Water Villages, Temples, and a Chinese Picnic

For those of you not in the "know", this week is actually a holiday week in China. Reports predict that half of China's 1.4 billion inhabitants are expected to travel. Originally, the girls and I had planned to go to Xi'an to see the terracotta army and then to Beijing to see the Great Wall. But in the end, we decided skip the travel stress and stick to Shanghai with a few short day trips. 

Don't think I'm serious that traveling around this time is chaos? Please take note from live reporter on the ground, Alejandro Javier Dominguez Vasquez. He as just sent us this image!

Is it just me, or do I sense fear in his eyes?

Actually, most of the international students have decided to go to Beijing anyway. I eagerly await their reports when they are back. For me, I'm quite enjoying my laid-back week off. 

It got started on Friday with a trip to the ancient village, Zhujiajiao, with my Chinese History and Culture class. It's small village outside of Shanghai with a nice garden and a lot of canals and bridges. We were led on a brief tour and then left to do our own exploring. 

On Saturday, we decided to check out a local Shanghai attraction: the Jing'an Temple, a Buddhist temple in the middle of the city. I have mixed feelings about this temple. On a positive note, it is perhaps the best smelling spot in the city due to all the burned incense. On a negative note, I just couldn't get the spiritual feeling with a bunch of sky scrappers in the background! But I guess it serves as a perfect example of when traditional meets modern. 

On Saturday night, we checked out another ancient village closer to Shanghai. Unfortunately we arrived too late to check out the various stalls, but we got to enjoy the nice lights. Afterwards we had dinner at a restaurant called "Little Sheep". I thought that was suppose to just be a cute name like "Hello Kitty" or something...but turns out it's a functional name since it's a hot pot restaurant where you eat mutton (sheep!) Basically, you order your meat and veggies and then hold it inside the hot soup pot with your chop sticks until its cooked. We tried mutton and lamb. Both were very good.

On Sunday, we were invited to a picnic organized by international and Chinese students. These Chinese are not from the MBA program but rather from the International Business program. The only difference is they don't have work experience so they are the same age like the international students. The park they choose was the last station on what of the subway lines so it was quite a ways out of the city but there's a reason why the Chinese chose this park. Because it's the best. It had a ton of green space and lot of activities. There was a mini amusement park, a roller-skating rink, a performance stage, a lake to rent boats, and a mini hang-glider ride thing! Again, talking with the Chinese was the funniest part. One Chinese guy whose English name is Sunshine kept asking me to show him how to dance. I did a few moves like the lawn-sprinkler and the German point. But he was looking more for a Beyonce-style of booty shaking. I told him unfortunately I can not teach him that. He also asked if I could teach him how to pole dance. I don't know where Sunshine is getting these ideas from. I hate to let him down, but no, I can not teach him how to pole dance! Honestly!

On left: the notorious SUNSHINE!

That's all for now. But next post will be on our day trip to neighboring "small" city, Suzhou (inhabitants: 2+ million). Bis dann!

Karaoke Television (KTV)

The most fun I have had in China so far is not at the fancy schmanzy expat parties, but rather when I am able to mix and mingle with the Chinese. They are so unexpected and it's a really thrill to get to know them. As you saw from a previous post, we attended an ice-breaker with the other MBA students, and as you might recall, I mentioned I made Chinese friends and we said we would do Karaoke. Well, if there's one thing that the Germans actually taught me it's about keeping true to your word. So, Karaoke we did! The Chinese really prepared a nice evening for us girls. Sophie brought a picnic of food including dumplings! We ordered some beer and we were soon ready to go. The key difference here is: there's no chance to drink a few beers in order to gain that extra confidence one might require before publicly humiliating him/herself, I mean, *cough*, before singing. The Chinese immediately turned on the equipment, picked a song, shoved me a microphone and instructed me to sing AND dance. What am I a monkey? Um yes, yes I am, because I am unable to say no and I have no sense of shame at all. So sang and dance I did and I had a fantastic time. Mostly because I was able to fulfill my month-long dream of singing Abba's Chiquitita. I had practiced many nights and to my roommate Lara's relief, I finally got it out of my system....or so I have attempted to promise her. 

In the end, ANYONE can sing Karaoke in China. It doesn't matter if you have a nice voice, it's all about having fun. In fact, as I mentioned before, the Chinese really enjoy embarrassing each other so what better way than with singing? But, for those of you still weary, don't worry, there are actual controls to turn down the sound of your microphone and turn up the sound of the music--so everyone can be a star. I think the star of the night was Simon. He was able to hit notes I think only dogs are able to hear. Now that's skill!

The gym

Today, Jitka and I decided it was finally time to get some proper exercise, especially after last night's wine indulgences. We have a gym at the University and word on the street is that it has all you need (treadmill, cross trainer, weight machines, and free weight) and costs only 5 cny (a little over 50 Euro cent) per visit. And word on the street was correct. It had everything we needed but nonetheless we realized how we have been spoiled by European comforts. I remember when joining McFit in Germany, some Germans were actually appalled. "But there iz no sauna. And you must pay for the shower!" Well at the gym at University there is no sauna, no shower, and actually no locker room. Jitka and I changed in the broom closet. Also, half the gym is dedicated to ping pong/table tennis. Apparently the sport is in high-demand when it comes to exercise here. Below are some pictures, unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the countless shirtless Chinese men....next time.

Our Locker Room aka Broom Closet

A ping pong player's heaven

The alternative: public outdoor gym. Or is it rather a playground?

Fake Market

When I told my mom I was going to China, I think the first thing she told me was "Get your mother a good (fake) bag!". Yup, my mom knew about the shopping before I did. And you know what? I think the fake market really does live up to its expectations. But maybe I was just so impressed because my first "market experience" was not so good. In our second week, we went to the mall at Qipu Road: Shanghai’s "famous and infamous" wholesale shopping area. It was packed. Shoes. Bags. Shoes. Clothes. Shoes. More bags. Clothes. You really have to be in the shopping mood and be patient. Although I bought a dress and shoes, I wasn't successful. For the dress, I wasn't allowed to try it on. It was only 3€ so I bought it anyway. It seemed really stretchy and a "one size fits all" sort of deal. But in fact, it's a bit small in one particular area. As far as the shoes are concerned, I got a style I had seen in Barcelona and wanted to get, but did not get. I bought the shoes for 8€, which was actually too much. But I was satisfied nonetheless until when I later opened the box and discovered they were totally discolored! Did the saleswoman pull a switch-a-roo from the ones I tried on, or did I really just not pay close enough attention? I've worn them anyways. (At night where I think most people don't notice that they are spotted).

I don't think I will return to Qipu Road.

But as far as the Fake Market is concerned: I'm hooked.

We went to the one on West Nanjing Road. I gave myself a spending limit of 20€ but in the end, I doubled that amount (whoopsies!). My bounty included: a Hello Kitty iPhone cover (hey, when in China..), a Harley Davidson t-shirt for my Dad (sorry to ruin the surprise of your xmas present), a "Longchamp" purse, "Chole" perfume, two "OPI" nailpolishes, and "Ray ban" sunglasses. Please notice the emphasis of quotation marks since it is after all: the FAKE market. At the fake market, you need to bargain, it's the only way of purchase. Now I will humbly admit: I am really bad at bargaining. The Chinese get the better of me on every purchase. I think the best English skills I have heard is at the Fake Market. There are some common phrases, however,lLike: "Lady, don't joke me, what's your best price." "I give you my best price (NOT!)" "Hey pretty Lady" "Hey Lady, you want bag? watches?" The nice ones really get me. After complementing me 10x and then looking at me with those seemingly innocent Asian eyes, I'm always accepting a price I know is too much.

I will tell you what I paid for each item. If anyone reading this knows what I should have actually paid, I'd sincerely appreciate your helpful comments below.

Hello Kitty iPhone cover: 40 cny
Harley Davidson T-shirt: 30 cny
Longchamp bag: 80 cny
Chloe perfume: 100 cny
OPI naipolish: 15 cny (each)
Ray Ban sunglasses: 50 cny

Now I guess I paid an average of 20 CNY too much on everything. But I'm learning. At the end of the day that means about 2.50€. I think it depends on the person. For me, I do not enjoy the bargaining process so I'm okay with paying a bit extra. I bet there are some hard core bargainers out there shaking their heads at me, but that's okay. I hope I can get better...especially since I had my eye on a pair of high heels and I know I'm going to have to nickle them down. Does anyone have some good tips?

Spotted Cow Shoes

The "Goods"

Toilet

Yes. As the title of this post suggests, I will be talking about the Chinese toilet. Perhaps some details may be inappropriate for publication on an internet blog. If this makes you uncomfortable, then kindly stop reading now....but let's face it, I've just made you all the more curious now.

In a marketing class back at SDSU, I heard that in Japan, toilets are state of the art. It's all about comfort whether that be a heated seat cover, water which sprays up to clean, or music to relax you while doing your business. I don't know why, but I thought it would be like this in China. I know: what was I thinking? In China, the common toilet is a hole in the ground. The first thing you need to learn is that you now have to carry about toilet paper where ever you go since it does not seem to be a necessary component of a public toilet stall. Also: you can not flush the toilet paper! So yes, throw it in the bin next to the hole and do not peek at what its contents may hold. Next, you need to learn the art of the squat. I find this especially challenging and now forgive me before I mention this: but believe it or not, there is aiming involved (I thought that was only a man thing!)

Now at the University there is always one "western/normal" toilet in the bathroom and it's a hot item for the exchange students, so I actually don't ever really use the Chinese toilet unless I have to.

I don't want to sound spoiled, but I am really NOT a fan of the hole in the ground. But hey, it's all about perspective. For the Chinese, the hole is totally normal. In fact, I think they are confused by the western style toilet. Point in case: at the mall one day, I went to the bathroom. Naturally, I went to the one stall which had a western-style toilet and I discovered two shoe prints on the seat cover. So...does that mean that the person before stood on top of the seat cover? Yes, I think it does.

Chinglish = Ice Break

Chinglish. An exact definition is difficult to provide, but in a very simple sense, Wikipedia defines it as "Chinglish refers to a variety of spoken or written English language that is influenced by the Chinese language." Basically, its the result of translating Chinese into English. I guess the whole translation process is doomed from the beginning due to the differences in grammar, word order and what not. There's some controversy as to whether its demeaning, or whether the whole process should be worked upon. But in my opinion, it's all good fun. I mean, I have never seen more creative uses of English than by the Chinese.

I have started additional courses other than my Chinese language classes and it seems that I have dived head first into Chinese culture. My courses are:

-Chinese Business Environment
-Chinese Business Law
-Chinese History and Culture
-Managerial Ethics (in relation to Chinese culture)

*all taught by Chinese professors

Anyone see a recurring theme here? My world is now 100% Chinese oriented. I must say though, that the opening description of Chinglish does not apply to my Chinese professors. I am very impressed by their English skills and each course is interesting (well, except Business Law...but when is law ever interesting?).

No, the opening description of Chinglish was to help better explain the safety and security orientation we received on Friday. The first part, relating to visa changes, was held in English. The second part was completely in Chinese. Oh well, there was a corresponding English powerpoint and this is where the Chinglish came into play.

Examples:

"Nowadays, the means of stealing is advance that may not be imagined."

I like the "don't be greedy!" lesson

You can see a bit of Mao influence with the "ordinary environment" Why just be ordinary when we could have an awesome environment?

On Sunday, I took a step further down the rabbit hole of Chinese culture by participating in the "Ice Break" (I consider this word to be Chinglish as well). It was a day of ice breaker games and LASER TAG with the other Chinese MBA students. We all got on a bus mixed of foreign students and Chinese students. Each foreigner had to sit next to a Chinese student. It was really nice to talk to the Chinese students and throughout the day I had a lot of really eye-opening conversations. These Chinese students work full time and attend classes at night on Friday and all day Saturday. Most of their employers (or bosses) don't even know they are enrolled in a MBA program so they don't get any slack at work. When I asked one girl why she decided to pursue a Masters degree, she answered "to get my head off work". So this is her hobby? Personally, if I wanted to get my mind off work, I would do yoga or a painting class! This girl chooses a MBA! WHAT? Also, it seems most of them are not in a position to travel (due to money or family obligations). So they said another reason they chose the MBA program at ECUST is because they knew they would have an opportunity to work and learn with foreign students. So in a way, since they can't get out to see the world, at least they have a bit of the world coming to them. I became very popular with the Chinese throughout the day. I think its because I talk a lot. I was hoping it was because I'm funny, but I'm pretty sure the Chinese only laugh at my attempts to say Chinese words rather than my jokes. I really enjoyed making some new Chinese friends though and I'm hoping to organize a Karaoke night soon. (seems only appropriate right?)

Now on to the Ice-Break. We took a hour long bus ride and arrived at a sort of military compound where Chinese men where dressed in camaouflage pants with green shirts, which had the GERMAN flag on them. To my inner Polish, that's just scary. We lined up in formation and some guy yelled at us in Chinese but after two minutes, we realized in was all in good fun. We played a bunch of silly games in the beginning and what's necessary to comment on here is that in these games of team competition, the Chinese kept saying "if you lose, you will be punished!" Again, at first I was frightened (what kind of punishment exactly???) But, the Chinese think that embarrassment is the ultimate punishment. So the first team that lost had to dance to the macarena in front of us. After all the games we separated into our Laser Tag teams and had to prepare a team name, slogan, and dance. We were the Spartans. The other team was Tequila (The team leader was Mexican). But before the Laser Tag could begin, we were taken to lunch. A very traditional Chinese lunch. Some of us, who shall not be named, sneaked off to a mostly European table where they were easily able to dodge trying dishes due to their protective majority position. Jitka and I however were the only two foreigners at our table. I learned: don't ask what it is. The answer will be: "try it!" Well I tried everything, including the cow intestine, which I thought was jelly fish (as if that would be better). Pictures for your viewing satisfaction below:

Not to be confused as jelly fish. This is cow intestine.

I didn't like the "eye balls" staring at me, but I tried a piece anyways, it was ok!

At a traditional Chinese meal, every dish is shared and rotated around on a lazy susan.

This was fish ends and tofu. It was extremely smelly and tasted exactly like it smelled.

 After lunch, we headed back for laser tag. In the end, our team won simply because our Captain, Alex (from Spain) was an animal and always got the most kills. As far as my playing skills, I slipped and fell on a puddle of water on the very first entry. I told people it was all part of my strategy in order to induce fear into the enemy. But I think no one believed me and I am now known as "that girl that fell".

Germans with guns.

The girl that fell.

We wandered around an empty mental hospital complex. Okay so maybe it wasn't a mental hospital, but it was a big building with a lot of rooms. So, mental hospital.

Punishment!!! aka the Macarena

On the right, our Drill Sergeant. On the left, our translator.

And finally, a picture of me and one of my many new Chinese friends of the day, Thomas. Thomas works as an operation manager, is married, has a 2 and half year old daughter and is now starting a MBA program. When I asked how could he do all this, he responded, that it's only 2 and half years. If he didn't do it, in two and a half years he would be the same. I am really impressed by the pure hard work ethic of these Chinese students.