Today was a REALLY fun day here in Shanghai. We went out to see the city. There is a famous TV tower in the middle of Shanghai that you take the elevator up to the second sphere. There were a lot of Chinese tourists and they were so cute with their matching hats and lookind strangely at us. The view was a bit hazy but amazing! The boats going past and the skyscrapers extending into the fog. We got to see the building that they filmed Mission Impossible 3 on where he swings from building to building. The view was great but the best part of the day was yet to come.
We went down to the bottom of the building where they had a Shanghai history museum. I went with Christian, Chris, and Jared. They had wax figures doing native jobs. It was interesting to see life back then. There was a small corridor to sit down so Jared suggested we sit for a spell. After sitting for a few minutes I suggested that we pretend to be wax figures as people passed in the hallway. It started out as a joke for our group, but it ended up being a huge spectical. People were so confused and didnt know what to do. Christian and myself managed to hold our poses when the others cracked. It was so hard to stay still in a funny pose when there are chinese people poking you and wondering if you are real. It was so funny. I cracked before Christian did. People ate it up. They took pictures with us and some older ladies freaked out when they realized he was real. It was classic. Goooooood Times!
We next had lunch at a silk factory and after that we toured the factory. AMAZING! It was so cool to see the silk worms spin their thread and see the workers pull the fibers and make silk. It was a really cool experience to see the strength of a natural fiber like that. They even had a fashion show of some of the silk clothes.
Our last stop was the Yuyuan Garden. I have never seen such a beautiful garden in all my life. It was built for the builders parents as a retirement in the late 1500's. It took 10 to 18 years to build and by that time the parents had dies. And sadly the builder only lived there one year before he passed away. I want something like that in my back yard. I would never leave! Every angle had something to offer. I would love to spend some quality zen time there. I have a ton of pics so I will have to post them when I get a cord to connect to the computer.
They had more of the chinese shops around the gardens. It reminded me so much of China Town in San Fran. I got to taste the famous Shanghai Dumplings along with my Dairy Queen Blizzard. They have a Green Tea Blizzard for the Chinese market... weird!
We are leaving Shanghai tomorrow morning at 5:30 am! Ouch! Off to Xian! Yeah!
The trip is half over! I have fit so much into 2 and a half weeks. We have been go go go this whole time. It is cool to see how much you can get done.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Sunny Shanghai!
Yeah! It is finally sunny in Shanghai! I am so sick of rain and my prayers were answered. It was a beautiful day in a gorgeous city. We had an interesting lecture by an alum that is working here in Shanghai with investing and aquiring previously state owned companies. It was really interesting to hear the success of a fellow student.
I went and had really good Korean food. It was the best Korean food ironically in China! It is kind of like Peruvian food without the potatos. Weird.
We went down to the river and walked around the area. It was so fun to see the unique architecture. I am in awe of the cleanliness and beauty of the city. We went to an interesting Shanghai museum. It was full of coins, furniture, ceramics, dress, caligraphy, and paintings from Chinese history. The coolest exibit was one on loan from the British Museum about the origin of the olympics. Statues, Vases, Medals and Bronzes from the ancient olympic games were on display. Who would have thought that I could see ancient greek artifacts in Shanghai China!
We had dinner in a Japanese Noodle place. I needed to take a break from traditional chinese. We all went back to the river to see the city lights. Every building has its own type of light show. Neon colors and different patterns show up on the surface of the buildings. It was sooo cool to see the city come alive in the dark. The street sellers were so agressive. They were selling kites, tops, watches, postcards, and a bunch of crazy stuff. It was fun to see peoples reaction to them and the tactics they come up with to barder a good price.
A singing group from Ohio State is staying the hotel with us and we will probably go out and Karaoke with them tonight. I dont know exactly though.
Tomorrow is our last day in Shanghai but it should be a good one with visits to a silk factory and more tours of the city.
I am still not used to being stared at so much. It is fun to walk with one of my friends that is 6'2" the reactions on the peoples faces are sometimes priceless. I am ready to head out to Xian. there is much more history and rural china. I love the city but I would love to see more of the countryside. Life is good!
I went and had really good Korean food. It was the best Korean food ironically in China! It is kind of like Peruvian food without the potatos. Weird.
We went down to the river and walked around the area. It was so fun to see the unique architecture. I am in awe of the cleanliness and beauty of the city. We went to an interesting Shanghai museum. It was full of coins, furniture, ceramics, dress, caligraphy, and paintings from Chinese history. The coolest exibit was one on loan from the British Museum about the origin of the olympics. Statues, Vases, Medals and Bronzes from the ancient olympic games were on display. Who would have thought that I could see ancient greek artifacts in Shanghai China!
We had dinner in a Japanese Noodle place. I needed to take a break from traditional chinese. We all went back to the river to see the city lights. Every building has its own type of light show. Neon colors and different patterns show up on the surface of the buildings. It was sooo cool to see the city come alive in the dark. The street sellers were so agressive. They were selling kites, tops, watches, postcards, and a bunch of crazy stuff. It was fun to see peoples reaction to them and the tactics they come up with to barder a good price.
A singing group from Ohio State is staying the hotel with us and we will probably go out and Karaoke with them tonight. I dont know exactly though.
Tomorrow is our last day in Shanghai but it should be a good one with visits to a silk factory and more tours of the city.
I am still not used to being stared at so much. It is fun to walk with one of my friends that is 6'2" the reactions on the peoples faces are sometimes priceless. I am ready to head out to Xian. there is much more history and rural china. I love the city but I would love to see more of the countryside. Life is good!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Shanghai
"Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head" I love China but it hasnt stopped raining! My mom bought a rain stick before I left and I think she jinxed me! We have had partial rain to a complete down-pour! I have never seen so much rain.
Shanghai is a beautiful big city. We have been fortunate enough to meet with some amazing companys. Deloitte Accounting was an amazing contact. We talked with them in this amazing office complex that would rival any in New York. After that we visited a company that manufactures air-bags, seat belts and stearing wheels for many different car companies. It was amazing to see the production line and their testing facility. I felt like I was in a Mr. Rogers segment with Mr. Mcfealy speedy delivery. We got to see them put the foam coating on stearing wheels and cutting out the material, sewing and assembling the air bags.
It is humbling to take a step back and realize what great opportunities there are in the world.
We had a traditional "Hot Pot" dinner with some alumni and the owner of the place. I think I have eaten the most watermelon I have ever had in my life. They have it at the end of every meal as a type of dessert. It is great. I love their philosophy of eating. You eat like an king or emperor for breakfast, a merchant for lunch, and a peasant for dinner. In other words you fill up at breakfast, eat marginal at lunch, and have a light dinner. It feels so nice. Their food is so simple but fresh and nutritous. I think I have only seen one overweight asian since I have been here. They eat so many veggies. I am going to try to continue this when I get back to the states.
We had a cool experience at a local supermarket. It was so interesting just walking around the store. They had so many crazy fruits and veggies. Bins of chicken parts and chicken feet. People would sift through them like picking out the best apple.
The best was the meat counter! Fresh meat. Literally still alive and swimming. Frogs, Turtles, Fish, and a bucket full of sea snakes and eels. Dont worry I have pics to prove it! I havent been brave enough to try any of those yet but there are still three weeks to go and Vietnam is next!
When I stop to think of the things that I have learned, I dont know where to begin. It is amazing how you can think one thing about a country your whole life and that perception can be shattered in less than 2 weeks. I have so much more to tell all of you that want to listen to me ramble on about asia and its emergence into the global economy. I really want to learn so much more and understand what is really going on in the world. Understanding leads to greater respect and increased perspective. It was hard to finance this trip, but I felt from the beginnning that it was the right thing for me to do. I am coming to understand why to some degree. It is making me see the bigger picture and find out more about myself and my place in the world. Little things that come up in lectures or talking or goofing around with friends on this trip have made me stop and realize that I needed to be told that or I needed to realize that in my life. Again what a blessing! The big thing for me has been that if you are honest and trustworthy in whatever you do, you will be successful. If you make a mistake, own up to it and move on. If you are not successful, at least you can lay down at night with a clear peace of mind.
I will strive for that in my life. I am excited to see what other gems I can pick out of the next three weeks!
All my love from the other side of the world!
Shanghai is a beautiful big city. We have been fortunate enough to meet with some amazing companys. Deloitte Accounting was an amazing contact. We talked with them in this amazing office complex that would rival any in New York. After that we visited a company that manufactures air-bags, seat belts and stearing wheels for many different car companies. It was amazing to see the production line and their testing facility. I felt like I was in a Mr. Rogers segment with Mr. Mcfealy speedy delivery. We got to see them put the foam coating on stearing wheels and cutting out the material, sewing and assembling the air bags.
It is humbling to take a step back and realize what great opportunities there are in the world.
We had a traditional "Hot Pot" dinner with some alumni and the owner of the place. I think I have eaten the most watermelon I have ever had in my life. They have it at the end of every meal as a type of dessert. It is great. I love their philosophy of eating. You eat like an king or emperor for breakfast, a merchant for lunch, and a peasant for dinner. In other words you fill up at breakfast, eat marginal at lunch, and have a light dinner. It feels so nice. Their food is so simple but fresh and nutritous. I think I have only seen one overweight asian since I have been here. They eat so many veggies. I am going to try to continue this when I get back to the states.
We had a cool experience at a local supermarket. It was so interesting just walking around the store. They had so many crazy fruits and veggies. Bins of chicken parts and chicken feet. People would sift through them like picking out the best apple.
The best was the meat counter! Fresh meat. Literally still alive and swimming. Frogs, Turtles, Fish, and a bucket full of sea snakes and eels. Dont worry I have pics to prove it! I havent been brave enough to try any of those yet but there are still three weeks to go and Vietnam is next!
When I stop to think of the things that I have learned, I dont know where to begin. It is amazing how you can think one thing about a country your whole life and that perception can be shattered in less than 2 weeks. I have so much more to tell all of you that want to listen to me ramble on about asia and its emergence into the global economy. I really want to learn so much more and understand what is really going on in the world. Understanding leads to greater respect and increased perspective. It was hard to finance this trip, but I felt from the beginnning that it was the right thing for me to do. I am coming to understand why to some degree. It is making me see the bigger picture and find out more about myself and my place in the world. Little things that come up in lectures or talking or goofing around with friends on this trip have made me stop and realize that I needed to be told that or I needed to realize that in my life. Again what a blessing! The big thing for me has been that if you are honest and trustworthy in whatever you do, you will be successful. If you make a mistake, own up to it and move on. If you are not successful, at least you can lay down at night with a clear peace of mind.
I will strive for that in my life. I am excited to see what other gems I can pick out of the next three weeks!
All my love from the other side of the world!
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Hangzhou: Finally feels like China!
We have now traveled south to Hangzhou China. It was the weirdest flight I have ever been on. My ears kept popping non-stop when we took off. The turbulance was crazy. Luckily the flight was only an hour. On decent my ear would not pop. It started hurting soooo bad! I couldnt hear out of it. I started to get really scared! It still didnt pop. I used every trick in the book. Jared even suggested hopping up and down pounding my ear. He was joking but I did it anyway! I couldnt hear out of my left ear for the rest of the night! Luckily it is better today. It still hurts and gets pressure every once in awhile.
Hangzhou is a beautiful city. They say it is a "small town" of only 6 million people. It is the capital of the Province. We had some interesting lectures at the hotel and then traveled to the West Lake.
West Lake is such a beautiful place. The type of China I have been wanting to see. It was crowded because today was a national holiday, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the 2nd day for the national exam for high school students to be able to get into college. There is such a demand for education and too many students.
We went on a boat tour and traveled around the lake. It was sprinkling but the mist made the mountains and the Pagodas more magical.
It is interesting feeling and being a minority. People blatently stare at you for the longest time, I just smile back and say hello in Chinese but they rarely smile back.
We had some free time in the market in Hangzhou. It was so cool. Ten times better than the silk market. The prices are listed and the atmosphere was enchanting. Little shops with chopsticks and trinkets. I bought a beautiful handmade bag. There were wood carvers, painters, and musicians galore. The sights and smells made me feel like I was finally in a foreign country. I almost forgot I was in modern China until at the end of the road I saw the infamous yellow arches and was instantly returned to modern day. Mcdonalds, KFC, and even Dairy Queen had made its way into this old world market. Big macs and Ice Cream alongside, Crabs on a stick and Rice in Pineapple bowls.
After a quick stop at the covenience store we headed back to the hotel. The hotel is located on the Wenhui college campus. It is a beautiful hotel. a group of us gathered to get a local chinese foot massage. It was amazing! hot herbal soak and a heavenly foot massage along with legs and back for 48 chinese money which converts to about 7 dollars in the US. An hour and a half of massage for less than a movie! I walked home on a cloud.
Sadly we are leaving Hangzhou tomorrow and heading to Shanghai. I would love to stay and just wander the streets some more, but we are off again to a big city of 18 million people.
I have learned to be grateful for what I have and have seen a different culture but have learned to see that we are more similar than we think. Everyone I see, meet, or talk to just wants to be happy and make a living for themselves and their family. Everything else is gravy. Life is what you make it and what you get out of it.
I hope everyone sees and takes only the good! I Love you all!
Hangzhou is a beautiful city. They say it is a "small town" of only 6 million people. It is the capital of the Province. We had some interesting lectures at the hotel and then traveled to the West Lake.
West Lake is such a beautiful place. The type of China I have been wanting to see. It was crowded because today was a national holiday, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the 2nd day for the national exam for high school students to be able to get into college. There is such a demand for education and too many students.
We went on a boat tour and traveled around the lake. It was sprinkling but the mist made the mountains and the Pagodas more magical.
It is interesting feeling and being a minority. People blatently stare at you for the longest time, I just smile back and say hello in Chinese but they rarely smile back.
We had some free time in the market in Hangzhou. It was so cool. Ten times better than the silk market. The prices are listed and the atmosphere was enchanting. Little shops with chopsticks and trinkets. I bought a beautiful handmade bag. There were wood carvers, painters, and musicians galore. The sights and smells made me feel like I was finally in a foreign country. I almost forgot I was in modern China until at the end of the road I saw the infamous yellow arches and was instantly returned to modern day. Mcdonalds, KFC, and even Dairy Queen had made its way into this old world market. Big macs and Ice Cream alongside, Crabs on a stick and Rice in Pineapple bowls.
After a quick stop at the covenience store we headed back to the hotel. The hotel is located on the Wenhui college campus. It is a beautiful hotel. a group of us gathered to get a local chinese foot massage. It was amazing! hot herbal soak and a heavenly foot massage along with legs and back for 48 chinese money which converts to about 7 dollars in the US. An hour and a half of massage for less than a movie! I walked home on a cloud.
Sadly we are leaving Hangzhou tomorrow and heading to Shanghai. I would love to stay and just wander the streets some more, but we are off again to a big city of 18 million people.
I have learned to be grateful for what I have and have seen a different culture but have learned to see that we are more similar than we think. Everyone I see, meet, or talk to just wants to be happy and make a living for themselves and their family. Everything else is gravy. Life is what you make it and what you get out of it.
I hope everyone sees and takes only the good! I Love you all!
Friday, June 6, 2008
The Wonderful World of China
Sorry for the laps in postings. I have been soooo busy seeing the sights of Beijing China and I haven't had free access to the internet until now. Anyway! Where do I begin! they say that if you come to China for a week you can go home and write a book! I have only been here less than a week and I feel like I could write a whole series on my experiences, thoughts, and insights. China is such an amazing place. I feel like it is changing and growing right before my eyes. We have been able to visit so many interesting businesses on the forefront of biotechnology and American interactions with China. What a blessing to be able to see their expansion and growth first hand!
The Silk Market is the most amazing experience. I about had a heart attack! There are hundreds of booths with clothes, accessories, purses, chinese souvenirs and jewelry, They have workers that physically pull you into their booth and haggle with you for their merchandise. I was blown away. I am not a good bargainer so I struggled to get a good deal. But I guess that is good because I know that some of my friends will be paying for overweight luggage the rest of the trip.
We went to a great acrobatic show and kung fu show I have never seen such flexibility and strength!
Today I climbed the Great Wall of China! I cant believe I am saying that! It was such an amazing experience! We drove to a section and started the hardest climb of my life! it seemed like we where trying to climb a vertical slope and sometimes we were. I thought I would have to stop some of the times, but I persevered and got to the peak of that section. The wall stretched out as far as I could see, winding back and forth, up and down the steep peaks of the china mountain side. I marvel at the construction and the effort that went into building it. Some say that it is the longest continuous cemetery in the world because of the people that would die working on it that would just be buried in the construction. I feel so blessed to be able to see such a miracle and evidence of mans ingenuity and strength and national pride. It is cool to feel like you cant go any further, push yourself, and reach the top. I now have a physical experience to remember how to reach a goal. Soooo cool. I wish everyone could experience that feeling.
We are heading out of Beijing tomorrow night after visiting the last few sites in Beijing. I am bursting at the seams with thoughts and feelings about the last few days.
I will try to write soon but I dont know how internet access will be as we travel! I will write as soon as I can!
All my love from the other side of the world!
The Silk Market is the most amazing experience. I about had a heart attack! There are hundreds of booths with clothes, accessories, purses, chinese souvenirs and jewelry, They have workers that physically pull you into their booth and haggle with you for their merchandise. I was blown away. I am not a good bargainer so I struggled to get a good deal. But I guess that is good because I know that some of my friends will be paying for overweight luggage the rest of the trip.
We went to a great acrobatic show and kung fu show I have never seen such flexibility and strength!
Today I climbed the Great Wall of China! I cant believe I am saying that! It was such an amazing experience! We drove to a section and started the hardest climb of my life! it seemed like we where trying to climb a vertical slope and sometimes we were. I thought I would have to stop some of the times, but I persevered and got to the peak of that section. The wall stretched out as far as I could see, winding back and forth, up and down the steep peaks of the china mountain side. I marvel at the construction and the effort that went into building it. Some say that it is the longest continuous cemetery in the world because of the people that would die working on it that would just be buried in the construction. I feel so blessed to be able to see such a miracle and evidence of mans ingenuity and strength and national pride. It is cool to feel like you cant go any further, push yourself, and reach the top. I now have a physical experience to remember how to reach a goal. Soooo cool. I wish everyone could experience that feeling.
We are heading out of Beijing tomorrow night after visiting the last few sites in Beijing. I am bursting at the seams with thoughts and feelings about the last few days.
I will try to write soon but I dont know how internet access will be as we travel! I will write as soon as I can!
All my love from the other side of the world!
Monday, June 2, 2008
Leaving Korea
Today we are heading out to China! We are staying in another beautiful hotel. Yesterday was full of site visits and traveling. We started out at Kiswire Which is a company that we probably see in use everyday! They make wire for pretty much everything! Elevators, Bridges, even down to the wire in tires. It was amazing to see the factory where they pull the wire and wrap it around thousands of spools. We went to Postec university, the top technology driven University in Korea. Funded in part by Posco Steal company. Our final stop was Hyundai Motor where we got to see the assembly line of some of their mid sized vehicles! Wow industry! We then went to the docks and saw them load 4,000 cars onto massive ships bound for the US. It takes 4-6 weeks to get there. Loading takes about a day and a half! I was blown away! We traveled to Gwangyang and will be visiting Posco Steal today! It will be a great day full of traveling and saying goodbye to Korea! Off to China! I cant believe I am saying that!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Korea Korea!
Its another beautiful day in Korea. We took a short flight out of Seoul and are staying in a beautiful hotel. Today is sunday here and we are experiencing part of Korean Culture though their buddist temples and statues. IT is fascinating! We have been hiking around and driving all over so I am about to drop! We ate lunch at a little hole in the wall place, but it was the most amazing Korean Food EVer most people just ate Mcdonalds or Pizza Hut! (Sell outs!) I loved it. Korea is so interesting. I must admit that before this trip I just lumped all the asian cultures together as most americans do, but I have come to appreciat the diversity that exists even in different cities in Korea. I guess it is the same with the US. People from other cultures think that we are all like New York or California when in actuality we are all very different! I have my own hotel room and it looks over some beautiful rice patties. I love it! I dont think I brought enough memory cards for my camera! We have only been here for 7 days! I have so many memories already! What a blessing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
