I arrived in Shanghai about a week and a half ago. I’ve been out and about, and I’ve finally started class yeterday. This city (or country) is quite interesting and very different than the States. Here are a couple things I’ve observed:
You can smoke anywhere. And seriously, anywhere. Inside a restaurant, inside the mall, inside the club, inside an elevator. I went clubbing a couple times, and the clubs are always filllllllled with smoke, to the point where my eyes water, and it’s hard to breathe. I’ve even been burnt by a cigarette on the dance floor. In the morning, my entire chest feels tight, and I have trouble breathing.
Clubbing is a power trip. In Shanghai, the locals don’t do much dancing. Rather, they just buy out tables with loads and loads of alcohol, and they play dice. It’s just a status symbol. But the gays don’t have a need to impress ladies, so they’re like free entertainment.
Pedestrians never have the right of way. Crossing the street is a game of Frogger, and no one ever slows down because you’re in front of them.
(Soft) Drinks are just as expensive as meals. In decent sit down restaurants, an entree will come out to be about 25-40 rmb. Drinks can be the same.
BAO ZI, BAO ZI, BAO ZI. They’re everywhere!
The language barrier is harder than I expected. I’m having a hard time doing things on my own, which is a huge problem for me since I’m highly independent. But so far, I’ve learned how to push off solicitors, count, thank people, order ”the eight dollar one,” and say “I love money.”
