At the end of June I had the opportunity to sit on a panel for Notre Dame Executive MBA students and serve as a resource as an expat who had relocated to Shanghai. I thought it was a panel anyway – the other individual canceled that morning so I was the sole representative for an hour of questions. After telling my story I was asked all kinds of things – some pertaining to my job in the employee benefits industry, some about pace of life, culture, differences, …
One of the comments I got was that things didn't seem that busy here – the restaurants are half empty and there weren't that many people. I tried to explain the levels here – that the best restaurant in the city isn't the one at ground level, but instead on the 6th floor of an office building or that in the subway there is a complete shopping mall that you'd never notice from the street level. I suggested that he come with me through the People's Square subway station at 5pm and see if he thought it wasn't crowded.
Today on my way to work I got another reminder of the layers in the city. I have walked to work almost every day for the past nine months (except for that month period with my knee), trying different routes but sticking mostly to the same way. As I looked up I realized that there was a complete set of bird cages on the second floor of a building looking kind of like they were for homing pigeons – with maybe 12 or 15 birds inside. There was a gentleman leaning out the window petting and feeding his birds. I never noticed that before even though I've eaten at the small restaurant just below.
It's a good reminder that it is possible to develop a comfort level and how normal changes over time. Any examples from you? Is there anything you don't notice now?
Monday, June 29, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Summer musings
After my wonderful trip to Toronto and Chicago (where I saw weather in the 50s), I plunged directly into summer after my return. Highs the last week or so have been in upper 80s and last weekend the thermometer hit 97 degrees. Fun, fun, fun! Between my now twice or thrice daily showers, I have reverted to the simple pleasures you find when it's warm including:
- Dresses - nothing sets up a summer day like a dress - casual, formal, they're easy and breezy. I may boycott pants until October. - Ice pops – I have a set of the little pops like I did when I was a kid and I have been making them like a fiend – apple juice, grape juice and orange soda have all found their way in. Perfect on a hot day!
- Puddle jumping – I am now the proud owner of a pair of crocs which are perfect for stomping in puddles. When it’s 90 degrees outside who cares if you get wet!
- Out running thunderstorms – the other day I went to the supermarket in the evening and could smell the rain on the air but didn’t bring an umbrella. I hurried through my list and as I exited could feel the first drops starting to hit my cheeks as lightning cracked overhead. I hiked up my skirt, grabbed my bag in both hands and ran, the wind tousling my hair and pushing me. I made it in the door just as it started to pour.
- Lazy afternoons – I have spent several weekend days exploring – one weekend went to 上海文庙 (Shanghai Confucian Temple) in the late afternoon with the sun streaming down. It was almost deserted and so peaceful with a water garden and sheltered courtyards.
What do you like to do when the sun beats down? Do you venture outside or find things to keep you busy in the dark?
Happy Summer for the longest day of the year –
G
Monday, June 22, 2009
Seven month ceremony
This weekend my good friend Ade celebrated the seventh month of her pregnancy with a traditional Indonesian seven month ceremony. Or rather, semi-traditional as it occurred in Shanghai using certain foods that her mom had brought from Indonesia and the guests were a multinational crew from all corners of the earth. Ade had asked me over a month ago to be the master of ceremonies and so I was also an integral part of this happy event.
Prior to the party, Ade and Nick had prepared a one page “cheat sheet” for me so I could perform my duties. They involved getting people’s attention when the ceremony was supposed to begin, giving people clues as to the appropriate behavior and explaining the meaning and custom of each of the six separate steps. Seven is deemed the perfect number in Javanese culture and thus after seven months it is appropriate to welcome the baby into the world prior to birth. I won’t try to include the Indonesian words here, but please find the major rituals below:
1) Blessings – Ade asked for blessing from her mother and Nick to welcome the baby into the world. It was very emotional part of the ceremony.
2) Ritual bathing – Nick and Ade’s mother both had to pour water on Ade in seven key areas. This happened on the balcony and Ade got soaked – she had to change her clothes after that. After getting doused, Nick broke the clay pot used so that it could not be used again.
3) Symbolism of birth – an egg was dropped down the front of Ade’s gown to symbolize easy delivery, then a string tied around her waist was cut by Nick, finally two coconuts (only symbolizing a girl and the other a boy) were hidden in the fold of her garment and Nick had to chose one. He kept trying to choose both, but eventually he selected the girl. We’ll see if it’s right! After that Ade had to change her clothes seven times. This was where the audience participation started coming in. I prepped the group that we were not supposed to like the first six wraps. As her mother wrapped them around I would ask, “So, what do we think of this one?” It was great, the crowd really got into it, booing, groaning, etc. When she finally put on the seventh wrap she got a resounding round of applause (even though it was the ugliest).
4) Cutting the coconut – Nick had to prove his power and chop open a coconut. It took him five strokes. I hope that doesn’t mean Ade will have five hours of labor! This also happened outside and our timing was perfect because just when it finished it started pouring.
5) Buying blessings with fruit salad – After changing her clothes again, Ade and Nick had to serve us a traditional fruit salad, but we all had to pay for it. This symbolizes that we were hoping that all the good points of each of them were given to the child. I passed out ritual coins and everyone ate the salad which we had to say we liked or otherwise it would be bad luck. The salad was good – no need to fib.
6) Cutting the rice – the final event was Nick had to cut a traditional cone shaped rice dish in two to signify that he would be a good provider. We all watched and applauded then helped ourselves to rice, meatballs and other Indonesian specialties.
Afterwards several people recommended that I go on the Indonesian seven month ceremony MC circuit. I’m not sure what the demand is in Shanghai – but if anyone is looking for an MC….
I feel blessed to be included in such a special event. All the best to Ade, Nick and the little one on the way.
Cheers!
Prior to the party, Ade and Nick had prepared a one page “cheat sheet” for me so I could perform my duties. They involved getting people’s attention when the ceremony was supposed to begin, giving people clues as to the appropriate behavior and explaining the meaning and custom of each of the six separate steps. Seven is deemed the perfect number in Javanese culture and thus after seven months it is appropriate to welcome the baby into the world prior to birth. I won’t try to include the Indonesian words here, but please find the major rituals below:
1) Blessings – Ade asked for blessing from her mother and Nick to welcome the baby into the world. It was very emotional part of the ceremony.
2) Ritual bathing – Nick and Ade’s mother both had to pour water on Ade in seven key areas. This happened on the balcony and Ade got soaked – she had to change her clothes after that. After getting doused, Nick broke the clay pot used so that it could not be used again.
3) Symbolism of birth – an egg was dropped down the front of Ade’s gown to symbolize easy delivery, then a string tied around her waist was cut by Nick, finally two coconuts (only symbolizing a girl and the other a boy) were hidden in the fold of her garment and Nick had to chose one. He kept trying to choose both, but eventually he selected the girl. We’ll see if it’s right! After that Ade had to change her clothes seven times. This was where the audience participation started coming in. I prepped the group that we were not supposed to like the first six wraps. As her mother wrapped them around I would ask, “So, what do we think of this one?” It was great, the crowd really got into it, booing, groaning, etc. When she finally put on the seventh wrap she got a resounding round of applause (even though it was the ugliest).
4) Cutting the coconut – Nick had to prove his power and chop open a coconut. It took him five strokes. I hope that doesn’t mean Ade will have five hours of labor! This also happened outside and our timing was perfect because just when it finished it started pouring.
5) Buying blessings with fruit salad – After changing her clothes again, Ade and Nick had to serve us a traditional fruit salad, but we all had to pay for it. This symbolizes that we were hoping that all the good points of each of them were given to the child. I passed out ritual coins and everyone ate the salad which we had to say we liked or otherwise it would be bad luck. The salad was good – no need to fib.
6) Cutting the rice – the final event was Nick had to cut a traditional cone shaped rice dish in two to signify that he would be a good provider. We all watched and applauded then helped ourselves to rice, meatballs and other Indonesian specialties.
Afterwards several people recommended that I go on the Indonesian seven month ceremony MC circuit. I’m not sure what the demand is in Shanghai – but if anyone is looking for an MC….
I feel blessed to be included in such a special event. All the best to Ade, Nick and the little one on the way.
Cheers!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Stars
Chris came to visit this weekend. It was great to see him and hear how life in Yantai differs from life in Shanghai. Saturday night we went to dinner with friends in Pudong then walked along the Pudong side of the Bund. The weather was beautiful and the lights on the buildings sparkling and spinning. A man was singing and playing the guitar making our own soundtrack as we walked up and down talking about life and the changes that occur so quickly here.
Walking back to my apartment after a great evening I looked up and realized that I could see stars. I think it is the first time I have noticed them here. The big dipper was twinkling down among the lights of Shanghai. Even in Shanghai the stars are the same.
Next time you look at the stars think of me on the other side of the world and smile.
G
Walking back to my apartment after a great evening I looked up and realized that I could see stars. I think it is the first time I have noticed them here. The big dipper was twinkling down among the lights of Shanghai. Even in Shanghai the stars are the same.
Next time you look at the stars think of me on the other side of the world and smile.
G
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Seeing red
It started with a pretty small comment a week or two before my mom came– “I think your eye looks swollen.”
Then at the beginning of April it progressed to – “Are you ok? Your eye is kind of red.”
I knew it was a major issue when the head of the Shanghai office walked up to me after mom left and out of the blue said, “你的眼睛怎么了？” (What's up with your eye?)
Thus began my third adventure with the Shanghai healthcare system.
As you know, my previous two experiences were not really planned – the knee happened at that party and the wrist as I tumbled to the ground after my client meeting. I used local hospitals and for the most part was satisfied with service and price. However, with my eye – I was a bit more skeptical and I had time to think about the process, procedure and potential problems. So, like many expats before me I made an appointment at Shanghai United Family Hospital.
My initial appointment was the Friday after my mom left. My Chinese teacher agreed to come with me and the two of us investigated the very western looking facility. I had made an appointment, got checked by a nurse, saw the doctor for a consultation; we determined I should come back next week for surgery and prepared to leave. I was starting to feel like Jasmine had come along for nothing until I tried to pay.
At the window they informed me that since I had direct billing, I did not need to pay anything. I accepted this and signed. Then I realized that I didn't have a receipt, a diagnosis form or any idea how much the cost was. Since I do have a deductible, I figured I should at least be aware of the cost. But when I asked for at least a receipt, no luck, they just kept repeating – “You have direct billing.” Jasmine and I pow-wowed in the lobby and finally she went back and said, “My friend needs a bill to show her company.” I got the receipt.
The following Friday (already feeling a bit under the weather due to a slight relapse from the flu I had in Sanya), I went back for my surgery appointment. Another friend went with me this time. We waited for a while and then I went in for the surgery. The procedure was very similar to one that I had in Chicago a couple of years ago, but took much longer due to the size of the bump. I exited wearing an eye patch, grasping some antibiotics but this time asked for the receipt for my company at the beginning instead of the end.
Almost three weeks later I am feeling much better. My eye is just about back to normal, I can wear my contact lenses again and I have now experienced another medical facility in Shanghai. Three times is enough. Let's hope this accident prone streak ends here.
Question – In my family we normally say things happen in threes – could be good things, bad things, funny things. This is my third experience. Have you had any threes happen to you lately?
Then at the beginning of April it progressed to – “Are you ok? Your eye is kind of red.”
I knew it was a major issue when the head of the Shanghai office walked up to me after mom left and out of the blue said, “你的眼睛怎么了？” (What's up with your eye?)
Thus began my third adventure with the Shanghai healthcare system.
As you know, my previous two experiences were not really planned – the knee happened at that party and the wrist as I tumbled to the ground after my client meeting. I used local hospitals and for the most part was satisfied with service and price. However, with my eye – I was a bit more skeptical and I had time to think about the process, procedure and potential problems. So, like many expats before me I made an appointment at Shanghai United Family Hospital.
My initial appointment was the Friday after my mom left. My Chinese teacher agreed to come with me and the two of us investigated the very western looking facility. I had made an appointment, got checked by a nurse, saw the doctor for a consultation; we determined I should come back next week for surgery and prepared to leave. I was starting to feel like Jasmine had come along for nothing until I tried to pay.
At the window they informed me that since I had direct billing, I did not need to pay anything. I accepted this and signed. Then I realized that I didn't have a receipt, a diagnosis form or any idea how much the cost was. Since I do have a deductible, I figured I should at least be aware of the cost. But when I asked for at least a receipt, no luck, they just kept repeating – “You have direct billing.” Jasmine and I pow-wowed in the lobby and finally she went back and said, “My friend needs a bill to show her company.” I got the receipt.
The following Friday (already feeling a bit under the weather due to a slight relapse from the flu I had in Sanya), I went back for my surgery appointment. Another friend went with me this time. We waited for a while and then I went in for the surgery. The procedure was very similar to one that I had in Chicago a couple of years ago, but took much longer due to the size of the bump. I exited wearing an eye patch, grasping some antibiotics but this time asked for the receipt for my company at the beginning instead of the end.
Almost three weeks later I am feeling much better. My eye is just about back to normal, I can wear my contact lenses again and I have now experienced another medical facility in Shanghai. Three times is enough. Let's hope this accident prone streak ends here.
Question – In my family we normally say things happen in threes – could be good things, bad things, funny things. This is my third experience. Have you had any threes happen to you lately?
Also - thank you to my loyal fans. I have had several comments and emails asking why I have not been posting as much lately. Work has been keeping me busy and with the eye issue looking at a computer for a while was pretty challenging. I pledge to do better moving forward.
G
Saturday, May 9, 2009
15 seconds
Two weeks ago I went to the Shanghai motorshow with a friend. It was enormous - 11 huge areas full of cars, parts, models and people - over 500,000 attending the show over the course of the week. The highlight though was that I was interviewed by a local news station while we were there.
After 7 hours of looking at cars I made it home around 7pm to receive several text messages that I was on the 6:30 news! Luckily there was a repeat broadcast at 9:30 which we recorded in the below. If you're curious I'm saying that I am for electric cars and that I believe this year and next year we should all start using them.
The next day I was in the elevator and one of my colleagues said, "I saw you on TV in the subway!" It appears that this story was also played on the TVs in the subway during Monday morning rush hour.
I am famous - at least for a little while - maybe 15 seconds of my 15 minutes. No autographs, please.
Cheers!
G
After 7 hours of looking at cars I made it home around 7pm to receive several text messages that I was on the 6:30 news! Luckily there was a repeat broadcast at 9:30 which we recorded in the below. If you're curious I'm saying that I am for electric cars and that I believe this year and next year we should all start using them.
The next day I was in the elevator and one of my colleagues said, "I saw you on TV in the subway!" It appears that this story was also played on the TVs in the subway during Monday morning rush hour.
I am famous - at least for a little while - maybe 15 seconds of my 15 minutes. No autographs, please.
Cheers!
G
Sunday, April 19, 2009
A Guest Post
Written April 14, 2009
Greetings to those who follow The Shanghai Chronicle. Today I picked up the mantle of its first guest blogger. I am G's mother, and have been in China for two weeks and will leave tomorrow. We have had quite a time. I've decided to give a list of thoughts I've collected over the trip:
1. It's a very long flight when you add a five hour delay in Chicago. (From home to Shanghai took approximately 24 hours.)
2. Thrilled to see my daughter alive and well. (Deep down I knew she would be, but it's so good to touch!)
3. I met Ade, one of G's good friends. She's a lovely, happy person with a beautiful smile and sparkly eyes.
4. We had a wonderful Beijing hotpot dinner with Curt and Sara. I've decided Curt's a foodie. If you need a great place to eat in Shanghai, ask Curt.
5. I had my first pedicure and manicure at the same time... I felt like a kept woman with all that pampering. :)
6. Part of the program was a four night stay in Sanya, which is an island in the South China Sea. The resort and spa were wonderful. Thoughts about the stay:
- WILDLIFE - lots of dragonflies, butterflies, feral cats singing at 5am, the best was a Wall Tiger (壁虎 - a gecko) sitting next to G; she was not amused
- SPA - four hours of bliss, I know I'm a kept woman (thank you David)
- THE VIEW - a private coral bay, lovely mountains and a restful horizon line
- FOOD - simple and of course we ate too much
- PROBLEMS - Although covered and sunsprayed, I got sunburned. G on the other hand picked up some sort of "flu bug" (very nasty!)
We left Sanya whipped and spent the next few days recuperating. The apartment is great so we read lots, laid around and watched TV - she has English cable! There also were these wonderful peanuts with salt and sugar on them. I'll miss those (and my daughter) when I come home.
Today she went back to work [BOO HISS, but one must pay the bills]. My final test here in China is to walk by myself to her office. Map and cell phone in hand, I'm up for the adventure!
Signing off-
Mom
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