So it begins. From the creator of jlghana.blogspot.com comes another journal on the routine, eccentricities, observations and reflections of some dude living abroad. This time in Shanghai.
Right now I don't really have too many expectations, other than that it would be prudent to live by the motto DTA (or Don't Trust Anybody) while I'm away in China. I'm hoping that this preconception will be shattered. People who've shared experiences with me so far have generally been polarized in their opinions. Some view China as the triumphant, resurgent global superpower. Others have described it as a heartless den of thieves. Either way, it should be an interesting experience.
I've spent the last few weeks packing and mulling over what it means to fit my life into two suitcases. It's been quite humbling to see the distinction between what one wants, and what one really needs. It was great to take the day off and enjoy T&E's wedding (congratulations you two). This past week, I truly lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed some great evenings with friends and family. Right now, it hasn't really clicked in that I'll be living without these people this coming year. I expect it to hit me two weeks in, as I eat xiao long bao alone in my apartment and wonder, whether the meat in the bao is truly pork.
I'll be flying out later today at 12:25pm. The fact China Eastern Airlines does not offer online check-in already foreshadows the inconveniences I'll face next year. A friend who lived in Beijing for a year before has told me that waiting in line to get a bank account set up in China generally takes around three hours. It's going to take a certain degree of effort to remember that I'm not in Vancouver anymore, especially since wasting time is one of my greatest dislikes...
This journal is what it is. It is merely a stream of consciousness for my experience. I cannot guarantee entertainment or some sort of secret wisdom. But I promise to be genuine in my observations and prose.
Take a journey with me, as I tumble into the rabbit hole that will be my next few months in Anting, Shanghai.
5 comments:
JL, all the best. I'm praying it's pork. (on a side note: woo hoo! first comment!)
well, i guess you're on the plane right now. i hope you had a safe flight and are adapting well. here's to real pork!
godspeed
If someone comes up to you and tells you to get in the van because he has candy, don't do it. It's China...so it probably isn't real candy.
john! i've heard stories of the filling being a mixture of pork (yay, real meat!) with wet cardboard/paper (barf)...so um...beware...that's not the kind of fibre you're looking for!
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