It's been an eventful first week. Starting right from the delayed flight. I was scheduled to fly Mumbai- Kuala Lumpur- Shanghai. But we delayed in Mumbai itself. So we missed the flight ahead, naturally. And so, they flew us Mumbai- Kuala Lumpur- Singapore- (and finally) Shanghai! Which I landed in at 11:30 pm instead of the 2:30 in the afternoon. I took a taxi to the hotel. And just when one would think that enough action had taken place already, there was more in store for me! Upon arrival I met Candy, who spoke very little english, but greeted me extremely warmly and helped me out with my check in at the hotel. This is when I discovered, that not a single member of the hotel staff spoke or understood even a word of English! And therefore, to ask them for the Wifi password, I had to call an associate from my office, and disturb her that late in the night just so that she could help us understand each other! All I really wanted to do was sleep after the 2 days of travelling. And it helped that the next day was a holiday!
The only part of travel itinerary that didn't need to be changed!
The other 13 people with me, who were flying to Shanghai from Mumbai. (seen here fighting for food coupons in Singapore, where the ground staff had absolutely no preparation to help ease our plight!)
First impressions
The next day was spent mostly in bed. When I did wake up it was almost evening. I stepped out to get myself some food.
My first emotion, was complete confusion! All around everything was in Chinese! I couldn't even manage to find cheese to make sandwiches for myself! I went to over 8 super markets around. And also got lost in all the confusion!
Once I'd calmed down a bit, I started finally looking around and noticing things.
The place is beautiful! The weather between cool and slightly chilly, exactly like I love it to be! The only downside to it, I haven't packed accordingly, and so I occasionally freeze.
The people here, all so impeccably dressed! Everyone seems to carry themselves so elegantly! The women especially. I am yet to see people who aren't smartly dressed!
My first emotion, was complete confusion! All around everything was in Chinese! I couldn't even manage to find cheese to make sandwiches for myself! I went to over 8 super markets around. And also got lost in all the confusion!
Once I'd calmed down a bit, I started finally looking around and noticing things.
The place is beautiful! The weather between cool and slightly chilly, exactly like I love it to be! The only downside to it, I haven't packed accordingly, and so I occasionally freeze.
The people here, all so impeccably dressed! Everyone seems to carry themselves so elegantly! The women especially. I am yet to see people who aren't smartly dressed!
Very well planned roads and traffic system. Also, enough signage everywhere. It makes life simpler, especially when the roads themselves are so many and so confusing!
A lot of people here use scooters, very strange ones. They are tinier than the people themselves! And some of them have the gloves stuck to the handles! :D
Quite amazing.
Quite amazing.
The dogs here are tiny! Almost every other person has a miniature that they are carrying around. No strays. Very unlike where I come from.
My workplace
CBi Chine Bridge International. This is the reason I am here in Shanghai. And the moment I entered it, I knew it was well worth everything! This place is bubbling with energy! It's everything I imagined it would be. The people are all extremely warm and open. Everyone is constantly willing to learn, and to help each other grow. It's great to see how people from so many different places with so many different ascents work together. Each bringing in something of value from some different part of the world.
The environment itself is beautiful. With the casual air of the designers mixing and learning from the business and management sectors of the company.
The environment itself is beautiful. With the casual air of the designers mixing and learning from the business and management sectors of the company.
My first Chinese lunch with my first Chinese friend. Angela :)
And yes, that gigantic bowl full of noodles is mine.
And yes, that gigantic bowl full of noodles is mine.
Have to adopt survival methods. Using a toothbrush to make peanut butter sandwiches. Didn't remember to buy cutlery!