Morning Stroll in Shanghai, Expat living and friend’s hospitality

On our last day in China, Jagdish and I went out for a morning walk without any helper. Greenie was sick and resting for the long trip home.

        
Morning haircut on Nanjing Rd       Tao-Chi-Gong on Nanjing road

       
Nanjing road in the morning                     Getting ready for a film shoot

       
Arranging the flower wall in morning      BUND in morning fog

Nanjing road in the morning is a different road than the one in the evenings. We walked through several groups of people doing Tao-chi-gong, Tai-Chi and other forms of movements. We witnessed free hair cutting for seniors, street cleaning and manicuring the plants and gardens. The weather was perfect and the street very peaceful.

        
Nanjing Road (morning)                       Apartment Complexes (mini city)

Back at the hotel, Michelle sent the driver to bring us to her home and we got to see how upper-middle class and Ex-Pats live in Shanghai. These are multistory complexes (15-20 floors), gated communities and are cities in and of themselves. They have gardens, entertainment and sports and the market is just down the street. The square footage of the apt. is small compared to American homes, but the space in very well designed and well lighted. No vehicles are allowed inside the compounds, so kids run around freely. Michelle’s complex is almost 1 sq. mile of area.

Lunch was another huge banquet in a private dinning hall given by Michelle’s family. Her parents, uncles and aunts were all there. We feel so blessed to have family and friends in this part of the world.

      

Michelle, Angie and Michelle’s parents                         

   
Nanjing road at night

After packing a little, we went out for our evening walk and the same road was transformed into a huge party. Live music, LED lights, food and people were everywhere. Few observations as the summary of the trip:

• Looking at all the affluence and energy, I have to say that the society in general seems to be doing well, enjoying themselves and is full of hope. I heard that this is the first generation in China that grew up with relative stability and affluence. No wonder they are all excited about the future.
• Women: I feel Chinese women are strong, assertive, self confident and are more equal to men than in any other society I have seen. They are everywhere. They travel alone, in groups of women and with men. They wear elegant and practical clothing, they are never fat and they do not smoke. (Many young men smoke.) Interestingly, the government has no warnings on packages and no advertising about its ill effects.
• Young People: Young people are everywhere. I am not sure where the old folks disappeared, but this is a society of young people. Young people have their heads stuck in the cell phones all the time and everywhere. They are not as polite as they used to be (maybe because they are not aware of their surroundings).
• Food: GOOD is the word. Fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere. Plenty of seafood and pork. People eat all sorts of stuff and waste just the same amount. Unfortunately, big M and KFC are everywhere too.
• Language: It is very hard to find someone who understands English enough to give you simple directions - not even in the big hotels. If you come here, bring the translator and be prepared for some adventure.
• Countryside is beautiful and so is the infrastructure. Roads are as good or better than USA and plenty of busses, trains and other transportation are available. Cities are big, crowded, but have unique things to do and see. They have very rich history and culture. But, if you plan to travel within China, make sure you know how to squat. :-)

With this I will stop my ramblings. But the blog is not done yet. If you are reading along, please read my last blog from USA. It may take me a day or two to write it but it will be a worthwhile read.

Good night and wish me a safe journey back home.