CSI: Shanghai

Now and again I've made light of a not so great situation. Even though this may seem humorous at times the following was the most disturbing thing I've ever seen in Shanghai, no make that ever.

I woke up on Sunday morning, trying hard to make a mental note that Sakae and I should never hang out again, and made my way to the couch. As I was settling into a nice lazy morning/afternoon, I looked out the window onto the roof top of the building across the street. There on the roof was a man lying on the roof. My first thought was that maybe it was a homeless person but as several police showed up and then the guy with the shiny silver briefcase. My friend Denise and I spent much of the morning watching what happened. From the body language of the police, we decided that the man must have jumped of a higher building and landed on the roof of the lower one. In the end after they police had examined the body, they didn't put it on a stretcher. They wrapped the body in a white sheet and lowered it off the roof with ropes.

There was a novelty at first, but as the whole thing played out and we realized what was going on... well it was extremely strange and I still don't know really what to think about the whole event.

What is old is new again...

There are a few things that I haven't done in a while. One is work 40 hours a week. The other is pay rent. Within the next week or so I'll have completed both of those things. My first week on the job was a short one (sorry RB) because Monday was President's Day. I'm enjoying my new endeavor, can't really call it a job but it's something completely different. Might be going for the record of how many different things one can do. For those who may not know, I'm doing a Market Research position with the USDA Foreign Ag Service in the Shanghai Agriculture Trade Office (most likely I'll refer to it as ATO Shanghai). This includes a government e-mail address, an office (until the new person they hired comes in), and business cards. This is the most professional work atmosphere I've been apart of and it didn't take as much adjusting as I may have initially thought. There are many exciting things happening this spring and I can't wait to see what my role in them will be.

Second, I have an apartment but won't be moving in until March 8th as the guy who lives there currently is waiting for his new place. That's fine with me as I am staying with my friend Denise and her place is within walking distance of where I work. When I move I'll be one of those Metro commuters. I do love public transportation. Back to my apartment...I have a famous address, well if you know anything about Shanghai then it will mean something to you. If not, then sorry. My window looks out over Huaihai Road, one of the best shopping streets in Shanghai. The place is a total Shanna-type place also. The previous tenants have painted Chinese characters and translated phrases on the walls, my flatmate is a guy from Newcastle who teaches English, there's a piano in my room. Maybe I should have learned to play? Nah, I'll just turn on the Ray Charles and pretend.

It rained over the weekend. Because I planned ahead a bit when I packed this time, there was a useful purchase when I was home on holiday: a pair of rain boots with pink/white/red hearts on them. While wearing them I was able to secure mean mugs from both Chinese and Westerners. Mission Accomplished! Sky's the limit from here.

Back again and couch monkey for now...

I'm glad I escaped the cold of ND. The plan was to enjoy the mild winter in Shanghai. One question...WHY is it snowing!?!?!? I'm pretty sure that was not the first thing I wanted to see when I woke up this morning. But can't change it and I severely need groceries, so that means a venture out mid-morning.

But in the news category: On Northwest flights the alcohol is no longer complimentary. This was a shocker, but the flight was uneventful in spite of this. Guess we can thank bankruptcy for that one.

Next up, I am cleared to work at last. I was getting pretty worried near the end but the morning after I arrived here, my security clearance was finalized and approved. Work starts on Tuesday and I'm getting excited.

Finally, Xiangyang Market is closing. This really means nothing unless you've been to China, but I'll break it down. Xiangyang (aka the Knock-off Market or the Fake Market) is located in central Shanghai and serves as a collection point to those who want to buy imitation name brand goods at low low prices (depending on your bargaining). Lately it's been making big news, on the national broadcast here in China, as the government is going to shut it down. No real surprise that it a huge violation of IPR (intellectual property rights). Considering if you know a name brand it's nearly certain that it's available for sale here, sometimes with minor flaws or in styles that do not exist anywhere else. It's a great place to shop and to find souvenirs for family and friends. Some initially hate the place but once you realize what your getting for the money, you get over it pretty quickly. I really will be sad to see it go, but I'm sure customs agents in the US will not be. They were getting vicious when I returned in January so I can't imagine what they'll be like on my return in June.

My next adventure is to find an apartment. This didn't seem too hard, but I'm depending on people checking their email and I don't yet have a cellphone. Troublesome maybe, but my life as a couch monkey is continued thanks to my friend Denise who was gracious enough to let me stay at her place while she is in the US. Crossing my fingers that it won't be much more than a few days from when she gets back. Keep your fingers crossed.

And here we go again...

Yes, amid vicious rumors I am still doing the blog thing. I've succumbed to a bit of excitement of being home, laziness, and general "Where did the time go?" Tomorrow I return back to Shanghai for some more adventures. Let's see if the excitement holds till I touch down.

Thanks for all that made my brief time at home an amazing whirlwind of activity. I saw some great shows from Flogging Molly and Buckcherry, had some interesting chats with many friends, and recounted many stories of the travels. I'll get some more info out about what I've been doing once I know what that is ;)

Here's to first class upgrades and finding an apartment...