring has sprung in Shanghai! And about time thank you very much. While we didn’t get any snow, it’s been a long, dark winter. I’m tired of trudging through the gloomy cold to work and looking forward to some sun and longer daylight hours to enjoy exploring all that China has to offer. We’ll be in Beijing alot so looking forward to getting to know that city quite well.
Trying to name the “captains” pictured-got Captain Crunch right!
We had a blast at Trivia Night at The Bookworm in Sanlitun this week and will definitely go back. We killed in many categories but the music was a bit too international for our brains. We hadn’t even heard many of the songs or artists featured. Of course, Thom was overly generous when he gave one team credit for naming Bruno Mars’ song, Gorilla, when he put down “f*&k the monkey”, a loose interpretation of the lyrics of that crazy tune. Trivia Nights are all the rage in China for Expat’s–this one was even smoke-free!
The ponchos come out when it rains!
Rain + Spring = GREEN! The newly revived grass and trees were a welcome sight amidst the grey polluted skies today in Shanghai. Oh what I wouldn’t give for a blue sky day!!! I worked the past week in Beijing, where it was 200+ AQI every day and so depressing. You could tell Michelle Obama and the girls had gone–fire up the furnaces and let the pollutants loose ’cause the liberals have left the building!
Enjoying my new patio chairs from Ikea on our balcony.
No matter, even though there are very few days to enjoy the outside air, we braved the crowds at Ikea to grab some patio chairs for our balcony. While we can’t leave them out every day because they would just get filthy, we are ever hopeful that we will have a few fine days to sip coffee and enjoy a rare day where you can breathe in without coughing. Look, they’re still white!
If you want to enjoy a clusterf&*k of epic proportions, visit Ikea on a weekend in Shanghai. HOLY. HELL. Get those elbows out and jump into the fray. There is a steady parade that you just have to join in as people take pictures, nap, use the somewhat clean bathrooms, socialize, eat and do everything BUT buy anything. Thom and I are veteran Ikea shoppers so we just took off cutting through departments and grabbing what was on the list as quick as possible. No browsing for us and who could nap with all that noise! Obviously someone could because the beds were almost all taken-there being no trespass laws here in China.
New Converse for me!
We also visited the AP market and haggled for some Converse-like sneakers for me. Nothing says SPRING like some new shoes. They take their fashion very seriously here and my casual look is very counter to the ruffles, bows, and frilly look favored by many of the females here. To each their own!
Spring fashion includes lots of prints and ruffles.
Window shopping at the IFC mall, the many boutiques featured beautiful outfits from shoes to hat. Of course, they are all in size 0-4 so I can look but not buy. The largest size even in the US Brands like Gap is a small version of a 8. No more carbs for me! Some day I would like to buy some local fashion so I’ll just have to get out the duct tape and starve for a few weeks!
We leave in a week to visit the US to work and then get to be with Hannah and Mike as Mia arrives in May. From her current antics inside, she is already enjoying being active and will no doubt keep her parents very busy from the get go. Put on your track shoes, Hannah and Mike! We love little Mia already and look forward to her getting to know her Nai Nai, While I wish we could live closer, the day will come when we are all together. Until then, Mia will get lots of cute outfits as we plan to spoil her rotten.
After visiting the hospital yesterday, I knew I should go home and rest but it was a somewhat sunny day out so we opted to try to find a new coffee shop we had heard about. Caffeine makes everything better! Along the way, we wandered through parts of Shanghai that we hadn’t previously visited and found a new park that was divided into four zones based on the trees they had planted-spring, summer, fall and winter. What a great idea and just lovely with all the plants and flowers in full bloom.
My new friend and I exercising in the park.
The hospitals are falling apart and dirty but the parks are spotless and meticulously maintained. Go figure. I love that exercise equipment is installed in many of the parks so locals can work out and they do, especially the more mature set. As we entered this park, I saw a lovely lady doing her workout so I thought I would join her. She probably thought I was crazy but I appreciated that as we filmed this little video, she didn’t run away.
Fun, right? I need to find ways to engage more with the culture here even if it means asking the locals if I can join them–I’m dying to be a part of the early morning TaiChi ladies who work out daily at 7:30 a.m. in the park that our apartment overlooks. Sure, I might get strange looks but I bet they will let me join them if even for one morning. Maybe one of them will let me borrow a sword to practice with-that will make Thom afraid and James jealous.
I am feeling better today after getting new meds for my bronchitis plus the AQI today is a lovely 72–first under 100 in awhile. Thom and I are off to experience a new adventure today!
Yes, this is the inside of the hospital. Scary dirty.
Due to the toxic cocktail I imbibe daily consisting of pollutants infused with the DNA sprayed on me in the subway and streets by the millions of my spit-happy Chinese commuter pals, I have acute bronchitis that will JUST NOT GO AWAY. The first doctor I visited a few weeks ago was very blasé about the whole “coughing a lung up” sad story I told him but now, weeks later, I found a more sympathetic lady doc who gave me not one but four new prescriptions to chase away the “haziness” she saw on my lung x-rays. After riding down in the service elevator from the exam room to the x-ray room, I followed the nurse into a storage closet housing old equipment that was piled haphazardly on the floors and covered with used patient gowns. Talk about inspiring confidence in their medical system! She instructed me to strip and put on the gown that she held out for me. When in China!
Closet piled with crap and also my changing room before x-rays.
Nurse averted her eyes while I followed her command, stripped, suited up and stepped out into a very old huge 1970’s x-ray machine to get pictures taken of my chest. What they lack in hygiene (the hospital was old, filthy and had peeling paint everywhere) they made up for in quickness as the doctor and I were viewing my x-ray just twenty minutes later and discussing courses of treatment. I got herbal expectorants AND antibiotics AND steroids AND inhalers to chase out the very bad persistent shit living in me right now, hopefully temporarily…thank you AQI’s of 150+ every day. I actually had to make a chart for all the meds with all the directions and cautions (do not take with milk, do take with food, take 30 minutes before food, etc.). HOLY. HELL.
I have a trip to the U.S. coming up in two weeks and it cannot come soon enough. Dr. Ken, Here I Come! Modern medicine is something we take for granted in the United States but here in China, I know for a fact that if I get any type of serious injury or sickness, I am opting for the Medical Evacuation Clause in my contact and getting the Hell out of here to fly home or Hong Kong if I need a quicker landing. I hear Hong Kong hospitals aren’t the house of horrors like they are here. They can’t be worse. Prayers are needed-big time. Now, I have to figure out what pill to take next. Updates to come.
BEST. COOKIE. EVER. Trust me, these thighs don’t lie. Yes, I know eating dense, chewy, flavorful cookies isn’t necessarily the healthiest food choice. I also know life is short and living is hard in China. Cookies for dinner? What a great idea! Having found Strictly Cookies, it’s hard not to place that next order when the last cookie has crumbled. Oh, did I forget to say that THEY DELIVER. Yes, fresh baked cookies delivered to your door at no charge. Hello, doorman? Yes, send those cookies right up… to my mouth!
Nom Nom Dessert Bar in Shanghai
Even though we could have played it the easy way and went online to order several pounds of baked bliss, I have to work off those cookie calories somehow so tonight we walked miles to go to the epicenter of all this cookie goodness and see where the magic is created. Nom Nom Dessert Café is the bakery/storefront for the Strictly Cookies empire. And by empire, I mean they are carried at a few locations in Shanghai like Egghead Bagels (best bagels in Shanghai) where I found them and also sold online, though I predict big things in the future for this entrepreneur.
What to choose-PB, Choc. Chip, Oatmeal, Choc. Brownie
Lexis Comstock founded Strictly Cookies in 2010 when she couldn’t find cookies to her standard in Shanghai. Sure, there are bakeries everywhere and carbs are easy to come by but cookies like these are rare anywhere in the world, let alone in China. I signed up for their newsletter and was rewarded with witty writing (“unsubscribe from this list because you prefer cupcakes”) and updates on the seasonal cookie selections. Got to love a gal who can bake AND write. Check them out at http://www.strictlycookies.com or on Facebook and drool all over the pics of the yummy treats–one good reason to live in Shanghai! Cookies forever and always is their motto. I agree.
Red velvet cookies with a side of cream cheese frosting. WHY YES, PLEASE. Bourbon in my cookie milkshake. BELLY UP TO THE COOKIE BAR! Mango sorbet sandwiched between chocolate chip cookies. SUMMER IN MY MOUTH.
Spring fever hit us hard this weekend. BAM! Like that f&%*ing local bus that tries to hit me every day on my morning commute. BE NIMBLE OR DIE is my mantra. And with sunny, 60+ degrees and somewhat blue skies (with the layer of pollution, they are never quite all blue), we felt revived and nimble so we shopped at a few local flower shops but decided to check out the flower market we had heard about before we purchased anything. Dreams of lounging in Ikea patio chairs surrounded by fragrant flowering plants while enjoying a glass of wine…ahhh….now, if you could do that without being coated with grey dust and dirt from the pollution, it would be perfect. Oh well, maybe there will be a day or two to enjoy our patio. One can hope and dream.
Spring has sprung at the Pudong Flower Market
After investigating where this market was located, we got a taxi and set out to explore. Not so far from our apartment, we found the multi-level green market and happily spent the next hour wandering the many stalls of plants, cut flowers, furniture, frame shops and pets aka lunch. My only wish was that I had a minivan at my beck and call to haul home LOTS of gorgeous plants. Alas, we are at the mercy of our feet or, if lucky, possibly a cab. We tried to negotiate pricing using my Chinese bargaining terms but found that the pricing, at least for Laowais, was pretty set. I got a few Yuan off my glass terrarium, my daisy bouquet and our bonsai planter. We didn’t know if we would find a taxi to take us home so we bought greenery “lite”. Good thing too because we did end up walking a mile or two in the sunshine back home with our new greenery.
While we loved seeing the turtles, fish, bunnies and other small animals, we know many will not end up as pets but rather as the main entrée or appetizer. I couldn’t stand it so I walked away quickly in denial. Thom, the bird whisperer, had a lengthy conversation with a parrot. Are you surprised?
Parrots=tastes like chicken. Sorry, Thom, I know you like chatting with them.
On the upper floors, there were many art galleries, framing shops, furniture stores and all the silk flowers. One side of the buildings was strictly for plants with huge bonsai trees that would require a crane AND a minivan to get home. Not today. On the other side were all the cut flowers. What I loved the most were these tiny hanging terrarium on ribbons. I think I may just have to go back and buy a few to hang from our curtain rods. Too cute!
Terrariums are back from the 70’s with a vengeance!
When the sun comes out, so do the umbrellas, hats, gloves and long sleeve shirts in Shanghai. Here, I’m told that as part of the culture, local gals (not the dudes) try very hard to keep their skin as light as possible. This past weekend, with beautiful sunny weather in the 60’s, we saw the ladies in full protective mode so as not to suffer the ill effects of the rays.
Cover up, the sun has come out! This lady is adding layers instead of taking them off.
Tonight watching television, one of the ads was for a Vaseline product that promised 4X lighter skin with application. REALLY??? I find that very hard to believe but, as Thom pointed out, maybe that means if you apply the white cream and don’t rub it in, your skin will be whiter. Truth in advertising, not so much.
Back in the U.S., where it is still snowing across the nation, sun worshippers would celebrate this warm weather by lathering up with tanning oil and donning their thongs. Thank goodness, they cover it all up here in China. Exposing all that bare skin is not only a recipe for skin cancer but most people really aren’t in good enough shape to be sharing their pasty flesh with others. PLEASE keep it covered!
So, I’m terribly spoiled because Thom usually accompanies me on my frequent business trips or I travel with peers who speak Chinese. This week, I went it alone, travelling to Beijing and Nanjing by my lonesome, English-speaking boring self. NEVER. AGAIN. Not only was I bored and lonely without my travel partner/best friend/hubby but he was too back in Shanghai. So we learned our lesson-it’s better together. Now, on to share with you the highlights of my LAST solo journey.
Playing the Laowai card at the train station in Shanghai ALL BY MYSELF, I walked up to the only cashier with no line who was arguing vehemently with a local woman. I know that this is the place to cash in tickets for refunds from a previous trip and no one speaks English but I marched right up, ignored the squabbling woman, who by now was really irritating the crabby cashier, probably trying to cash in a fake ticket for money, and handed Ms. Crabby my receipt and passport and smiled really big. The cashier was only too happy (well, happy is a strong word–perhaps less pissed off might be more accurate) to divert from the local woman who stomped away. Done and done—I was off to the Laowai Haven on the second floor of the terminal—Costa Coffee. They have good coffee, free wifi, nice seats and a quiet civilized atmosphere so I could work until it’s time for my bullet train to Beijing. Before settling in, I ran by one of the many kiosks selling stuff and selected a set of earbuds to use in the gym. I had to leave my set at the office to use as a sample to buy for swag for our team so I’m earbudless—not cool. There are many times in China you need to tune out the world and this trip was looking to be certainly one of them.
Four hours into the train to Beijing, let me count the MANY ways I missed Thom horribly:
*no one to watch all my possessions when I go to the bathroom, making any trips awkward and hurried as I rush back to my seat hoping everything is still there
*no one to lift my “I packed way too much stuff” luggage into the overhead on the train—in the US when you are a woman and have a big bag, almost always a guy will offer to assist but you’ll die from waiting for a dude in China to help you. Ladies, you had better work out and get some muscles if you are travelling on your own.
*no one to check the train bathroom to see if it is moderately disgusting or totally disgusting, as it gets towards the end of the journey and all the guys have sprayed their DNA around every available surface and there’s no toliet paper or paper towel left. Of course, I travel with my own tissue and hand sanitizer (don’t leave home without it, EVER!) but I miss Thom doing a recon for me to determine if I go or cross my legs till we get to the hotel. Forget using the train station bathroom as most are squats and TOTALLY revolting.
Of course, I missed Thom’s sparkling, witty conversation as well but did manage to get a lot of work done on the journey. Boring but productive!
At least the guy next to me on the train watched movies on his iPad and didn’t smell too bad, take his shoes off or hock up a lung up like the guy across the aisle. I finally threw my new earbuds on and cranked up Keith Urban to mask his frequent loud retching and snotting all over himself. I’m painting a pretty picture, right? My seat mate did order the local lunch and I had to cover my nose while he ate it—some kind of pickled cabbage threw an overwhelming smell at me that caused me to do evasive action to prevent vomiting. When going by train, pack your own food or starve. I had a lovely bagel and one of my prized Strictly Cookies peanut butter special. Carbs galore as usual because I can’t eat the mystery meats. Yum!
Finally arriving in Beijing, I can only hope Michelle Obama will chose to visit Beijing when I am there from now on. The AQI was a lovely 25, a new all time low, on the day she arrived. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I could even see the mountains in the distance, which is a true rarity and just lovely. Just like Michelle, I do tend to stand out in the crowd. While waiting in the lobby of our office building in Beijing the next day, a very charming European gentleman approached to introduce himself and ask if I would have time to be in a Dahlmer automobile video shoot in the next building. Why no, kind and handsome gentleman, I explained I was on a tight work schedule but appreciated the offer. My colleague from Italy asked if he could be a part of the experience and was excited to be able to be in a video. I’ve gotten used to people taking my picture often on the street but this was my first “official” invite to model–a new career perhaps as I enter my “mature and still not looking too bad” phase of my life??
Cereal goes with milk-except in China where yogurt is offered instead
Testing my patience to the limit and needing some basic sustenance while taking an early morning conference call, I tried to order cereal and milk for breakfast from hotel room service in Nanjing. This became a major production as I had room service calling me and running back and forth to the kitchen several times to get my simple food. Seems that they thought I should put yogurt on my cereal not milk. No thank you.. Yes, noodles would have been easier for them to understand but I just am not ready to “go local” yet and always opt for safe food that won’t have me hurling into the nearest potted plant. Ahhh, memories!
Mr. Sax Man in Nanjing
I finally forced myself out to take a walk at lunch while in Nanjing. I was rewarded with stumbling upon a lovely local park featuring part of the ancient wall and a local entertaining a group of children with his sax playing. He sat in an archway, playing his tunes and making all our lives better. Thank you, Mr. Sax Man, for showing me that even if I am by myself (which will NEVER happen again, just saying) I should take time to get out, smell the polluted air and enjoy a slice of life during my busy work days.
Back home again with Thom, we both learned from our week apart that we NEVER, EVER want that to happen again. So put on your travelling shoes, Mr. George (Cole Haans, of course for my “shoe whore”) and OFF WE GO!
Yep-a bike on a busy street in Shanghai and she’s talking on her mobile.
You see bicycles hauling stuff every day in China but at no time EVER have I seen a bike roaring down the street loaded like this one! HOLY. HELL. And she’s talking on her mobile while pedaling down this busy street in Shanghai with what looked to be a load of Styrofoam boxes held together with duct tape. That takes not only leg power and balancing but attitude as well–she is taking up a whole lane for cars who were honking and seriously peeved at her domination of the road. You go girl-PEDAL POWER!
Men in kilts, women dancing with blow up dolls, unlimited Bailey’s and Guinness=IRISH BALL! Or, as I call it, prom for grown ups who like to drink ALOT. Thom and I attended the Shanghai Irish Ball at the Shangri La Hotel last night with our buddies from Trivia Night. A table of mainly Brits enjoyed a fun-filled evening with entertainment galore, silent auctions/raffles and great food. Oh, and unlimited booze which many took full advantage of until 4 a.m. When we left after midnight, they were starting the second dinner service and the dancing/drinking was going strong.
Kilts galore, of course!
I haven’t worn a long gown for many years but loved being able to dress up fancy and step out with Thom, who never did get around to getting a tux made but looked handsome in his bow tie and black suit. Next year he wants to wear a kilt. For the ladies, it’s all about the pictures and everyone was taking photos on the balcony overlooking the Bund. I narrowly avoided catastrophe when I just missed tripping on a spotlight illuminating the huge shamrock. Visions of broken bones and teeth still haunt me as I realize the close call I had as I fumbled over it in high heels. But, God was watching over me and we proceeded to take photos for another couple in exchange for them capturing our moment as well. Everyone thought our Windows Nokia Lumia Phones took better pictures than their iPhones-of course!
The food was very good if you consider trying to serve about a thousand people simultaneously. Shrimp/tuna to start followed by pastry encased mystery soup (they said it was French Onion but no way did it taste like that) and then on to filet mignon and a delightful chocolate mousse to end. And, of course, wine/champagne/Bailey’s/whiskey–which our table of Brits took full advantage of all night.
All Dolled Up!
After dinner, we kept checking out silent auction items to ensure we were final bidders. Thom was unable to secure the gorgeous handmade console table he wanted, though I don’t know how we would have gotten it home. We did get a lovely rice basket and a painting that many thought was ugly but we loved. Our taste is definitely off center when it comes to art. Having bought last minute raffle tickets, we were surprised to win the 2nd prize of a spa/hotel/food/pearl package that included randomly a set of Irish socks as well. NICE! Of course, someone had stolen the pearls out of the bag so they have to go buy some for us. Not holding my breath on that one but the rest of the stuff is very nice. First prize would have been more awesome as it was a trip to Ireland. Next year!
All in all, a really fun evening out in Shanghai with some new friends. Life is short so you have to seize the moment and dance like there is no tomorrow. Glad I didn’t drink like there is no tomorrow though because Hannah woke us up early this morning after only a few hours of sleep to celebrate her birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!
Travels with Melinda 