I know I have only been here once before, but I somehow expected this visit to not contain quite as many culture shocks.
It was not to be – from coming into Shanghai from Pudong airport, on the fastest land transport I have ever been on – VIDEO HERE to eating the most amazing ‘street food’, to the wealth of some citizens and the desperate poverty of others. The size of the cities!
Being so obviously in the minority when you are out and about is still the greatest shock. The hotels are full of westerners, but the streets are not. However, unlike the UK the indigenous people are not at all fazed by a tall westerner, in the same way the ‘we’ are by immigrants. In fact, I have only had positive experiences with the locals.
I like Shanghai a lot, it seems to be even more vibrant than it was in the Summer. This is despite the rain! It rained alright…
I am avoiding going to the markets here as I have a flight to Beijing, and don’t want heavy suitcases. I’ll wait, and try to go to Panjiayuan in Beijing.
Now in Beijing.
Yesterday, I decided to walk to the Forbidden City – not something I would advise people to do, but I enjoy walking through cities. However, nothing prepared me for the heaving mass of people outside Beijing Central Railway Station! I saw the whole ethnic breakdown of China condensed into one place – from tall Manchurians to tiny little Tibetan women, the diversity of the faces – all moving. If I was to hazard a guess, I would say about 25,000 people moved past me as I walked the length of the station.
Eventually, I got to the Forbidden City – you can see my pics here
Here is one of them;
The Forbidden City, or the Palace Museum
Anyway – even at minus 11 it was amazing!
(you have probably realised I am writing this as I go along, so the next bit will be from tonight)
I never did get to finish this, but I thought I would publish it nonetheless.
I don’t know if my job at the Uni will be taking me back to Beijing – I hope it will, as I have made some good friends there, and would love to see them again. Nevermind the nightlife and the food, the place is amazing!