Greetings to everyone on this Sunday as you might already be sick of Turkey and the continual loop of Christmas music!  I sure hope that everyone had an enjoyable time during the Thanksgiving holiday and was able to spend it eating and in the company of others.  This week has been quite eventful in Changsha where I spend part of my time. 

State of the Union:  While President Obama was able to have his State Dinner with the Prime Minister of India I was able to have one of my own.  My colleague from India, Ashok, and I partook in a nice dinner at the local Pizza Hut and then a few Tsing Tao beers.  We did not have any party crashers that we knew but we were also speaking in a foreign language (English) so we were a bit protected.  This week with Ashok has been a great time.  Here in Changsha we stand out like sore thumbs, have trouble communicating with our waitresses but are both here for the same purpose- to grow our company in China.  Our company is winning contracts and agreements in China so we have to build our international team with our global knowledge.  Therefore, Ashok and I find ourselves struggling but being patient together as we grow our operations.  We have talked quite a bit and learned quite a bit about each other.  Granted Ashok is in his 40s and has spent numerous years in the US we are both able to learn.  A few of the topics we have discussed are education and infrastructure.  One item in particular was that he confirmed my thoughts on education.  While India graduates more ‘engineers’ each year they face many struggles in the workplace when the average American student can excel.  The defining difference is that the American graduate can think on their own, make decisions on their own, challenge others decisions and problem solve on their own.  This creates a larger entrepreneurial spirit and faster career growth in corporations.  He did mention though that the ‘challenging’ is coming and changing with each generation.  I have greatly enjoyed my time with Ashok these past two weeks.  I have learned much from him and consider him a good friend.  Our world is quickly becoming a global workplace.  The sooner we embrace it and understand it the better we will all be in our actions, decisions and thought process.  This seems as a great opportunity to plug one the last great books I read, “The Post American World” by Fareed Zakaria.  It is a great read and people from all aspects of life would enjoy the read. 

Thanksgiving:  On Thursday I was able to work a full day and then partake in a Thanksgiving dinner.  It was actually a good workday since I was able to get done a lot of China work- not US work since everyone was off.  I took a coworker of mine to the local Sheraton hotel where they had a full blown Thanksgiving dinner- turkey, pie, stuffing, potatoes, etc.  My co-worker was pleased to partake in an American Thanksgiving.  I tried to convey what happens during Thanksgiving (the history) and what it means/is today.  I think I did a good job.  It was also quite interesting to see all of the other Americans in the Sheraton.  I had yet to see that many Americans/Westerners in Changsha.  Maybe this is because when I come here I do not spend much time outside of work and it is only for brief times.  But nonetheless I was able to hear English being spoke and saw lots of smiles on faces of people who were able to enjoy some turkey.  This was also noticed in the students I saw at the event who are in an exchange program at one of the local universities.  Sitting next to us was a table full of French individuals- enjoying themselves and the food.  As I looked around I thought that while this Thanksgiving might be a little bit different for most in the room it still held some of the same values from the US, “Spend and enjoy the time with one another, give thanks for what you are blessed with and take a few moments for relaxation.”

Job Fair:  Saturday we held our 2^nd job fair for the 2^nd weekend in a row.  These job fairs are done frequently and done how most things in China are- BIG.  The day was a bit rainy and cold (3-5 degrees Celsius) but people still showed up in droves.  There were probably around 20,000 participants this weekend.  The job fair this weekend targeted white collar jobs more than anything else.  One thing that is interesting is that the city and provinces have what they call “Human Resources Markets.”  Think of a farmers market but a bit nicer...large building, concrete floors, stalls, no AC/Heat and large entrance doors to move the crowds in and out.  These are built solely for the purpose of job fairs….wow. 

Well, that is a quick rundown of the week in China.  I continue to learn more everyday and am enjoying my time.  However, I already know my New Year’s Resolution is simply to learn Mandarin.  I have already asked two co-workers to set up 2 tutors for me when I return in January- one in Shanghai and one in Changsha.  I thought I could pick enough of it up on the side but I really need to sit and learn about an hour a day.  I have a once in a lifetime opportunity and I must take advantages of it.   Hope everyone enjoyed their Turkey and their turkey sandwiches, soup, etc. 

Take care and I’ll see some of you all in just a few weeks…

Joel                      

Hello everyone!  Happy early Thanksgiving to you all back in the States.  Here in China I will proceed with business as usual.  For the next few weeks I am out here in Changsha so I will actually be even more removed from the US compared to Shanghai.  In Shanghai I have plenty of places I could go for Thanksgiving with plenty of Americans at American establishments.  Here in Changsha I will most likely settle for a trip to Pizza Hut or Papa Johns.  But do not worry.  Here in China these are upscale places with plenty of choices to dine on.  This is much more than pizza- steak, rice, onion rings, etc.  They definitely have a different brand compared to that in the US.   I actually did not realize you could eat inside a Papa Johns until I came to China...wild...anyway, it will be fine here in China and I will definitely be giving thanks to my family and friends all across the world.  And a few random things...

Staying warm:  I did not know this but in my apartment in Changsha there is a sealed sliding door that partions off my bedroom area from the kitchen, etc.  I realized that this is for keeping warm.  The door from my apartment to the hallway is not weather proof....so it it not nearly as warm..this makes much more sense and my trip to Changsha has been much warmer this time compared to the last...whew. 

People are amazed with China: In the past week I have hosted 3 people from the US (clients and internal co-workers).  They are all simply amazed with China.  Shanghai blows them away and the amount of growth is staggering to them.  This is truly a place that for some people can be ignored but if you are in the business world this place is just unreal...1.3 billion people...wow. 

Children to School:  My apartment in Shanghai is located next to a school in Shanghai.  In the mornings when I walk by I normally see an administrator standing outside the gate.  This person has a little contraption on them that they hold up on the heads of the children- it is very similar to a pencil.  When I first saw this I was slightly confused but then I realized that it was a thermometer.  Schools here check the health of every student on their way into school.  If they do not pass they are simply turned away.   Hmmm.  Imagine the outrage in the US!  

Well, that is all I have for now.  Thanks for stopping by! 

Joel

MICKEY! Disney is coming to Shanghai.  As it was reported the other day Disney is opening up a theme park in Shanghai.  When reading the article they mentioned that this park would be in a day’s drive of 300 million people!  WTF? 300 million?!?!  That is like saying almost all of the US would be in the days distance of NYC, DC, Dallas, etc.  If that does not put the amount of people in an area into perspective who knows what will…

"Bless You"After someone sneezes nobody says anything….no bless you, etc…pin drop…never happened.  Hmm?

I went to my first KTV with some co-workers.  KTV is a karaoke bar.  These are much different because you and your friends sing in a room by yourselves…and normally sober…at all times.  Not like at the MAT drunk on a Friday night…

"Pardon Me" I have found myself speaking much simpler and trying to use proper sentence structure.  I do not quite yet write like it but I try to speak it.  This helps me with my co-workers. 
I still find it funny that one of my co-workers speaks English with a British accent…

Basics......I could probably do a whole post on this but it is quite interesting.  I have been here long enough to where I am running out of some of the basic needs (toothpaste, contact solution, deodorant, shaving cream, etc).  I noticed that I am running a little low on deodorant…so I went to the store the other day to look for some deodorant.  I was kind of expecting a fully fledged shelf with numerous types of, sticks, and smells.  Nope, I came up with nothing.  I had heard a joke before that you cannot find this as readily in Asia as in the US but I did not fully believe this…but yea, its true.  I searched high and low for some deodorant and finally found a small stick.  My goodness.  So I looked online to understand why deodorant is hard to find and it was stated that because of the diet and their bodies just do not emit the smells of foreigners…hmmm…what smell do we emit?  So no worries, I smell good.  But who knows what I will find out that doesn’t exist next?!?   

Til next time,

Joel

Joel

Whew, it has been awhile since I have updated this and I apologize. Work seems to just keep mounting up. Our CEO and my boss' boss are in town this week so we are deal chasing around the country.

China is slowly starting to feel kind or normal and pretty good. The weather is turning to fall in Shanghai and a cool October nip is in the air. My mandarin is till very little but that is okay. I manage to get by okay, but I plan to find a tutor in the next few weeks.

China business is very formal and follows code. (For me I am not much of a title guy. I like to just be one of the teams or a leader of the team but without all of the titles. Here in China I help manage all of our finances and some other operations. Therefore, the closest title is CFO). So this has been a bit weird to call myself or get introduced as the CFO. With that comes certain places to sit during luncheons, certain people I should only talk to and just an overall different feel. It is just one of those things that is different but I am slowly adapting to.

The other night I was on my way home from the metro when I noticed a couple of 'non-locals' having some troubles with a map of Shanghai. They spoke a little English (Germans) so I was able to assist. It made me feel good as I was able to help them out in a foreign city. 

I am working thru my residence/work permit so I had to change my current 30 day visa the other day. I was in the Immigration bureau of whatever they call it and saw a situation I did not want to be in. An American (or Canadian) who hauled 3 bags and a skateboard into the bureau, up to the counter and explained that he has lost his passport. I couldn't help but feel bad for this guy. Every hotel, airline and train require a foreigner to have a valid passport. So here he was just looking for a place to help him become himself again. I have heard that it is quite the chore and requires the Embassy or Consultate to get involved when this happens. I think one of my friends lost her passport when her things were stolen in Spain but I cannot recall what happened. But anyway, I feel bad for the guy as he really can't do much. That would be truly a trying moment.

Yes, it is that time...time for China to get over their weeklong national holiday and back to work.  This also means that my worklife balance will once again no longer have any balance and will be work...but hey, that is okay.  I have came here to work...learning the culture and people is a huge plus though. 

Saturday I once again met up with some fellow expats for coffee and lunch.  This tends to be a good time (only my second time going) and the stories and people are great.  The group is Western (European, United States) and conversations are held in English.  Everyone has came to China for a reason and it is awesome to hear the reasons.  A few people, as you can imagine, have came to teach English, some are businessmen (of all sorts) and some have simply moved here to find a job (they are of Chinese descent) in the booming times that Shanghai is experiencing.  And just Saturday we had another member come who was simply trying to feel out Shanghai to see if he should move here in the coming months.

The conversations tend to be very open and honest.  They revolve around what we miss about the West, what it is like to 'stand out' and not blend in, new places to try in China, struggles we have, great pleaces we have been and questions we want to discuss (where do people meet to play Bridge? Is there a running club here?, etc).  However, some of the more interesting ones involve the world economy, lack of Americans speaking another language, good books about China and a little world politics. 

This Saturday, after lunch a few of us decided to go knock around People's Square and Nanjing Lu (tourist trap- see earlier post Week 1-Complete for a pic).  In this group was 2 Americans (of Chinese heritage), a German and myself. Now, personally I have seen Nanjing Lu a few times and have had enough.  The real shops (Lacoste, Swiss, any name brand) are overpriced and here a foreigner (American/European looking) is offered everything from 'jackets' to 'watches' to 'iphone' and when it is night, something else -if you catch my drift- by the street vendors and their shady underground/back office shops.  The people selling goods could care less about Chinese because they see foreigners with tourist money or business money.  Anyway, the 2 Chinese Americans wanted to see the perspective from a foreigner walking down Nanjing Lu.  Our walk was a good one with within the first 10 minutes we were easily approached 10 plus times.  Our Chinese American friends were simply baffled and could not understand how we get thru it.  Our rough response was its called an iPod, no eye contact and no talking and overall not going.  Now, Nanjing Lu is something everyone must do in Shanghai, but after awhile its one of those things you just don't do (think Dealey Plaza times 1 million- or wait, that isn't even close).  So my Chinese American friends got a feeling of what it was like to be foreign in this foreign land.

Random musings:

1) Shanghai had something like 5 million visitors this past week due to holiday. 

2) Retail shops saw year over year sales go up by around 7%- I think that is the number I saw.

3) Not everything is blocked online- I did get to stream the K-State game (almost wish I didn't), without using a VPN. 

4) Went to the Marriage Market.  This is an entirely new post for another day, but I'll at least post a pic to tease you all.  

5)  I am becoming much better with telling time in 24hour blocks (not that hard..haha) and using C not F to tell temp.  

6) Also, I have gotten some e-mails about how you all like this blog and follow it.  So please register and leave me a comment or just let me know what you'd like for me write about next.          

Answers to your questions...

1) Yes, they still sell Mao's Little Red Book, or what looks like it.  There tends to be lots of newstands and then in the streets lots of vendors selling the not-so-legit books. 

Later! 

I recently did a guest post on my friend's blog about me taking a big step and heading to China for work.  Make sure to check it out here. 

A few observations: 

1) As I go back and start learning more about Mandarin and continuing to study the language I am finding it a bit more easy.  There is something about living in the environment in which you are trying to speak their language.  By no means am I saying that Mandarin is easy but it makes a bit more sense..if you catch my drift..

2)  My current cable provides quite a few of int'l channels- with news from HK, Singapore, Australia and other places from the APAC region.  One thing I have noticed is the number of 'Green' advertisments and features they show.  It is apparent to me that this region is taking the "green' movement more serious than in the US...at least from the shows I see.  It does not take place at nearly this level in the US. 

3) Public transportation.  You all know how much I love public transportation- riding it as much as I can in Dallas.  Here it is even better.  I either walk or ride the train everywhere...sure Taxis are dirt cheap...but something about public transportation is just awesome.    

4) Ahh..public transportation..buses.  So I read a quick blurb in the paper (English version) that bus drivers can now only honk 1 time every 15 seconds...haha..thats it..only 1x per 15s..haha.  

5) It gets dark here pretty early...like 530...not cool...

6) Construction never stops in Shanghai- not 24 hours a day, but it is 7 days a week.  I continually hear booming and all other 'construction sounds' when I am in my hotel, office or walking.  Not to mention I see cranes everywhere in the air and walk past at least 5 sky scrapers going up as I type this. 

7) Oh yea, something else I read was that cities in China require that you show proof of employment to live in cities.  This is supposed to help with beggars and slums that you see in the majority of major cities in the world. 

8) I have seen a few stories on local TV about impacts the "One Child Policy" has had on China and is having.  One mentioned the elderly.  Normally they would go live with their kids or grandchildren.  However, now that is not always the option since maybe their children have moved to the city, out of the country or do not have the space (they might be supporting another set of parents).  Therefore, you are starting to see more Senior Care facilities open which can provide maintenance free housing, meals, transportation. 

Til next time,

Greetings everyone! Well, I have officially been in China for over a week now and it still continues to be something else.  As you all know China celebrated its 60th on Thursday- which means that in 1949 Mao created the PR of China.  Everyone had Thursday/Friday off (well, I worked Thursday) and everyone has off this next week...for Mid-Autumn Festival.  This time is full of chances to be with family, enjoy rest (or travel), enjoy fireworks, shop, eat mooncakes and be full of country pride.  This is quite the time in China as they are experiencing a boom like nobody has ever seen in a communist country.     

Many Chinese tourists have flocked to Shanghai to see the city during this extended weekend while quite a few Shanhainese have ventured out of the city due to the crowds.  Shanghai is going thru quite an impressive boom (as is all of China) as they prepare for the World Expo in 2010. Roads are being put underground and more and more skyscrapers are going up. 

Random things:

1) People tend to wear a lot of purple shirts.  Maybe I am biased to the color purple but I tend to see it lots of places.  A lot more than in the States, that I am sure of.

2) The price of things still is baffling to me.  As long as you eat local and not in American/British pubs/chains things are really inexpensive.  The other day for lunch a co-worker and I got some food and it cost 70RMB for both of us to each.  100RMB is about $14.  The food was delicious and of course it was a sit down style with about 5 courses.  Today I was out for lunch with some fellow expats that I have met and we had 12 of use for lunch..it costs 340RMB...$50 for 12 people to eat.  And we sat there for a good hour plus just eating away.  The metro here charges you buy the distance..so in Shanghai I can get anywhere for about 3RMB...45 cents...so yea, the dollar goes rather far here.

3) Public annoyances...in China it is quite common for kids simply to use the restroom whenever and whereever they feel like it.  For example I have seen kids these last 2 days, drop their drawers and have a tinkle on the sidewalk.  Don't worry as soon as I see this I quickly turn away.  Another thing that they do with children here is put a slit in the pants on the backside.  Therefore, whenever they want to use the restroom their parent just picks them up and lets them go..quite disturbing.  There is also a lack of lining up for anything...and lots of public spitting.  However, they are trying to clean this up in Shanghai- similar to what they did in Beijing last summer for the Olympics.  This was/is part of their culture and just not something I am used to seeing- ever!  Live and learn life...I guess.

Okay, looking back on some of my posts I realize that my grammar and spelling  is not always correct.  I apologize for that.  I am just tying rather quickly and trying to get information up and online.  So thanks for giving me the benefit of the doubt. 

Zaijian!

Hey everyone,

Sorry for the delay in postings these past couple of days.  Life in Shanghai and China continues to get better each day.  Sure I have only been here a week but the city and people are growing on this kid from the midwest. 

The week has been rather uneventful as I am working all day and do not get a chance to go out and see the city but thats okay, this is why we have weekends.  However, today I was fortunate to have a co-worker take me to a market (mall) with a few other guys who were visiting from the States.  This market was a cross between a mall and a county fair with everyone wanting you to stop by their booth and see their "watches" "bags" "jackets" "jeans" and "shirts."  This market is a haggler's paradise.   Price tags are only suggestions and lose suggestions at that.  You tend to usually see the price and then market at least 50-60% off.  And then you start to throw in the 2:1s and you have yourself a deal.  This is normal in the Chinese culture and they are all very skilled at this.  A 14 year old will be selling "Gucci and Prada" bags in one store while a grandma will be haggling watches next door.  They are both very good at their skill and are quite entertaining to watch.  I did not buy anything this time as my fellow co-workers did.  I have plenty of time to stock up on all sorts of goodies before I leave.  Oh yea, these markets...no Chinese shop there.  Only tourists and foreigners.         

Random Notes: 

1)   I am learning that when on foot there is no real stopping for traffic, you just kind of go after the cross walk.  At times you find yourself standing in the middle of the lane or putting your hand on the car in front of you as you make your way across, but you do get across the street. 

2) Road lanes and stoplights are once again suggestions and not rules.  I have never before seen so many cars squeeze into one lane on a road.  Truly impressive feats overe here. 

3) Scooters do not have to obey to any rules- or at least I do not think.  They are on the roads, sidewalks, alleys, etc.  This does not bother me that much as I tend to keep an ear out for these guys.  However, as more battery powered scooters get on the roads/sidewalks/pavement it becomes more dangerous as they do not put off any noise at all.  They are quiter than bicycles. 

4) People.  The people are remarkably nice.  I have traveled thru the US and Europe (living with a family in Spain) and I would have to say that the Chinese might be the nicest group of people I have came across.  They are also very welcoming to US citizens.  Disclaimer- I understand that this might change as time goes on but so far they are unreal.  My co-workers are tremendous- always asking for lunch, how I am doing, etc.  At times I have went over to someone else's desk to assist with a task and before I can even start they are giving up their chair for me or dragging another chair over for me to sit in.  In the States I am used to standing if I am having a very short conversation with someone else.  I will have much more on the people of China as I am starting to learn more about them, their culture, their upbringing and their optimism.

5) In Shanghai there are people everywhere.  From meeting a few people I have heard the following stats, city of 20 million people, another 10 million unregistered citizens, and at least 200,000 expats.  I have met a few expats here in the city and everyone has the same response, they love it here and China is undergoing a transformation that the world will never see again. 

Okay, well time for a little work and conference calls- it is US Wednesday now. 

Thanks for the notes and if you have any comments or questions please continue to ask away and I'll try to address.       

This past weekend marked the first weekend since I can recall that I have not been exposed to football from Thursday night thru Sunday night.  After spending almost every weekend in the fall watching at least some football this was a first.  But I guess my time in China will be full of lots of firsts.  However, I was able to still be somewhat tuned in thru scores and fantasy football.  I also met a gentleman at an American bar last night who runs a slingbox and catches all of his USC football games.  I might have to invest in one of those. 

This morning I almost fell ill, well I did.  I woke up and turned on ESPN Int'l and found college football. I quickly recognized the field and the mascot.  It was the rival school in Lawrence, Kansas playing Southern Miss.  Really, guys?  KU on in Asia?  And the most interesting part of this is that KU didn't even play on ESPN this weekend, I believe it was on FSN but somehow made it to ESPN Int'l.  Interesting...

4) The amount of English words and phrases I see on clothing is pretty high. 

I am also having trouble attaching pics w/o this crashing, so I'll try to get some up shortly. 

Til Next Time,

Joel