Adventures and Observations

So today was a bit more normal because I went to the office and worked with my colleague at our SAP Labs offices in the suburbs of Shanghai. Although I did have some new experiences today.

While I took a taxi to the office this morning, I rode the metro back to my hotel. As mentioned previously, I have recently discovered that I am claustrophobic in large crowds. However, the crowd in the metro wasn't so bad. Plus, I had my colleague with me for extra moral support. :-) The metro is surprisingly clean considering the amount of traffic it sees everyday. Plus, the automated voice announces all stops in both Chinese and English - very convenient for us foreigners. I think I will try the metro again tomorrow by myself and see how I fare. Although I continue to get the odd stares from people - it's like they've never seen a white woman before.

Secondly, my colleague and I went out for dinner tonight after finishing up at work. For those of you who know me, you will never in a million years guess what I tried tonight.
1. Pickled baby bok choy
2. Fried pigeon (the head was even on the plate)
3. Escargot in a butter garlic sauce
4. Pork dumplings
5. Burnt green beans
6. Fermented bean curd

My favorite was the pork dumplings followed equally by the fried pigeon, escargot and pickled bok choy. I didn't really like the green beans and I about threw up in my mouth with the fermented bean curd (the smell was so awful I could barely swallow the food). I was literally having to breath through my gag reflex on the bean curd. Unfortunately, I pretty much lost most of my appetite after that. But I tried it all and am very proud of myself!!! I would never have ordered any of that for myself but had decided to try anything my colleague suggested. Yay me!! =)

While in the taxi on the way to work this morning, I was jotting down a bunch of my observations that I want to share with you all (and these aren't in any sort of order - just a random list).

1. Even when there isn't any rain or any sun, people walk around with open umbrellas. I'm assuming it's to help with the humidity but I'm at a loss as to what the umbrella actually does for you. I've now seen this three days in a row.

2. Mopeds (or vespas) have their own road rules (or don't pay attention to any road rules). And there are traffic police at most busy intersections to ensure that the mopeds follow traffic lights and signs. I was almost run over by a moped on Sunday.

3. A green walking signal at an intersection doesn't mean that the pedestrian is protected to walk across the intersection. It only means that this is the most acceptable time for you to cross. You may still be hit by a turning car or a moped (as is my case in both instances).

4. When it rains, the moped drivers have these amazing ponchos which not only cover the motorist but the entire front end of their moped with a clear plastic to allow the lights on the moped to shine through. The poncho protects their entire upper bodies, including arms and hands, as well as the entire front end of the moped. I will have to try and take a picture of this later this week so you can fully understand.

5. Drivers fully utilize their lights and horns in order to move through traffic on the roads. However neither seems rude like it most likely would in North American cities. You honk to let other drivers know to go faster or get out of the way. You also honk at pedestrians who are out in the street to make sure they know you are coming. You flash your lights to let other drivers know to get out of your way. At first I found this behavior a little alarming. But two days into my visit, I think it is efficient. I mean, don't we always complain about needing better communication? I think the Chinese have it right.

So that's my random list for today. Stay tuned for tomorrow's adventure in the metro by myself and any other mishaps I may get into. =)