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...