Commuting

It’s something I've been doing 2-3 hours a day for 5 years.  That’s 132 days.  You don’t get those back!  I’m so happy to report I walk to work here.  Unfortunately, you can’t have your cake and eat it too (I hate that expression, sorry).  Being this close to the office means I’m a little further from some of the neighborhoods I've been exploring and tasting.

There are a lot of options to get around this city.  It has some of the same advantages and challenges (a nice word for saying traffic sucks) you’ll find in any large metro.  In an effort to alleviate gridlock, the city restricts the number of license plates.  It’s almost $10,000 USD to get one at an auction!  Taxis are a good, but can be tough to get.  Drivers can pick their fares, and kick you out if you’re not going far enough (has happened to me a few times).  I just used Uber here for the first time last week.  It’s cheaper than a cab, and GPS in the app helps prevent any translation issues.  The subway system is very modern, easy to use, and in English.  Bikes with electric motors and scooters dominate this town though.  Food deliveries are made almost exclusively on them, as are many small parcel deliveries.  I think they’re frightening death traps, but this is my ode to them.

One of the great things about Shanghai is the dichotomy of new and old.  I think this bike carrying supplies in front of a Prada, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermes mall captures it perfectly.

Food truck Shanghai style

 Hand warmers

Fixie near a sign that I'm pretty sure means something will kill you.