Zaijian Shanghai

I am heading to the airport in about an hour ... it's hard to believe that a month has flown by so quickly. Last night, while I was doing some last minute shopping for a few more souvenirs, and while I was starting to pack, I spent some time reflecting on my experience here in China.

Things I'll miss

Things I won't miss

Being engaged in another culture. Traveling to see the sights -- Beijing, Shangahi, Hangzhou, Zhujiajiao. All of my new friends at the University. Trying new foods. Breakfast of rice porrage, dumplings, pickled things, steamed buns, and juice for 6RMB (about $0.90). Buying pearls, silk, and other local products very inexpensively. Comparing the 200+ year history of the USA to the 2000+ year history of China. Shanghai haircut. This included 15 minutes of hair washing and head massage followed by a scissor cut and then another wash. Not bas for 20 RMB ($3.00).

People spitting. Drivers constant use of horns. The aparant right-of-way going to the biggest vehicles: 1. busses/trucks; 2. cars/vans; 3. electric scooters; 4. bicycles; 5. people. Squatty potties. No toilet paper in the bathrooms; no paper towels/hand dryers in the restrooms. The smog and haze -- It has been so long since I have seen a blue sky, or stars at night. Bargaining for purchases -- it was fun at first, but got old after a while. Local "merchants" on the streets offering watche, bags, t-shits, antiques. "Good price for you, friend." Not understanding the language -- pointing and grunting can only get you so far. Not being able to read a menu. I'm sure there are some really great restaurants that just dont have pictures on their menus.