Hello from Shanghai. I've been here for almost a week. I know that most of you have been expecting a blog post much sooner than today, but it's very difficult to log on to my Blog. I've learned that many sites I am used to viewing, are not accessible here in China (like my personal website, Youtube, Blogger).
I am learning a lot about Shanghai, and China in general. Before I arrived in China, I admit that I had a somewhat naive view of what I would expect when I got here. I guess I had stars in my eyes - thinking that Shanghai was the center of what is the future of the world. I think I was wrong. A bit.
Shanghai is indeed an interesting city. I believe that Shanghai likes to refer to itself as an 'International, World Class City'. After having been here for a week, I am not so sure. I think it has a lot of growing up, before it can join the ranks of London, Paris, New York...or even Vancouver. I am not qualified to state what it is that it needs to meet that esoteric criteria, but I can just tell it doesn't possess it, yet.
Granted, one of the things that makes Shanghai exciting, is that is it constantly changing. This city is under perpetual construction. It seems that every major road is dug up these days. Shanghai is the host of the World Expo in 2010, so the preparations are in full force. I am sure they will put on a great Expo, but for now, the city is in total chaos.
A few days ago, I visited the number one tourist attraction in Shanghai - The Yuyuan Gardens. I didn't do a lot of research in advance, because I wanted it to be fresh when I got there. But I was pretty disappointed, because I was expecting to see an area of Shanghai that was authentic and historical. What I saw was a recreation of a Shanghai of the past. The Gardens and village portend to be a village from the 1500's. But what I learned was that it was destroyed in the 1800's opium wars, and recreated in the 1950's as a tourist attraction. So it was very commercial, complete with a McDonald's and Starbucks in the middle of the village (no, I didn't go in).
Some other recent observations about Shanghai:
- This city loves to shop. And there are a lot of great malls here. No bargains to be had, though. I have not bought anything yet, because I have not seen anything here that I haven't seen elsewhere. There are 5 or 6 Best Buy stores here, too. I went in to one today, and was impressed. The product range was extensive. They even carried a lot of seriously expensive Nikon lenses that most high end camera stores in Canada would not stock.
- The Metro is cheap, fast and efficient. I've had no problem working out my way around the city. There are about 8 or 9 train lines, and they keep building more (see above re: perpetual construction).
- The city is huge. There are about 18 million people here. My initial observation is that about 2 million of them are...um....normal regular world citizens. And the other 16 Million people are completely unaware that there is a world outside of Shanghai. I've had to dodge spit bombs from random people on the street more times than I can count. People hang their laundry to dry on trees and power lines down every street.
- This city loves to drink. Or at least they seem to be very competitive about finding drinkers. I happily obliged one establishment last night, during their "All you can drink" promotion. Normally, I avoid buffets because I don't think they are good for the value. But I made the exception this time. I was glad I did. Though, I was a bit worse for wear today.
I am here for another 8 days or so, before I head to Beijing. It's been raining a lot lately, so I have not been out too much. But it's supposed to start getting nice tomorrow. I hope to get out to shoot more photos soon.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Shenzhen Notes
I spent the last 4 days in the border town of Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. Shenzhen surprises me, as it is a pretty modern city. Like many cities in China, there has been a significant building boom in the last few decades, and it is clearly evident in this bustling town.
Shenzhen is situated directly across the border from Hong Kong (indeed you can see HK at a distance, if you know what you’re looking at). It is so close, that you can simply take the HK MRT subway into the city. In fact, many do that every day. Thousands of Hong Kong citizens make their home in Shenzhen, and cross the border to go to work. The cost of living in this Chinese border town is significantly lower than it is in Hong Kong. And considering how close it is, its no wonder people commute here every day.
The thing that strikes me as different here in Shenzhen, are the modern high-rise apartment buildings. I was amazed at the visual quality and style that is present. Compared to Hong Kong, the towers here are considerably more modern. Most of the towers look like they were designed recently, to international standards, and to appeal to westerners (of whom there is a very sizable population). Hong Kong towers, on the other hand, all look like they were designed by one person in the 70’s (except maybe some very recent buildings).
Some other notable observations about Shenzhen:
1) There are a LOT of bicycles here. Way more than in Hong Kong. I guess owning a car in China is still a luxury many don’t spend money on. Also, a large amount of the bikes are electric powered. I like that idea.
2) I visited what had to be the largest restaurant I’ve ever seen. It was called “Japan Fusion”, and seemed like it could seat a few thousand people. It was multi layered, beautifully designed, and had a massive (fake) tree and a flowing waterfall running through the middle of the room.
3) When I was in a local pub close to my hotel, a young couple brought their infant in. This club was dark, smoky, and had music so loud you had to yell to be heard a few inches apart. I am not sure why they would bring their baby into a club like this, at 11pm. I suppose to save on babysitting?
4) No one trusts the money. There are money scanners at every register in every store. All notes are run through the scanner to ensure its’ legitimacy. I’ve never encountered any fake money yet, but this common practice assures me I will at some point.
5) Sex sells. Well, that’s true everywhere of course. But it’s clearly evident here. Prostitutes and Money Boys are in abundance in bars, and in unofficial red light areas. Shenzhen is famous for it’s Massages, as well. I am not suggesting that they are inextricably linked, but I think in many cases, they are one and the same.
6) Booze comes in buckets. I was in what was apparently the largest Gay bar in Shenzhen. It was seriously smoky and crowded. When I was there, there was an endless parade of bad karaoke singing, by young guys with an inability to recognize the notes. I give them credit for trying, though. All the music appeared to be from the 80’s and 90’s, and none of it was western, of course.
When drinks were ordered, they typically ordered by table. And the waiters would appear with a large bucket with several bottles and jugs. They would prepare the drinks at the table, and start pouring. Typically, the drinks were Jack Daniels and Coke, and were drunk rapidly. Many of the guys would play a drinking game, using dice. Guess the dice numbers wrong, and you take a drink. I saw one guy proudly wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the glittery words “I’m Hotist”. I understand the sentiment, but not the spelling. And no, he was not Hot.
I will be in Shanghai for a few weeks now. I hope I will be able to find some hint of work in this city. I anticipate that the business climate will be much better in this busy town.
Shenzhen is situated directly across the border from Hong Kong (indeed you can see HK at a distance, if you know what you’re looking at). It is so close, that you can simply take the HK MRT subway into the city. In fact, many do that every day. Thousands of Hong Kong citizens make their home in Shenzhen, and cross the border to go to work. The cost of living in this Chinese border town is significantly lower than it is in Hong Kong. And considering how close it is, its no wonder people commute here every day.
The thing that strikes me as different here in Shenzhen, are the modern high-rise apartment buildings. I was amazed at the visual quality and style that is present. Compared to Hong Kong, the towers here are considerably more modern. Most of the towers look like they were designed recently, to international standards, and to appeal to westerners (of whom there is a very sizable population). Hong Kong towers, on the other hand, all look like they were designed by one person in the 70’s (except maybe some very recent buildings).
Some other notable observations about Shenzhen:
1) There are a LOT of bicycles here. Way more than in Hong Kong. I guess owning a car in China is still a luxury many don’t spend money on. Also, a large amount of the bikes are electric powered. I like that idea.
2) I visited what had to be the largest restaurant I’ve ever seen. It was called “Japan Fusion”, and seemed like it could seat a few thousand people. It was multi layered, beautifully designed, and had a massive (fake) tree and a flowing waterfall running through the middle of the room.
3) When I was in a local pub close to my hotel, a young couple brought their infant in. This club was dark, smoky, and had music so loud you had to yell to be heard a few inches apart. I am not sure why they would bring their baby into a club like this, at 11pm. I suppose to save on babysitting?
4) No one trusts the money. There are money scanners at every register in every store. All notes are run through the scanner to ensure its’ legitimacy. I’ve never encountered any fake money yet, but this common practice assures me I will at some point.
5) Sex sells. Well, that’s true everywhere of course. But it’s clearly evident here. Prostitutes and Money Boys are in abundance in bars, and in unofficial red light areas. Shenzhen is famous for it’s Massages, as well. I am not suggesting that they are inextricably linked, but I think in many cases, they are one and the same.
6) Booze comes in buckets. I was in what was apparently the largest Gay bar in Shenzhen. It was seriously smoky and crowded. When I was there, there was an endless parade of bad karaoke singing, by young guys with an inability to recognize the notes. I give them credit for trying, though. All the music appeared to be from the 80’s and 90’s, and none of it was western, of course.
When drinks were ordered, they typically ordered by table. And the waiters would appear with a large bucket with several bottles and jugs. They would prepare the drinks at the table, and start pouring. Typically, the drinks were Jack Daniels and Coke, and were drunk rapidly. Many of the guys would play a drinking game, using dice. Guess the dice numbers wrong, and you take a drink. I saw one guy proudly wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the glittery words “I’m Hotist”. I understand the sentiment, but not the spelling. And no, he was not Hot.
I will be in Shanghai for a few weeks now. I hope I will be able to find some hint of work in this city. I anticipate that the business climate will be much better in this busy town.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Farewell, Taipei
I am writing this, as I sit in a Starbucks at the Taipei International Airport. Neither of those two things should be a surprise to my loyal readers (another airport, another Starbucks). It's Tuesday morning, and I am on my way to China today.
I will actually fly back through Hong Kong, but I won't go through immigration and enter the city this time. I am simply transiting through the airport and catching a ferry to the city of Shenzhen. Shenzhen is the closest neighbouring city to Hong Kong, located in the province of Guangdong. Pardon me, if I spelled any of that incorrectly.
The ferry ride is the easiest and simplest way to enter Hong Kong from the airport. I am told it takes about 30 minutes, and the line up for immigration on 'the other side' is short and quick. I am looking forward to the journey. I will be in Shenzhen for 4 days, and then I fly to Shanghai on Saturday. Yay!
I have some final thoughts on Taipei. As with any city, Taipei has it's own flavour and style. I've noticed a few oddities, though. For instance:
1) I was surprised to see that the police cars were BMW's. Maybe not all of them, but the ones I saw were. I guess the financial crises is not as hard here?
2) As is the case in most of Asia, school kids wear uniforms. But here in Taipei, they all seem to wear various shades of blue polyester track suits. That certainly makes them easy to spot, since you can see large waves of blue sweatpants-covered kids walking in packs all over the city.
3) I am used to seeing lots of vendors selling street food in any city. But what makes Taipei unique, is that they all seem to wander around. I saw several food vendors pushing their sausage or squid carts up and down the street, looking for customers. Wouldn't it be simpler to just stay in one place and have the customers follow the scent to the food stand?
Here is a photo of a fellow I photographed here in Taipei, named Damien. Damien is a dance instructor here, and has seen the lens pointed at him a number of times.
I will actually fly back through Hong Kong, but I won't go through immigration and enter the city this time. I am simply transiting through the airport and catching a ferry to the city of Shenzhen. Shenzhen is the closest neighbouring city to Hong Kong, located in the province of Guangdong. Pardon me, if I spelled any of that incorrectly.
The ferry ride is the easiest and simplest way to enter Hong Kong from the airport. I am told it takes about 30 minutes, and the line up for immigration on 'the other side' is short and quick. I am looking forward to the journey. I will be in Shenzhen for 4 days, and then I fly to Shanghai on Saturday. Yay!
I have some final thoughts on Taipei. As with any city, Taipei has it's own flavour and style. I've noticed a few oddities, though. For instance:
1) I was surprised to see that the police cars were BMW's. Maybe not all of them, but the ones I saw were. I guess the financial crises is not as hard here?
2) As is the case in most of Asia, school kids wear uniforms. But here in Taipei, they all seem to wear various shades of blue polyester track suits. That certainly makes them easy to spot, since you can see large waves of blue sweatpants-covered kids walking in packs all over the city.
3) I am used to seeing lots of vendors selling street food in any city. But what makes Taipei unique, is that they all seem to wander around. I saw several food vendors pushing their sausage or squid carts up and down the street, looking for customers. Wouldn't it be simpler to just stay in one place and have the customers follow the scent to the food stand?
Here is a photo of a fellow I photographed here in Taipei, named Damien. Damien is a dance instructor here, and has seen the lens pointed at him a number of times.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Taipei 101 (the entry level course, not the building)
So, here I am in Taipei. This is my second time here, having made the trip last May. I remember that last year, I really liked it here, and spoke highly of it. So, I thought it would be worth visiting again.
To me, Taipei has always been a mixture of what is good about Hong Kong, and what is good about China. You can clearly see the influences of both in this city. Taipei is a fairly wealthy city, largely due to the influence of the hi-tech industry here. Taiwan is world renowned for the quality of their electronics manufacturing sector. With the abundance of construction of tall buildings here, you'd wonder where the signs of a financial crises are.
I have not been here for a full day yet, but I have a few interesting observations. One of the things that struck me as different, compared to Hong Kong, is the proliferation of motorbikes here. There are equally as many motorbikes as there are cars here. And they travel in packs, just like Vietnam. Also, you can see the how the city is encouraging bicycle travel too. There is a large network of bikes that you can rent, all over the city. I've heard of this concept in Amsterdam, but this is the first time I've seen it in Asia. They city has developed a large network of bicycle paths all over the core, to accommodate the encouraged bicycle traffic. It's really a clever (and cheap) system.
I have not succumbed to the pressure of visiting the top of the tallest building - The Taipei 101 - yet. But, who knows, I just may before the visit is over. I am not all that excited about doing that sort of touristy type things, but it's such a nice looking building, and there are not many tall towers near it so the view should be good.
I will be here until Tuesday and I think the weather will be fairly decent. It's supposed to be +27 and sunny both days this weekend. I am looking forward to some nice hot weather.
To me, Taipei has always been a mixture of what is good about Hong Kong, and what is good about China. You can clearly see the influences of both in this city. Taipei is a fairly wealthy city, largely due to the influence of the hi-tech industry here. Taiwan is world renowned for the quality of their electronics manufacturing sector. With the abundance of construction of tall buildings here, you'd wonder where the signs of a financial crises are.
I have not been here for a full day yet, but I have a few interesting observations. One of the things that struck me as different, compared to Hong Kong, is the proliferation of motorbikes here. There are equally as many motorbikes as there are cars here. And they travel in packs, just like Vietnam. Also, you can see the how the city is encouraging bicycle travel too. There is a large network of bikes that you can rent, all over the city. I've heard of this concept in Amsterdam, but this is the first time I've seen it in Asia. They city has developed a large network of bicycle paths all over the core, to accommodate the encouraged bicycle traffic. It's really a clever (and cheap) system.
I have not succumbed to the pressure of visiting the top of the tallest building - The Taipei 101 - yet. But, who knows, I just may before the visit is over. I am not all that excited about doing that sort of touristy type things, but it's such a nice looking building, and there are not many tall towers near it so the view should be good.
I will be here until Tuesday and I think the weather will be fairly decent. It's supposed to be +27 and sunny both days this weekend. I am looking forward to some nice hot weather.
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