East meets West

On a tour that caters to Westerners-Western hotels and breakfast buffets, the Chinese attempt at Western is often funny but appreciated.



Other Westerners I've met said English is a lot more dominant now. But sometimes the poorly translated sign you can't understand the meaning. You'd think that the time and money that goes into signage they'd have someone check to get it right. For example, ate lunch at a vegetarian "restsurant" which was new. It was a fancy place in a rich part of town that attracted white tourists- you'd think they'd want to spell restaurant right on the signs throughout.



Breakfast buffet-eggs made to order, some odd sausage links, french toast, juices - and of course dumplings, fried rice and noodles too. Tea is always Lipton bags despite the great leaf tea all around.



The rooms - last nights bed was hard as a rock most are very stiff. The panel to turnoff all the room lights on the bedstand makes me think I'm in a 1960s Vegas room with a vibrating bed. But beautiful bamboo floors are a treat. Windows leak sound - so one night earplugs helped.

Room amenities usually are a 70s style hair dryer, toothbrushes and combs, a soap dispenser in the shower like a gym club. Of course, there is a weight scaleifor weight conscious travelers. I'm thankful for the Western "throne." You put your plastic room card key in the wall to turn on the lights. I haven't turned a TV on yet.



The 80s American English light pop music played everywhere-includong cell ring tones is just like Egypt sadly.

While on a three star guided tour, which is really cheap for doing this solo- what I hate is the western meals and touristy shows, which are to be expected for the price. Most of best adventures are what I stumble upon.



Yesterday, after a bike ride in the country, I walked through a park saw men playing board games something I wanted to see. When leaving, a child on a tricycle (they teach them as soon as they can walk) saw me and said hello in perfect English. His mother and friend laughed. I said hello back and than said "bye" and waved - he blew me a kiss. Amazing - he had to just be about two. All over this tourist-focused city people say "hello.". Beggars included. They enjoy practicing their English and I offer many compliments to those who do.



Unlike France, here I don't feel bad or frustrated by not knowing the language.



While spas are plentiful, I haven't taken time for even a cheap foot massage yet. The "remove calluss form feet" sign makes you laugh.



Accupuncture, Feng shui, tai chi abound. Orange juice is really a sweeter tang with pulp. Most confess the restaurant with the big cheesecake sign drew me in last night-I had two pieces. Other than the New Zealand butter at breakfast sadly the only calcium I'm getting.



My guide bought a North Face jacket at a tourist shop for 40 dollars. Calvin Klein underwear and polo shirts are plentiful. Anyone want anything? Remember this is China where its all made. I scored new bedding at a department store. The designs were unbelievably fresh I wanted to buy many sets. Of course, I got calligraphy art wall hangings and silk pillow covers to match for what will soon be my rejuvenated bedroom.



While honestly most of what I'm seeing isn't new to me, to be experiencing it deepens your understanding of a culture so rooted in the past and yet thriving for more attention-tourism that is. I know what to expect now at ever turn, how people will act, what something will taste like, or what Ill see. From the city to the country now and tomorrow in Shanghai.