No blogspot in China!

It is true.  The great firewall of China is apparently designed to prevent blogging as well as Facebook.  This is the first attempt to circumvent this problem. 

So far, China has been great.  Things are really cheap even in Shanghai which is inundated by the Expo.  For example, a meal for four with beer is a total of $12.  A massage is $10.  Lots of pastries?  $3.  Street food is everywhere and you can buy several bao zi which is similar to a humbao for less then a $1.  I think that we are kind of lucky because the city is also surprisingly clean and green.  I think that also has a lot to do with the Expo because I have noticed that it has changed significantly since I was last here 4 years ago.

The roads are crazy.  Everyone is everywhere and it is common for someone to stop inches from hitting someone else.  This can be kind of intense if you are a pedestrian and there are several times that we have almost been hit.  However, that might just be our western perspective.  The bicyclists here are very impressive.  I for one, would have never thought of moving a couch on my bike.  Or tearing down a house and putting all the scraps in trailer connected to my bike.  Shanghai is incredibly flat, but still!

I'm not going to write too much, since this is a test of whether or not this posting method will work.  Hopefully, it will and all of you will see the attached picture!

Ann

Shanghai Hotel

Rumors abound about this place.  Is it truly that bad?  Well, I will find out and be able to report back a week.  Don't worry, I'll be sure to include pictures if I can find internet fast enough to load them.  In the meantime check out their website: http://www.changhhotel.com/index.html

China prep class

So, after spending all weekend in a mandatory China prep class I have learned a few things:
1.  Drinking habits in China sound similar to Scotland/Ireland.  Caution is warranted.
2.  Don't flip the fish.
3.  Don't sit by the chicken head.
4.  Our hotel sounds more dubious every day (The gym is for another kind of exercise).
5.  Watch out for pink lighting especially on the third floor of aforementioned hotel.
6.   It is possible to receive too much information all at one time.  Ahhh!

Getting Ready to Go to China

I'm leaving for China in less then three weeks.  Exciting!  I'm not sure if I'll be able to access Facebook while I'm there, so this might be the best way to stay in touch.  Email me too!