15 September 2013

Shopping for Groceries

 

The supermarkets in China are full of commodities to buy.  In addition to much of what is found in America, there are many unfamiliar items as the following pictures demonstrate. Many of the aromas from these items are pleasant.  What we lack is the knowledge of how to use all that is available.  Some offerings as you will see would not likely find their way to an American table.  I am trying not make judgments and simply acknowledge the cultures, customs and food choices are different from my background.

 

 

Shanghai

 

Marilyn and I went to Shanghai this weekend.

 

“Shanghai is the largest city by population in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the largest city proper by population in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities of the PRC, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010.^[update] It is a global city, with influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology, and transport. It is a major financial center and the busiest container port in the world.”



 



 

The closest subway stop is about a five minute walk from where we live.  We took the subway to the train station, about 45 minutes away.

The train station is modern and relies heavily on technology for efficiency.  After our train trip of about an hour and a half to Shanghai, we negotiated a much more complex subway system to get within walking distance of our hotel.  We got lost on the way to our hotel and saw more of Shanghai than we intended to, but all ended well.


What seems to be ubiquitous in China is new construction.  It seems like old buildings are being removed and new ones constructed on almost every corner.

 

The picture above shows part of the construction site for the building below.  Notice what I believe to be temporary housing units for workers.

As you se below, the finished products look good.

For me, the building crane is one of the symbols of China today.

 

 

 

 

A very common mode of transporting goods in the area of Shanghai we saw.

 

 

Marilyn is standing at the beginning of a very active market area.

 

 

The market area from the other end of the street.  From what I have observed, free markets flourish at the most basic levels.  Vendors are everywhere.

Another street in Shanghai

 

My first solo transaction without the help of a local person was to go to a copy shop and explain in gestures that I wanted some items printed from my flash drive.  After the items were printed, I wrote how many copies I wanted.  Fortunately they use the Arabic numeral system here.  I then used the phrase I had been practicing, "How much?" and was shown the amount on a calculator.  I paid and felt like I had closed a million dollar deal.  The copies were for a quiz I gave.

With my confidence bolstered, I determined it was time for a haircut.  I went to a barbershop where it was clear the barber spoke no English.  Before going to the shop I had asked a lady who has been helping us how to say "light trim."  Unfortunately, by the time I arrived at the barber shop, I had forgotten the phrase.  I noticed that everyone there seemed to be getting a crew cut.  That made me a little nervous.  Then I noticed the barber had longer hair.  That was a good sign.  My turn finally came.  I sat in the chair, hoping for the best and knowing that any outcome was only temporary.  Happily, the barber knew what to do and for about $1.50 I got a haircut that will last longer than my usual style, but still a great result.

As to our primary purpose for being here - teaching - we are thoroughly enjoying the experience.  The students are very respectful.  Some, of course, are more motivated than others, but, all in all, I am impressed with their abilities.  We hope we are meeting or exceeding their expectations.