Culture

Often times when I tell people I went to ASU (go devils!) they usually make a comment about it being a party school.   I usually laugh, and say it’s the biggest school in the country.  You can find whatever you want.  Shanghai feels a little like this.  It’s the biggest city proper in the world at 24 million people.  It’s hard to sum up the culture in only one week, but I can say Shanghai has everything you’d expect in a big city.  On Saturday I went to a Wal Mart, and then had a great burger that would hold its own even in Chicago (it better for $30).

After lunch I went to the foreigner district.  It's an “alley” with dozens of western bars and restaurants.  I stopped in at Shanghai Brewery for a meat-lovers pizza, and great home brews.  I’ll post pictures later, but this is definitely my weekend hang out.

Then there’s also the culture uniquely Shanghai.  

Close to my hotel is a really nice huge park.  People were watching birds, playing games, and singing "my heart will go on" in Chinese.  

This is a sculpture near my work that's probably a symbol for how great the area is.  Unfortunately it looks like the sign language for poop to me.

Friday morning was a medical exam as part of my visa process.  You’re shuttled from room to room in these awesome robes for an EKG, ultrasound, x-ray, blood work and a vision test.  Supposedly westerners have “fatty livers”, so I’m curious to see the results.

After a couple of beers Saturday I decided it was time to do laundry.  Four rinse cycles later, and I may have it figured out.  The labels weren't exactly helpful. 

Easily the most Shanghainese thing I've done so far was eat xiao long bao.  Bourdain described them as "pillows of happiness".  These things are practically an institution here.  My coworkers say it’s mostly what old people eat, which is probably an unfortunate byproduct of the explosive growth.  I wouldn't be surprised if some of the classics have fallen out of style in favor of something more western (the city is coated in high end fashion chains and American restaurants).  Anyways, xiao long bao are fiery hot soup dumplings with meat or seafood stuffed inside.  You open the top a little to release steam, and catch the soup that may run out on a spoon.  Inhale and repeat. 

It’s taken me a few days to settle in to a routine.  I feel more comfortable now, and am excited to try what’s ahead.