Things that make you go hmm...

So far on this trip, there have been many things that have surprised me and made me think. One of the first of these was Japan. Flying over it, it was nothing like what I expected. I pretty much had it in mind like it was one big city on an island. Actally, there was a lot of farmland! It really threw me off. We flew over what I'm assuming was Tokyo at night and that was more like what I expected, sprawling city lights.

Observation #2: I don't feel as tall as I thought I would. Considering Shanna is a good 4 or 5 inches shorter than me and she said that she felt tall here, I was expecting to feel like the Jolly White Giant. But really, I feel about average here...maybe a tad bit on the tall side. Mostly I just feel white. Not that it's a bad thing. I just get stared at a lot. But it also has its perks. Tonight, we have VIP tickets to this dance show on campus. That should be quite interesting. Details to follow...

Observation #3: It's smoggy here! The pollution is more or less what I expected. Some places, like campus, are very clean and meticulously well kept. Other places...not so much. The Huangpu River is a lovely shade of mud and when I asked a girl about the beaches, she just kinda laughed.

Observation #4: Even though the beds are about as soft as a slab of marble, I sleep quite well. Although...I can pretty much sleep anywhere, anytime, on anything, so maybe this shouldn't come as a surprise.

Observation #5: The greatest bargaining tool I have is my feet. If I'm not getting a price I like, I start walking away. Then they starting singing another tune pretty quickly. I got a $5 Chanel wallet last night. Elizabeth got a $15 Coach purse. Mom...you may need to send more money...and more suitcases...

Observation #6: We are way too dependant on our cars. I love public transportation! You meet the coolest people on busses. All the people our age are so eager to learn English. They all want to come to America, but can't afford it. This one guy we met last night really wants to improve his English so he can get a better job one day. Also, walking is fun. Pretty sure Elizabeth and I walked 6 miles or so yesterday and we would have done more if we didn't have to be back at our hotel before 11pm when they lock the doors.

All for now...