Oh the Expo. The love-loathe relationship continues, but I just had to share something with you all. I stumbled up on this gem while searching the latest in Expo news. These people will do just about anything to not wait in line! Forget the traditional cutting in line. They are faking being handicapped! That just takes it to a whole new level.
Pushing, bumping and even shoving are almost everyday occurrences here. And while the Shanghainese are much more polite, considerate and aware that this doesn’t fly in the modern world, some of the “country bumpkins,” as a Hong Kong coworker called them, have some bad habits. It’s funny though because once you kind of push and fight back, they realize what they’re doing and stop.
But then, just this morning on my way to work, I saw some guy physically move this girl out of his way to get off the metro. The metro hadn't even arrived at the destination. She just kind of looked down and let this guy move her out of his way. I was a bit shocked and if I could have said something I would have.
It hasn’t just been how they try to skip lines that has been in the news but they way they act in the pavilions and treat the exhibits is also newsworthy. I was a bit amused when editing a story the other day about how exhibits are being ruined because the Chinese visitors aren’t paying attention to the “Don’t Touch” signs. They insist on touching, feeling and “exploring the items further.” They ignore fences or ropes that keep them at a distance from some of the fragile pavilions. Pavilions are even having to replace items on exhibit because the Chinese, and their love for napping any place possible, have almost destroyed some of the seating and lounging areas of the pavilion. Some how I’m not surprised.
Forget all the fancy restaurants. Forget the plethora of high-end labels. Forget the expensive cars on the highway. I know I’ve talked about how much more modern Shanghai is, but the way the some of the Chinese have torn up exhibitions and have cheated out of waiting in line, I can’t help but think: This is the China that I know. I just don't love their behavior.
Jun 27, 2010
Jun 25, 2010
Lamien Love: Material Girls
If the stereotypical Shanghainese girl had a theme song, there’s only one song that accurately captures it. And it’s loud in clear in the chorus: “We are living in a material world, and I am a material girl.”
I stumbled upon this LA Times article and couldn’t help but think about how accurate it was – Well at least in Shanghai (and probably Beijing). I’m amazed at how materialistic some of these people in Shanghai are. I never saw it like this in Nanjing.
Shanghai's changed a lot and the love of high-end goods is a little out of control. What used to be my favorite Japanese noodle restaurant is now Tiffany’s. And where a street of random Shanghai shops once stood Hermes will soon take its place. The two blocks I walk from the metro station to my office I pass Coach, Cartier and Louis Vuitton, the bane of my existence.
It’s like urban sprawl; only the sprawl is donned with hefty price tags.
And I feel bad for these Chinese guys, I really do. Some of these women’s expectations are just plain unrealistic. Prior to the move to Shanghai, I remember a coworker saying that he couldn’t live in Shanghai. “Why?” I wondered. “Because in Shanghai women won’t date you unless you have a car,” was his response.
This isn’t the first article I’ve come across that shares this same idea. Women will waste a good half of their monthly salary just to carry around a designer label. A ball-park average salary for a woman in her mid 20’s in Shanghai is about 5,000 RMB. A handbag at one of these stores is at least 3,000 RMB. You can do the math. Granted, they probably live at home so they don’t have quite as many expenses, but still. You could have saved that 3000+ for a down payment. But oh wait, that’s the guy’s responsibility.
With this kind of attitude it’s no wonder why guys are so desperate. And having to go to mom and dad for the money? I can already see the looks on my parents faces if I (or my brother) were to ask for large sums of money to put a down payment on a house just so a guy (or in my brother’s case girl) would marry him. My parents love me, but shelling out that kind of cash isn’t love... it's stupid.
As it did a few short years ago in the US, I’m sure the housing bubble will burst in Shanghai. And when it does, maybe then these young guys can finally afford the homes of their dreams (with the dream girl inside). Until then, I wish all you Chinese out there looking to marry the best of luck. Guys – good luck finding a girl who is not just looking for a roof over her head. And girls – the only thing I can say to you is good luck (and keep dreaming)!
I stumbled upon this LA Times article and couldn’t help but think about how accurate it was – Well at least in Shanghai (and probably Beijing). I’m amazed at how materialistic some of these people in Shanghai are. I never saw it like this in Nanjing.
Shanghai's changed a lot and the love of high-end goods is a little out of control. What used to be my favorite Japanese noodle restaurant is now Tiffany’s. And where a street of random Shanghai shops once stood Hermes will soon take its place. The two blocks I walk from the metro station to my office I pass Coach, Cartier and Louis Vuitton, the bane of my existence.
It’s like urban sprawl; only the sprawl is donned with hefty price tags.
And I feel bad for these Chinese guys, I really do. Some of these women’s expectations are just plain unrealistic. Prior to the move to Shanghai, I remember a coworker saying that he couldn’t live in Shanghai. “Why?” I wondered. “Because in Shanghai women won’t date you unless you have a car,” was his response.
This isn’t the first article I’ve come across that shares this same idea. Women will waste a good half of their monthly salary just to carry around a designer label. A ball-park average salary for a woman in her mid 20’s in Shanghai is about 5,000 RMB. A handbag at one of these stores is at least 3,000 RMB. You can do the math. Granted, they probably live at home so they don’t have quite as many expenses, but still. You could have saved that 3000+ for a down payment. But oh wait, that’s the guy’s responsibility.
With this kind of attitude it’s no wonder why guys are so desperate. And having to go to mom and dad for the money? I can already see the looks on my parents faces if I (or my brother) were to ask for large sums of money to put a down payment on a house just so a guy (or in my brother’s case girl) would marry him. My parents love me, but shelling out that kind of cash isn’t love... it's stupid.
As it did a few short years ago in the US, I’m sure the housing bubble will burst in Shanghai. And when it does, maybe then these young guys can finally afford the homes of their dreams (with the dream girl inside). Until then, I wish all you Chinese out there looking to marry the best of luck. Guys – good luck finding a girl who is not just looking for a roof over her head. And girls – the only thing I can say to you is good luck (and keep dreaming)!
Jun 22, 2010
The Chinese and the infamous "international"
Back when I was working in Nanjing, my boss (the Chinese one) used to love the word “international.” By hiring me and other foreign staff as non-teachers he wanted to make the organization more "international." When I first started, my job was to put together a template for a student newspaper that looked “international.” He even wanted our office to look “international.” It kind of became a running joke.
This is not an uncommon concept in China, however. Chinese companies always want to appear more “prominent,” “foreign” or “international,” and sometimes they go to great lengths to give off such appearances. A few friends have told me some stories where they were literally hired for an evening or the day just to pal around with the boss man of the company to make it seem like the company was in fact “international.” They’d usually go to some big dinner with a client or customer of the company and kow tow to the boss man, give him a little toast from time to time and make it generally look like the boss man was buddy-buddy with the foreigner. Then, after the charade was done, it was back to normal life.
Granted, I’ve never had to do anything like that, but I came pretty close the other day when I was asked to go to a press conference. The morning my boss asked me to go, her exact words were, “They just want to make it seem more ‘international.’” And here I thought my days of adding an “international flavor” were over. I am, after all, working for one of the country’s largest newspapers.
I get to the press conference with my coworker. We’re trying to get where we’re supposed to be for this conference when this crazed looking Chinese woman comes at me saying something about “the foreigner, the foreigner.” She rushes us to the room where the conference is being held and proceeds to tell my coworker (in Chinese) that I’m supposed to ask a question. I realize, I’m getting more than I bargained for. I’m the foreigner in the monkey suit making the boss man look good.
The conference wasn’t for anything that exciting. And since it was all in Chinese, I didn't really understand what was going on. Nonetheless, I read the question and everyone was happy. I even got a nice “hongbao” (a envelope of money). It goes against all the ethics I was taught back in university – sorry UF J-school – and my personal ethics, but what can I do? I’m not gonna refuse almost $100 for asking a question and going to the conference.
It’s funny how things work here. Staged questions at press conferences, using “laowai” to make themselves seem more “international” and even offering gifts to journalists (a common practice that they don't mind being completely unethical). I’m pretty sure they know that this wouldn’t fly in any Western country, and they really only do this stuff in front of their fellow Chinese. It’s all about “face.” And luckily for me, I have a face that makes them look good and earns a little extra cash.
This is not an uncommon concept in China, however. Chinese companies always want to appear more “prominent,” “foreign” or “international,” and sometimes they go to great lengths to give off such appearances. A few friends have told me some stories where they were literally hired for an evening or the day just to pal around with the boss man of the company to make it seem like the company was in fact “international.” They’d usually go to some big dinner with a client or customer of the company and kow tow to the boss man, give him a little toast from time to time and make it generally look like the boss man was buddy-buddy with the foreigner. Then, after the charade was done, it was back to normal life.
Granted, I’ve never had to do anything like that, but I came pretty close the other day when I was asked to go to a press conference. The morning my boss asked me to go, her exact words were, “They just want to make it seem more ‘international.’” And here I thought my days of adding an “international flavor” were over. I am, after all, working for one of the country’s largest newspapers.
I get to the press conference with my coworker. We’re trying to get where we’re supposed to be for this conference when this crazed looking Chinese woman comes at me saying something about “the foreigner, the foreigner.” She rushes us to the room where the conference is being held and proceeds to tell my coworker (in Chinese) that I’m supposed to ask a question. I realize, I’m getting more than I bargained for. I’m the foreigner in the monkey suit making the boss man look good.
The conference wasn’t for anything that exciting. And since it was all in Chinese, I didn't really understand what was going on. Nonetheless, I read the question and everyone was happy. I even got a nice “hongbao” (a envelope of money). It goes against all the ethics I was taught back in university – sorry UF J-school – and my personal ethics, but what can I do? I’m not gonna refuse almost $100 for asking a question and going to the conference.
It’s funny how things work here. Staged questions at press conferences, using “laowai” to make themselves seem more “international” and even offering gifts to journalists (a common practice that they don't mind being completely unethical). I’m pretty sure they know that this wouldn’t fly in any Western country, and they really only do this stuff in front of their fellow Chinese. It’s all about “face.” And luckily for me, I have a face that makes them look good and earns a little extra cash.
Jun 20, 2010
Chinese drivers are the worst!
The inevitable has happened. After almost a year straight in China and all the times I’ve been here before, I’ve finally been in a taxi accident. It’s a bit overdue, and I feel as though its a right of passage to really "living" in China. That’s not to say it wasn’t one of the most terrifying things that’s ever happened to me.
I was on the way home from a fun party with some old SH friends and about a block from my apartment when the incident happened. We were stopped at a stoplight just before the turn to my apartment when WHAM, my head knocked against the side of the car and just outside my passenger door window was a blue construction truck ramming the side of the taxi. My memory is blurry, but I even think the side of the car came of the ground. I was sliding to the other side of the cab when the truck finally stopped. I was terrified. All I could do was sit and make sure my head was OK and then, in girly fashion, start crying. I can count on one hand the number of car accidents I’ve been in, but being in one in China was a lot different.
Still in shock, the taxi driver asked if I was ok and if I “had time.” I guess he wanted me to stick around and talk to the police. I sat in the car for about 5 minutes unsure of what to do. Once the cab driver realized I just wanted to go home and that my Chinese probably wasn’t too good enough to talk to anyone, he said I should just go home. Luckily I was totally fine. But the experience was a definite reminder of what I’ve thought all along – that a lot of Chinese drivers are idiots.
The quality of drivers is definitely better in Shanghai – mainly the taxi drivers. They obey traffic signs and seem to know what they’re doing when navigating crowded streets more so than in Nanjing (+1 Shanghai), but you also get a lot of out-of-towners who have no clue what they’re doing, probably like that moron truck driver.
On the way to Changzhou and the dino amusement park with Ellen and her family, I remember fearing for my life a few times. Her dad is the worst driver I have ever ridden with, and that’s saying a lot with some of the idiots I’ve been in cars with. Her dad got lost and reversed on highways, stopped for minutes at a time on exit ramps to read maps and even drove without headlights for much of the night on the way back to Nanjing – a surprisingly common mishap among drivers. Seriously, I don’t know how more people don’t die in car accidents in China.
One time, a taxi driver asked if I ever drove in China. I replied with a strong “No way.” I tried to explain that Chinese drivers are much different than American drivers. He seemed to know and understand what I was talking about. If even the taxi drivers know that Chinese drivers are bad, then all the more reason to stay off the roads.
I was on the way home from a fun party with some old SH friends and about a block from my apartment when the incident happened. We were stopped at a stoplight just before the turn to my apartment when WHAM, my head knocked against the side of the car and just outside my passenger door window was a blue construction truck ramming the side of the taxi. My memory is blurry, but I even think the side of the car came of the ground. I was sliding to the other side of the cab when the truck finally stopped. I was terrified. All I could do was sit and make sure my head was OK and then, in girly fashion, start crying. I can count on one hand the number of car accidents I’ve been in, but being in one in China was a lot different.
Still in shock, the taxi driver asked if I was ok and if I “had time.” I guess he wanted me to stick around and talk to the police. I sat in the car for about 5 minutes unsure of what to do. Once the cab driver realized I just wanted to go home and that my Chinese probably wasn’t too good enough to talk to anyone, he said I should just go home. Luckily I was totally fine. But the experience was a definite reminder of what I’ve thought all along – that a lot of Chinese drivers are idiots.
The quality of drivers is definitely better in Shanghai – mainly the taxi drivers. They obey traffic signs and seem to know what they’re doing when navigating crowded streets more so than in Nanjing (+1 Shanghai), but you also get a lot of out-of-towners who have no clue what they’re doing, probably like that moron truck driver.
On the way to Changzhou and the dino amusement park with Ellen and her family, I remember fearing for my life a few times. Her dad is the worst driver I have ever ridden with, and that’s saying a lot with some of the idiots I’ve been in cars with. Her dad got lost and reversed on highways, stopped for minutes at a time on exit ramps to read maps and even drove without headlights for much of the night on the way back to Nanjing – a surprisingly common mishap among drivers. Seriously, I don’t know how more people don’t die in car accidents in China.
One time, a taxi driver asked if I ever drove in China. I replied with a strong “No way.” I tried to explain that Chinese drivers are much different than American drivers. He seemed to know and understand what I was talking about. If even the taxi drivers know that Chinese drivers are bad, then all the more reason to stay off the roads.
Jun 15, 2010
Back from a respite!
Well I have been a very busy cookie lately, hence the lack of posts. From adjusting to the new job, doing some freelance, starting Chinese lessons and now teaching a little Chinese girl, there’s been little time for blogging. Now that the summer seems to have arrived and its so humid that you start feeling sticky within 5 minutes, I’ll probably be spending more time indoors.. Aka blogging.
So, I’ve been back in Shanghai almost 2 months now. I’ve been back to Nanjing a few times to see the significant other and, you know, I’m torn on what city I like better. There are some aspects about Shanghai that make life so much more convenient, but there are a few things that I miss about Nanjing. So, in light of the World Cup and the fierce competition going on (OK - yall probably aren’t watching the World Cup) that I thought I’d have a little series to see which city is really better for me. May the best city win.
First on the score card, and the most important, is the food selection. I have felt (almost) like I’ve been home for two months with the food selections in Shanghai. The foreign grocery stores have a great selection of foreign foods (they even have turkey – no Chinese people don’t eat turkey) and cheap fresh veggies, bread and fruits. And there’s almost every kind of restaurant. There’s good Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian and even a Mexican place that is somewhere between a Mexican place and Moe’s. There’s no queso dip to be found, but I’m dealing. The only downside is its expensive. And while Nanjing really only had a handful of tasty restaurants, they were always good and cheaper than in Shanghai. There’s also the variety issue. There was pretty much one of everything in Nanjing that was good. Here, there’s almost too much variety. But I have to say having more variety beats out the price. There’s always 5 kuai noodles to balance the budget.
+1 Shanghai
Next on the list is the esteemed DVD selections. While you at home are spending who knows how much on cable, DVRs or movie rentals, here in China I can get the latest movies and TV series for a steal. And now that I’m in Shanghai, the selection and quality are tip-top. I got season 5 and 6 of Lost and season 6 of The Office for about $20. And had I been in Nanjing it would have probably been like $10. While the quality and selection of DVDs is far better than in Nanjing, they are much more expensive here. And for something that I’m not likely to watch over and over again, I’m going to have to say I’d prefer to pay less for my DVDs even though the sound tracking maybe off from time to time.
+1 Nanjing
The nice thing about living in a country of more than one billion people is there is plenty to do. Nanjing, in particular, has some great historical sites, pretty scenic areas and even those hot springs. It’s really an interesting city that has been through a lot. But being in China’s business center, has its advantages. While it doesn’t have the historical aspect going for it, there are fun concerts, art galleries and museums that are always changing. And as far as sporting clubs, Nanjing’s only big one was a running group. Shanghai has an entire league for dodgeball, basketball, flag football and even volleyball. So while Nanjing’s history may be more interesting, there’s a lot more to do in Shanghai.
+1 Shanghai
Today’s winner is Shanghai. Despite the humid, sticky weather, Shanghai and I are really getting along right now. However, there’s only so much muggy, wet, rainy season I can handle. So Nanjing still has a chance to come back. We’ll have to see for next time.
So, I’ve been back in Shanghai almost 2 months now. I’ve been back to Nanjing a few times to see the significant other and, you know, I’m torn on what city I like better. There are some aspects about Shanghai that make life so much more convenient, but there are a few things that I miss about Nanjing. So, in light of the World Cup and the fierce competition going on (OK - yall probably aren’t watching the World Cup) that I thought I’d have a little series to see which city is really better for me. May the best city win.
First on the score card, and the most important, is the food selection. I have felt (almost) like I’ve been home for two months with the food selections in Shanghai. The foreign grocery stores have a great selection of foreign foods (they even have turkey – no Chinese people don’t eat turkey) and cheap fresh veggies, bread and fruits. And there’s almost every kind of restaurant. There’s good Chinese, Indian, Thai, Italian and even a Mexican place that is somewhere between a Mexican place and Moe’s. There’s no queso dip to be found, but I’m dealing. The only downside is its expensive. And while Nanjing really only had a handful of tasty restaurants, they were always good and cheaper than in Shanghai. There’s also the variety issue. There was pretty much one of everything in Nanjing that was good. Here, there’s almost too much variety. But I have to say having more variety beats out the price. There’s always 5 kuai noodles to balance the budget.
+1 Shanghai
Next on the list is the esteemed DVD selections. While you at home are spending who knows how much on cable, DVRs or movie rentals, here in China I can get the latest movies and TV series for a steal. And now that I’m in Shanghai, the selection and quality are tip-top. I got season 5 and 6 of Lost and season 6 of The Office for about $20. And had I been in Nanjing it would have probably been like $10. While the quality and selection of DVDs is far better than in Nanjing, they are much more expensive here. And for something that I’m not likely to watch over and over again, I’m going to have to say I’d prefer to pay less for my DVDs even though the sound tracking maybe off from time to time.
+1 Nanjing
The nice thing about living in a country of more than one billion people is there is plenty to do. Nanjing, in particular, has some great historical sites, pretty scenic areas and even those hot springs. It’s really an interesting city that has been through a lot. But being in China’s business center, has its advantages. While it doesn’t have the historical aspect going for it, there are fun concerts, art galleries and museums that are always changing. And as far as sporting clubs, Nanjing’s only big one was a running group. Shanghai has an entire league for dodgeball, basketball, flag football and even volleyball. So while Nanjing’s history may be more interesting, there’s a lot more to do in Shanghai.
+1 Shanghai
Today’s winner is Shanghai. Despite the humid, sticky weather, Shanghai and I are really getting along right now. However, there’s only so much muggy, wet, rainy season I can handle. So Nanjing still has a chance to come back. We’ll have to see for next time.
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