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....