Wednesday, July 21, 2010.
It started out a great day. I woke up early, hoping to make it to the Bund in the morning to see the groups of people dancing. I made it there around 7 am, and by that time, the sun was already fully out There were less groups than expected though. Exiting out of Nanjing Dong Lu Station, I found myself on the usually overly crowded Nanjing Pedestrian street. This morning, it seemed empty. There were a few people sleeping on the chairs, a few groups dancing with red flags. I could finally take a picture of just me with the Nanjing Pedestrian sign.
I then made my way to the Bund, stopping to take a picture of the first light bulb in Shanghai (?). Within a few minutes, I was at the Bund, newly remodeled and reopened earlier in the year. I found one group of people dancing with swords, but as I walked up the stairs, to the main walkway, I was instead faced with tourists like myself and kite-flyers. After taking countless pictures of the Pudong side, I started heading back to People's Square. My plan was to walk along Fuzhou Lu, find the music store (to buy an Erhu Book), and rest in Starbucks before heading to my interview.
Fuzhou Lu I went. And, away goes my cellphone. After arriving in Starbucks, I looked for my phone to remember the drink a friend had recommended. Instead, I found the front zipper of my backpack opened, and my cellphone bag hanging out, unzipped. Missing in action were my cellphone (newly bought in May) and my transportation card. I quickly freaked out, and pulled out my computer to call my family. Based on my walk that morning, I've concluded that my phone must have been stolen along Fuzhou Lu. I can't however, remember standing for long enough for someone to do so.
As I think back on it now, it seems like it was obviously my fault. I should have had my backpack in the front. I had done so previously, but as time as passed, I feel as though I have become more relaxed. Lesson learned.
This reminds me again of the image of China. One thing they always tell tourists is to beware of pickpocketers and thieves.
Let's bring up Starbucks again. I want to sincerely thank one worker in particular at Starbucks. She helped me connect my computer to the internet, let me borrow the Starbucks phone, etc. When I went back to that same Starbucks a few days later, she saw me and smiled, recognizing me from the other day. When I went to pay for my drink, she asked if I found my phone, and I was touched that she remembered and still cared.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
China's Makeover
What do you think of China's image? Of its people's image?
I often find the Chinese rude. Or maybe it's just the people in Shanghai, thinking they are more superior than others. Either way, I often find my self in situations rolling my eyes in disgust at the rude behavior. Sometimes, they aren't rude, it's that they are just mad, like everyone else did something wrong so they need to glare.
This is a country's image though. It's who they are, as of now. Can you change one country's image?
I always wonder if the government is trying to do anything to change China's image for the World Expo. I remember last year, World Expo committee members stood at the end of escalators making sure people stood on the right side of escalators, and leaving the left for people to walk up. Coming back this year, I expected to see that everywhere. However, I didn't. I admit, it is probably better than before, with a few more people following the rules, but usually, it's a just a big rush to onto the escalators, and we just stand 2 by 2.
Smoking. China smokes. It's everywhere. I recently learned today that a new law was created for the World Expo. No more smoking. It's banned, everywhere. This law was supposed to be effective as of May, however, it is clear that it is not be carried out and followed. The reason being? If you catch someone smoking, and then call the police, it'll be too late. The police can't get there fast enough. This was something I thought interesting when I first heard about it today. It seems like another attempt to change China's image, yet it isn't working. Of course, I can't yet confirm whether this is true or not. Because, while it is true it'd be hard to penalize the individuals smoking, surely it wouldn't be hard to prevent smoking in restaurants? Almost all tables in restaurants have ash trays (?). If smoking is officially banned, shouldn't those be gone too? Plus, I'm sure if I called the police to report smoking at a restaurant, there would be plenty of time. Unless of course the police don't care, or if they're out smoking themselves.
Changing one's image is hard. Especially for a country of 1.3 Billion, especially for a city of 20 million. However, change starts step by step, and I look forward to seeing a "nicer" China in the future.
I often find the Chinese rude. Or maybe it's just the people in Shanghai, thinking they are more superior than others. Either way, I often find my self in situations rolling my eyes in disgust at the rude behavior. Sometimes, they aren't rude, it's that they are just mad, like everyone else did something wrong so they need to glare.
This is a country's image though. It's who they are, as of now. Can you change one country's image?
I always wonder if the government is trying to do anything to change China's image for the World Expo. I remember last year, World Expo committee members stood at the end of escalators making sure people stood on the right side of escalators, and leaving the left for people to walk up. Coming back this year, I expected to see that everywhere. However, I didn't. I admit, it is probably better than before, with a few more people following the rules, but usually, it's a just a big rush to onto the escalators, and we just stand 2 by 2.
Smoking. China smokes. It's everywhere. I recently learned today that a new law was created for the World Expo. No more smoking. It's banned, everywhere. This law was supposed to be effective as of May, however, it is clear that it is not be carried out and followed. The reason being? If you catch someone smoking, and then call the police, it'll be too late. The police can't get there fast enough. This was something I thought interesting when I first heard about it today. It seems like another attempt to change China's image, yet it isn't working. Of course, I can't yet confirm whether this is true or not. Because, while it is true it'd be hard to penalize the individuals smoking, surely it wouldn't be hard to prevent smoking in restaurants? Almost all tables in restaurants have ash trays (?). If smoking is officially banned, shouldn't those be gone too? Plus, I'm sure if I called the police to report smoking at a restaurant, there would be plenty of time. Unless of course the police don't care, or if they're out smoking themselves.
Changing one's image is hard. Especially for a country of 1.3 Billion, especially for a city of 20 million. However, change starts step by step, and I look forward to seeing a "nicer" China in the future.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Move over Claire, Here comes Mr. Blueberry.
Let's take a quick break from the Expo and explore the magical wonders of the blueberry.
I remember a few years back, hearing that blueberries were good for you. It was in an article my grandmother read, so now each year we go back to China, we bring blueberry pills (?). However, blueberries have become so much more here in China. Every where I turn there are blueberries. Blueberry jam is normal, we should have that in the US too. But blueberry ice cream? Maybe....but you definitely won't see commercials for different brands of blueberry ice cream (on a stick) or popscicles every where. It's almost imposisble to ride the subway without watching a blueberry commercial. How about potato chips? In addition to the already weird chicken flavoured chips, Lays has now introduced lime flavoured, and blueberry flavoured (among others). Surely this is just a Chinese thing? I can't yet picture so many different flavours in the US. Let's not forgot the blueberry cakes and breads. But hey, that's normal.
Is this all just a coincidence? Did I just notice this because I wanted to? At one angle, it seems normal to have so many blueberry related things. Each item individually is okay but at another angle, when all is put together, it seems like an overload.
Maybe the Chinese are just want to be healthy. Recent studies are now showing that blueberries are indeed good for you. Look it up on Wikipedia and learn how it'll not only help enhance memory, but also help prevent diseases. Wiki also states that the blueberry is becoming known as a "Superfood." Why? Because according to a magazine released in July 2010, the blueberry has the power to increase the body's natural abilty to heal. Does that mean we can all be like Claire soon? (Heroes reference)
Whatever the true hidden powers of the blueberry are, I'll sure next line to try some blueberry magic.
I remember a few years back, hearing that blueberries were good for you. It was in an article my grandmother read, so now each year we go back to China, we bring blueberry pills (?). However, blueberries have become so much more here in China. Every where I turn there are blueberries. Blueberry jam is normal, we should have that in the US too. But blueberry ice cream? Maybe....but you definitely won't see commercials for different brands of blueberry ice cream (on a stick) or popscicles every where. It's almost imposisble to ride the subway without watching a blueberry commercial. How about potato chips? In addition to the already weird chicken flavoured chips, Lays has now introduced lime flavoured, and blueberry flavoured (among others). Surely this is just a Chinese thing? I can't yet picture so many different flavours in the US. Let's not forgot the blueberry cakes and breads. But hey, that's normal.
Is this all just a coincidence? Did I just notice this because I wanted to? At one angle, it seems normal to have so many blueberry related things. Each item individually is okay but at another angle, when all is put together, it seems like an overload.
Maybe the Chinese are just want to be healthy. Recent studies are now showing that blueberries are indeed good for you. Look it up on Wikipedia and learn how it'll not only help enhance memory, but also help prevent diseases. Wiki also states that the blueberry is becoming known as a "Superfood." Why? Because according to a magazine released in July 2010, the blueberry has the power to increase the body's natural abilty to heal. Does that mean we can all be like Claire soon? (Heroes reference)
Whatever the true hidden powers of the blueberry are, I'll sure next line to try some blueberry magic.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The 2nd Time Around
It's June 6, 2010 and it's time to go to the Expo again. This time, I went with an old friend of mine. I took he same routes as last time, but was by the security gates before 9 am. This meant we had to wait until 9 before the lines would actually move.
As I mentioned earlier, the Metro 13 stops are a little confusing. Even after knowing there's only two places you can go to, I still managed to confuse my friend, and instead of going to the planned the Puxi side, we found ourselves on the Pudong Side. Since we there early, we immediately saw open lines. Our first visit? The Malaysian Pavilion. Aside from the pretty decorations inside, what caught our eyes were the big massage chairs. The massages were free, and there was no line, so we each took a chair. Though the person originally said the chair massage would last for 30 min, my friend convinced him we only needed 15 min. Off the shoes went, and into the chairs. The person pressed a few buttons, and we soon became part of the Pavilion sightseeing line. As we sat there getting our backs, feet, and hands massaged, people continuously walked past us, starring, wondering what was going. If I had gone alone, I probably wouldn't have done the massage. Thank you friend.
My goal is to better understand the World Expo so I'm always looking for little things to write about. One thing I found interesting were the English translations in the bathrooms. No, it wasn't something worthy of posting on Engrish.com (?). What I found interesting was that I found different translations in different bathrooms. For instance, while one bathroom said the sink water was "not portable," another said "not drinkable." While this isn't something I'd usually find unusual with two different places, it is something that I think is weird for two bathrooms in the World Expo. Were the bathrooms built by different people? Another possibility is that they were built at different times. Maybe one was built first, and then the builders decided to change the English for the new bathrooms, they never changed the old ones. Evidence that the bathrooms are still being worked on (or just aren't completed) are the seat cover signs. In another set of bathrooms (Expo Day 3) all the stalls in the second bathrooms had seat cover signs, yet none actually had seat covers. Three bathrooms, all the same design, yet seemingly all at different stages of completion.
Speaking of construction, it is clear that for each day that goes by, the World Expo is discovering new things, and making new changes. On my first visit, you could have an unlimited number of passports to be stamped. You could also have almost anything stamped. During this second visit, rules were set up. Only the official passports could be stamped (no maps, etc.), and a limit was set for the number of passports you could asked to be stamped. That day, I also got a performance and events at the entrance. I didn't get one the first time. Are they new? Or was I just early this time?
China has these new trash/recycle can things located in the World Expo. They're supposedly connected to some underground tunnels. I had saw news about it on TV, and they made it seem like they would be everywhere at the Expo, but they were hard to find. One in particular, was hidden by plants. How is that a useful trash/recycle can? Those should be more in the open, not in the middle of plants.
One change I think the World Expo committee worked on, was the free 200 RMB cards they gave out to each household. It seemed like the first batch that went out, had problems. That's a lot of angry Chinese people.
It seems like the World Expo seems to make things convenient for you. Located all over the Expo are cellphone charging stations. You can also add money to your phone (I did!)
Maybe I had noticed before with other Pavilions. But the New Zealand made a mark in my mind by asking the question "What is a Better Life?" at the entrance. As I walked through, I looked at everything thinking, "Is the answer?" It was nice to see the pavilion follow the World Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life"
Another interesting pavilion I went to was the Urbanian Pavilion. I hadn't actually heard of it before, so I went in with no expectations. However, having now been there twice, it is one of my favorites. Though I like the designs, the questions, the different aspects of life in six different cities that they depict, I am probably biased toward it because Phoenix was one of the six cities. With each separate are we walked into (Home, Work, Health, etc.) I looked for a glimpse of my lifestyle back home. I know that place! I've been to that ice cream place! Do I now that school? What's that mountain called?
My goal is to better understand the World Expo so I'm always looking for little things to write about. One thing I found interesting were the English translations in the bathrooms. No, it wasn't something worthy of posting on Engrish.com (?). What I found interesting was that I found different translations in different bathrooms. For instance, while one bathroom said the sink water was "not portable," another said "not drinkable." While this isn't something I'd usually find unusual with two different places, it is something that I think is weird for two bathrooms in the World Expo. Were the bathrooms built by different people? Another possibility is that they were built at different times. Maybe one was built first, and then the builders decided to change the English for the new bathrooms, they never changed the old ones. Evidence that the bathrooms are still being worked on (or just aren't completed) are the seat cover signs. In another set of bathrooms (Expo Day 3) all the stalls in the second bathrooms had seat cover signs, yet none actually had seat covers. Three bathrooms, all the same design, yet seemingly all at different stages of completion.
Speaking of construction, it is clear that for each day that goes by, the World Expo is discovering new things, and making new changes. On my first visit, you could have an unlimited number of passports to be stamped. You could also have almost anything stamped. During this second visit, rules were set up. Only the official passports could be stamped (no maps, etc.), and a limit was set for the number of passports you could asked to be stamped. That day, I also got a performance and events at the entrance. I didn't get one the first time. Are they new? Or was I just early this time?
China has these new trash/recycle can things located in the World Expo. They're supposedly connected to some underground tunnels. I had saw news about it on TV, and they made it seem like they would be everywhere at the Expo, but they were hard to find. One in particular, was hidden by plants. How is that a useful trash/recycle can? Those should be more in the open, not in the middle of plants.
One change I think the World Expo committee worked on, was the free 200 RMB cards they gave out to each household. It seemed like the first batch that went out, had problems. That's a lot of angry Chinese people.
It seems like the World Expo seems to make things convenient for you. Located all over the Expo are cellphone charging stations. You can also add money to your phone (I did!)
Maybe I had noticed before with other Pavilions. But the New Zealand made a mark in my mind by asking the question "What is a Better Life?" at the entrance. As I walked through, I looked at everything thinking, "Is the answer?" It was nice to see the pavilion follow the World Expo theme of "Better City, Better Life"
lmost every cellphone user is doing everything on their cellphones (aka internet, texting, music, etc.), I can't believe they couldn't send a quick message. Maybe I just wanted the cellphone charm, and they just didn't care. I also remember that at the US Pavilion that while the volunteers were almost rude at and irritated with the Chinese visitors, they seemed more polite and nice once they knew we were Americans. After finally leaving the US Pavilion, I later realized that I had forgotten to get a stamp. Yes, I had forgotten to get a stamp from my own home country.
That day, Al Gore also supposedly visited the US Pavilion. According to the numers online, there was also a weird spike in visitors in the aternoon. Could the two possibly be related? I have yet to see a spike like that again.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
World Expo Here I Come
On June 3, 2010, I finally made my first visit to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
I left home around 8:15 AM. Walked 20 minutes to Lianhua Station, taking Metro Line 1 to Xujiahui Station. From there, I switched to Line 9, to Madang Lu Station. I was expecting to then switch again to Line 13, but before that, you have to leave the station and walk to the ticket check-in. As we all walked to the entrance gates, volunteers handed out free maps of the World Expo. After turning the corner, I saw it. The massive amounts of people waiting in line. There were lines everywhere, and following the security guards advise, I choose the farthest line. It was surprisingly fast, and I was soon passing through the security check-point. Finally, it was time to put the ticket in the machine and board Metro Line 13, which would take you into the World Expo grounds. There are only three stops on this line, Security check-point, Puxi Side, Pudong Side. Of course, they're not named those names, so it can be confusing as to when you should get off. I decided that for my first visit, I would go the less crowded Puxi Side. B 10:00 AM, I was finally inside. I had made it to the 2010 Shanghai World Expo.
It was a great feeling, the feeling that I had accomplished something. I walked around, enjoying the slight breeze and taking pictures of what little I could see of the Chinese Pavillion across the river. It's had to decide which pavilion stands out the post on the PuXi side. Each structure has its own uniqueness, something to remember it by. My first goal of the day was to buy a World Expo Passport, so I could collect stamps from each place I visit. Walking through the various stores, I finally found a line to stand in. I bought a passport for myself, and some for my family. Now, I was ready to see the Pavillions.
I made way to the Joint Case Pavilions, which I soon learned were buildings dedicated to multiple cities. There were no lines to get in, and it was a chance to see different cities from around the world in one building. What is so amazing abut the pavilions, other than their design, is the technology. Everywhere you look there are touchscreens to play with. At the Hong Kong area, you even send a virtual picture postcard. One of the most crowded city pavilions I saw was the Seoul area. They had a few screen playing tourist visits, welcoming you to the city. I don't know about others, but it was fun for me, because I recognized the celebrity endorsed videos they were using. One smart thing I think the Seoul area did was to use what they're popular for to promote the city, Korean Dramas. There's no doubt that the Korean Wave has swept China (and the US), and I like the idea to use Korea Dramas to show you famous places to visit. How amazing would it be to say you visited the same place "Mr. Korea Drama Star" stood. Also known for their company LG, there were opportunities for the visitors to use the new technology to take home pictures of themselves. Free stuff is always fun, lines for the two pictures places were always long. I waited in both, at the end, was able to bring home an oil like painting picture of my face, and a picture with mega-star Lee Junki. Being one of the more popular places I saw in Puxi, it is clear that the Korean Wave is going strong in China.
Lunch came soon and I decided to eat at the Food Court, which offered "food from around the world," including a crocodile burger and a Hawaiian burger. Buying a meal card, I walked around the court multiple times before finally decided on small pork on a stick, and boba milk tea.
One of the longest lines on the Puxi Side is probably at the Coca Cola Happiness Factory. While other places had little or no line, it took two hours to get in to the Happiness Factory. But fear not, the loud cheerful music and fun facts made the time go by quicker. A magician also performed for a little. Two hours later, I entered the Happiness Factor, where I watched a video about the working behind each Coca Cola bottle, all in animation of course! It's like that one commercial you see where you stick a coin in a vending machine. After the video, you're given a free small Coca Cola drink, and taught how to properly open it.
I spent the rest of the day entering various corporate pavilions, and it was then that I realized, they were all the same. As I walked into one after another, all I saw were touch screens. Is that really the only technology you can show us? Touch screens?
At night, all the buildings turn on their fancy lights, allowing for some new picture taking. By seven, I was tired. I had walked the entire day. No wonder people took naps everywhere in the World Expo.
Next Expo adventure, here I come.
It was a great feeling, the feeling that I had accomplished something. I walked around, enjoying the slight breeze and taking pictures of what little I could see of the Chinese Pavillion across the river. It's had to decide which pavilion stands out the post on the PuXi side. Each structure has its own uniqueness, something to remember it by. My first goal of the day was to buy a World Expo Passport, so I could collect stamps from each place I visit. Walking through the various stores, I finally found a line to stand in. I bought a passport for myself, and some for my family. Now, I was ready to see the Pavillions.
Lunch came soon and I decided to eat at the Food Court, which offered "food from around the world," including a crocodile burger and a Hawaiian burger. Buying a meal card, I walked around the court multiple times before finally decided on small pork on a stick, and boba milk tea.
I spent the rest of the day entering various corporate pavilions, and it was then that I realized, they were all the same. As I walked into one after another, all I saw were touch screens. Is that really the only technology you can show us? Touch screens?
At night, all the buildings turn on their fancy lights, allowing for some new picture taking. By seven, I was tired. I had walked the entire day. No wonder people took naps everywhere in the World Expo.
Next Expo adventure, here I come.
Posts to Come Now!
I apologize for the delay. Things have been busy recently. But now, I will be posting posting posting! At least once a day! Things that I will talk about include:
- Expo Visits 1-3
- China's Obsession with Blueberries?
- Chengdu and Nanjing
and much much more.
I can't upload photo albums on here, so I will only post a few pictures with each entry. I'll try to post more on Facebook.
- Expo Visits 1-3
- China's Obsession with Blueberries?
- Chengdu and Nanjing
and much much more.
I can't upload photo albums on here, so I will only post a few pictures with each entry. I'll try to post more on Facebook.
Monday, June 21, 2010
I'm Back: May 20~
A year and a week later, I have returned to one of my many homes, Shanghai, China.
I feel that though much has stayed the same, much has also changed. As I walk through the now semi-familiar streets, I can't help but find small differences. For instance, last year on the metro, the loud speaker would say in English, "Please get ready to alight from the left/right side." I was always confused as to what that meant until one day a friend from Scotland told me it meant "to exit." This year, all metros have changed it to "Please get ready to exit from the left/right side." I guess I wasn't the only person who was confused?
While buses no doubt have changed little, and are still as crowded as ever, the stops have definitely changed. Instead of an old, dirty sign, stops have been replaced with a nice seating area, easy to read bus routes, and sometimes even a television that constantly play advertisements. In the more crowded areas, there are even security officers who will help you find your way (and tell you to move your backpack to the front).
Another tiny change? Nicer trash cans on the streets. However, the trash and recycle sign is hard to tell apart. They are both triangular shaped...
A few years ago when I was in Paris for two days, I remember seeing bikes you could "rent" on the street, ride around the city, and return anywhere a return stand was. They would just be lined up on a part of the street. Now in Shanghai, I'm seeing the same thing. Labeled "the Charming Green Community," it seems as though these bright orange bikes are slowly making their way on the streets of Shanghai. However, with all the empty stands/locks I see, I've only seen one or two people actually ride them. It makes wonder, in such a big city, how does one ensure that people don't take the bikes for themselves? Do you have to give some identification in order to take a bike from the street stands? It seems like such an advanced (?) system for a city that seems already has an overload of bikes.
- Christine Hsieh
I feel that though much has stayed the same, much has also changed. As I walk through the now semi-familiar streets, I can't help but find small differences. For instance, last year on the metro, the loud speaker would say in English, "Please get ready to alight from the left/right side." I was always confused as to what that meant until one day a friend from Scotland told me it meant "to exit." This year, all metros have changed it to "Please get ready to exit from the left/right side." I guess I wasn't the only person who was confused?
While buses no doubt have changed little, and are still as crowded as ever, the stops have definitely changed. Instead of an old, dirty sign, stops have been replaced with a nice seating area, easy to read bus routes, and sometimes even a television that constantly play advertisements. In the more crowded areas, there are even security officers who will help you find your way (and tell you to move your backpack to the front).
Another tiny change? Nicer trash cans on the streets. However, the trash and recycle sign is hard to tell apart. They are both triangular shaped...
A few years ago when I was in Paris for two days, I remember seeing bikes you could "rent" on the street, ride around the city, and return anywhere a return stand was. They would just be lined up on a part of the street. Now in Shanghai, I'm seeing the same thing. Labeled "the Charming Green Community," it seems as though these bright orange bikes are slowly making their way on the streets of Shanghai. However, with all the empty stands/locks I see, I've only seen one or two people actually ride them. It makes wonder, in such a big city, how does one ensure that people don't take the bikes for themselves? Do you have to give some identification in order to take a bike from the street stands? It seems like such an advanced (?) system for a city that seems already has an overload of bikes.
- Christine Hsieh
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