One Course Finished

Well I have completed my first course here, and it wasn't too bad. It was in HRM, or human resource management. I have taken courses similar to this on before, but this had a completely different view as it was from a Chinese perspective. It was amazing to see how views can be so different from other cultures. Many of the Chinese students did not feel HR was important to a company, but the more I thought about it with my friends we could understand their view. In a country with 1.6 billion people, if someone isn't working out in your company it should not be difficult to find someone to replace them. This is very different from what I was taught over the last few years when the Canadian economy was booming. But now who knows, maybe replacing people back home will become more common. 

Yesterday I took m crew ( Two Swedes: Henrik and Chirs, and to Frenchies: Thierno and Vanessa) to see a friends company. A buddy who  I did my undergrad with has started a company called Indochino (indochino.com) for creating custom tailored suits over the internet. Let me tell you we were all floored by the quality and professionalism of the operation. Kyle was gracious enough to give us a tour of his operation and then took us to one of the largest fabric markets in Shanghai. It is mind blowing the scope and scale of this place. All the men decided that we really needed to place orders because his stuff is amazing quality and very affordable. So in a few days all of us will be ready for the pages of GQ.

In Shanghai you can pay for subway, bus, and taxi all by the same card. But it has come to our attention you have to keep an eye on your card as sometimes it can "accidently" be exchanged for a different one. Therefor most people have some sticker or identifiable mark on their card to prevent this from happening. A friend gave me a little plastic sleeve for to hold my card so I could always identify it, the only problem is it a "Hello Kitty" case. It kinda hurts my manhood, but it has been raining hard for the last week, so the merchants who sell the skull stickers have not been out in front of the station. Soon I will have the toughest pass in all of Shanghai, but for now I will live with "Hello Kitty" in my pocket.

Well I should get going as I am of to visit some non touristy parts of Shanghai today, as I want to see the real city. Take care and try some new food today, it is not as scary as you may think!

Cheers,

Derek

What is happening this week

Well classes have started, and so far everything is going well. Earlier this year I was thinking of doing another masters somewhere in the world, but now I think it is time for me to begin working so I can finally buy that Porsche 911 that I deserve (hehe). But Shanghai is a city of two worlds, either very affordable, or too expensive. My friends and I have discovered many night clubs where you can drink all night for less than $20 Cdn, but other place want $20 for 1 crappy beer. So we have decided that quantity is more important than quality. The Chinese people for the most part are very friendly and helpful, but I am still always concerned I am not being given the lowest price on many of my purchases. 

I still have not been run over on the street yet, but that is based mostly on my lightning quick reflexes, as well as my fear of crossing the street. The block I live on is very nice I have found. I will soon be the greatest chopstick artist in the world, but I am still just an apprentice, this means I am still allowed to drop my food on my lap at least four times a meal, any more and the master gets very angry.

Soon I think I will hop on a train and visit other areas of China, as I am looking forward to trying new foods, and I promised my nephews some interesting photos of me trying "unique" food. 

To all my peeps back home, take it easy, wait am I to old to have peeps? Kids are still using peeps are they not? I hope I do not need to learn new lingo for when I get back home as mandarin is proving to be difficult enough.

Laters,

Derek

Two Weeks

Well I left Canada two weeks ago, and I am slowly starting to understand this place. There are certain things I have learned very quickly:

1. Never watch the road while in a Taxi, it will just send you to an early grave.
2. When crossing the road, say a few prayers first, as pedestrians are basically just obstacles for cars to barely miss.
3. When walking on the sidewalk, look back every ten steps as there is probably an electric scooter about to run you down.
4. When buying anything, the first price you are told is the "funny price" you should be able to negotiate it down quite a bit.
5. The Chinese are all very friendly.
6. Only eat in restaurants that have pictures of the food, or an english menu, otherwise you might get a unique surprise on your plate.
7. Always go to the bathroom before you go out.
8. Always carry kleenex.

Those are my first observations, and I am sure there many more that I will add, but so far I love Shanghai, and I would stay if someone offered me a decent job. So if you have any contacts let em know. Peace Out and word to your motha!

Moved In

Well I have finally moved into my residence, and it isn't so bad. Well that is besides it is a fifth floor walkup, and my leaky shower. I have been spending my days exploring Shanghai with my two new friends from Sweden, Henrik and Chris. It is amazing the strange looks we always get, we haven't figured it out yet as there are about 300,000 expats in this city. am learning to barter, as most prices are artificially inflated. I have heard if you pay more than one third of their original price you are being taken for. I have ridden the subway here in Shanghai probably more than I have ridden the C-Train in Calgary in my entire life. Maybe I will be more open to it when I get back home. I am learning to eat with chopsticks better, and learning what I do, and do not like when it comes to local cuisine. Just for anyone who may come here, the stinky tofu that smell like rotten feet, tastes almost the same as it smells. Other food is awesome though, and very inexpensive. I am aout to go see if they can get my shower fixed this morning so I wish you all a good day!