Sweet Home Dongguan...

Don't worry all-I will be less frequent with posts as we progress.

Dongguan is beautiful city and nothing what I expected. From some of my earlier posts, I want to ensure I am painting a somewhat accurate picture of what life if like. China so far seems to be a collision of culture (old and new), perspective (East and West), and lifestyle (20th century vs. Ancient tradition)-

The scenes are striking and constant-such as a beautiful state of the art 85 story office tower with a buggy being pulled by a horse in front of it. I literally saw people working in the fields while stopping to text message on their cell phones. Dongguan's residents are almost all from somewhere else, as they came to the coast in search of jobs and stability. The structures are new and well laid out in comparison to some of the other areas I have been so far.

The hotel I am now staying, -Dongguan Exhibition Int'l Hotel, is striking for a number of reasons. First, I am convinced there is more staff than actual guests. At dinner last night, there were 3 people staring at me the entire time. (Not unusual depending on what trouble I might be getting into, but not for this venue.) Every time I would even glance their way, 2 would approach to see what I needed. I was brought newspapers, something resembling a Mai Tai, and a pair of scissors. (The last 2 were inadvertent and I believe lost in the translation of what I was requesting. For this attention, my steak dinner and a drink came to 95 RMB or about $11.90 USD. I'm still struggling not tipping, but I could get used to it...

After dinner, I continued exploring the hotel, and found a piano type bar. No one was playing, and there were only a couple of other people in the bar-both Chinese. I sat down and was able to point to the picture of a beer on the menu. Both the other patrons approached and sat next to me. Neither spoke English, so we all nodded and smiled for a while.

The doors opened and a gentlemen in a suit approached, and stated welcome to our Hotel Mr. Redden. Aside from the fact that I had no idea how he knew who I was-this entire scene was quickly becoming odd. He introduced himself as Manager of some sort, and wanted to ensure everything was to my liking. He asked if I liked music, and wanted to hear some. I said sure, and without warning he slapped his hands and a band appeared on stage. (I can't make this up-I swear)-They began playing some Chinese tune, and I expressed my appreciation that it was nice. As if sensing that may not be what I had in mind, he asked if I liked American music, and they could play "American music very very better". I said sure, not really knowing what might happen next...

I have never before wanted a video camera so badly, as when this Chinese Band broke into "Sweet Home AlaWaaaabama" Where skywassss are sowa Bluewa!!! I cannot do it justice in this context, but rest assured I will be visiting that establishment again!

These people are really wonderful.
My best to you all in Sweet Home Flowiddddaaaaa!!!

On the road again!

I could have easily titled this one-you saw what???

Ghaunzhou was definitely a large city. I had never even heard of it, and the population is over 12 million. Lots of parks, trees, street vendors, traffic, and of course people. Went out for a walk in the evening and the lights reminded me of times square, only on steroids. People and vendors are everywhere selling everything. I saw so much food I didn't recognize what was being cooked and sold on the streets. Some of what I did recognize looked good.

On this one walk, I observed a bike carrying live pigs in baskets strapped to the back. A small (mini) van went by and I did a double take as the entire back was filled with live ducks. In any event, the sights are a ton of fun.

As I am now traveling further south to Dongguan, I saw thousands of acres of banana plantations on the road south. This is yet another city I couldn't find on the map, but I am told the population is over 8 million.-have I mentioned there are a crapload of people here...

This morning I went out for a jog at sunrise (still haven't gotten used to time change) and encountered hundreds of people in one of the parks. Most were doing what I have been told is "Tao-Chi". Several had swords and staffs they were using to exercise. They moved in deliberate movements and seemed oblivious to the crowds of a gawking westerner who was dying to find a starbucks...

Some of these scenes really have struck me as surreal...hope you are all well.

Flying in China

While I thought some of the big cities in the US were bad to fly in and out of, nothing can compare to the amazing rush and throng of people at the Shanghai airport. Luckily, an assistant from the office helped naviage through the madness...

In China, I am quickly learning that lines are irrelevant. People are used to being crowded and push in unison towards whatever funnel they are being pressed into. Amazingly, I also found them very efficient.

While Boarding a plane, terror were no rows called. Our bus dropped us in front of a 737, and I swear it was completely loaded in 6 minutes. Everyone continues to be gracious beyond belief.
I was bumped up to first class with the only other western person on the plane. (seriously, there were only 2 of us in the first class section) I think they thought I was a basketball scout, or western banker (must have been the suit)-but I appreciated the gesture anyway. The meal was better than many restaurants, and as I cut the meat with my steak knife, I realized post 9-11 changes were not really applicable in China... The level of service everywhere so far, is really something I have not experienced in the nicest US hotels. It is not uncommon for multiple people in the hotels and restaurant's to be falling over themselves trying to help you. Unfortunately, they have no idea what you want because of the communication difficulty, but they are still trying to help.

Last night at dinner with my co-worker Pam from NH in the US, I noticed that the waitress continued to stare at us the entire time. I thought I had something on my nose, or she thought we might run out on the check. Pam assured me that she was waiting on us to signal for any need. Our tab was around $4 per person for the food. It also seemed odd to me that all food was served to me-even what Pam ordered for herself. After I inadvertently started eating some of Pam's food-she pointed this out to me. I haven't figured this out yet, maybe more to come later....

Does anyone speak English?

Today I had the opportunity to participate in several meetings in Shanghai.
I cannot stress enough how gracious and hospitable the local people seem to be. In several meetings, they were attempting to speak English for my benefit. Once I insisted that was not necessary, they would reluctantly switch back to Chinese. I have picked up a couple of phrases, and they seem to enjoy Chinese with a southern drawl.

While I could not understand anything, it is amazing how much you really do pick up through body language. At one point I thought I understood one member from the group infer that I was funny looking even for an American-(I picked up the American part)…

At every meeting we were served some type of beverage and refreshment. It was warm water on a couple of occasions. While I have been told not to drink the water, faking it was sort of difficult. I even thought a couple were secretly thinking, “let’s see if the American drinks it…” We were also served some type of Tea, and coffee. Tea is very, very popular from what I can tell-I have tried what has been served to me, and it hasn’t been bad. One had big leaves and debris floating in it, but I assumed that was normal.

On the streets, I saw vendors selling everything from crabs and assorted seafood to chicks and birds. Streets are loud and vibrant with action everywhere. You see bikes by the thousands, and will literally see hundreds parked by every subway entrance. Horns really are a second language, and pedestrians receive no right of way. I can’t believe you don’t see more as hood ornaments for the assorted taxi’s and buses blowing through the city.

Even in a city such as Shanghai, they seem fascinated by Western people. Most have not been outside China due to obvious Visa restrictions. They are fascinated by our perspective and culture. Unfortunately for those of you who know me well, know that I have little culture to offer, but will attempt anyway.

I’m traveling to Guangzhou in the south tomorrow on a late flight, so it may be a few days before I check back in-my best to you all.

Shanghai arrival-

The flight to China was much quicker than expected.

On Sunday Sept 24th, the kids helped get me ready and we were off to the airport. I was actually a little nervous about the packing, and really not knowing what to expect. After receiving every shot known to man-kind, it concerned me that they may expect me to contract that many diseases.

The flight from Atlanta to Seoul took 14 1/2 hours. I read, watched movies, worked on the laptop, and re-wrote War and Peace and still had time for a nap. The seat was amazing. It actually converted to a total sleeper and had massage functionality. (I have ordered one for the office at home)

I was brought back to earth on the flight from Seoul to Shanghai. Flight was oversold and I ended up in middle in Coach. It was then that I realized Coach seats are even smaller on these aircraft than domestic in US. My knees were in the person's back in the seat in front of me as I sat down. It was also here that i realized very few people seemed to wear deodorant. (Not a huge deal-just an observation...) Once my eyes stopped watering, I was able to see in time to land in Shanghai.

truly awesome...Amazing city, even by night.

Director of China was gracious enough to meet us at airport. After clearing customs it was nearly . After my last flight, I decided against asking the customs agent if it was ok if I was importing several cases of deodorant ...didn't know if he would appreciate the need.

Hotel is very accommodating-Four Seasons in downtown Shanghai-beautiful view out window-on 15th floor. I have already blown all electrical plugs in room-tried to plug in IPOD -can't find re-sets. In addition, I have figured out way to short AC. I think it was when I plugged in hair dryer.

I went for a jog this morning, and it was a wild experience. It doesn't even compare to jogging in NYC. The people, traffic, and more interesting modes of transportation, make for substantial entertainment value. Many interesting things including multiple kids,baggage, and animals on a motorbike, cars smaller than a VW bug, and pedestrians receiving no right of way whatsoever.

Neat people and neat city-some even speak English...

Tons of details

I'm busy trying to tie up loose ends and get ready to fly out on Sunday.

I enjoyed the shots more than you know. For those of you who have not had the pleasure, allow me to expand. Since I have never before been to Asia, there were approximately 122 shots required in advance. My technician, (Helga the horrible) asked me to run through the waiting room while she peppered me with a high powered gun to administer shots.

It was all I hoped for, and so much more....

More posts to come once I arrive in China.
(There were actually only 7 shots, but it wasn't enough to support my wailing-)

It's official-off to Asia

I am excited as I have received official word I am off to Asia, next Sunday September 24th. I am setting up this blog as a way to communicate in the next 6 months. If you don't have something more exciting to do like watch paint dry, or do your tax return, it could provide plenty of stimuation...
Seriously, hopefully this will make it easier to catch up on a few highlights while away.

I will spend the next few days getting ready, and picking up some literature to ensure I don't spark an international incident while on assignment.

More to come-let's get started.