June 2nd

Well, fortunately dreams do not always come true-I did not miss my connection in Tokyo and the ATM machine did work in Shanghai.  There is something about traveling alone that feels so adventurous. That first step outside after airplanes and airports and the realization that I am so far from home in more ways than just distance.  Even from just the airport there is that realization that I remember from my last China trip that there are so many people that are not Caucasian, do not care about the dollar and are more comfortable with a language other than English. I think we forget that sometimes. This is an amazing part of the world and my obsession with what is going on outside the US borders grows.

So, I have had my first night’s sleep and am getting ready for a walk around the area. I should step back a bit- I am a Marriott travelers so that is where I stayed. They had the handy taxi card to print before I left so I could just hand it to the driver and he would know where to take me. I was instantly upgraded and enjoyed a complimentary breakfast in the executive lounge. I guess that does take away from the previous ‘adventure’ comments but  there was something steamed that I could not identify and I ate it so I get some culture points there. Baby steps….things will be much different as I move away from the NYC of China. I got a brief workout in this morning because I HAD TIME TO! and got some helpful hints from Weight Watchers on eating my way through this trip. Hey, if cramming myself into a coach seat for 14 hours doesn’t motivate some sort of weight loss agenda- there is no hope. Consider me motivated (Yes, Chris, you heard that right! I did have an exit aisle in Economy Comfort and the drinks were free so that helped…but I would still question Delta’s definition of ‘comfort’.)

Facebook is blocked in China and actually my blog seems to be too. I posted this by VPNing into my work computer and doing it from Portland-never totally disconnected from there.  Once I am reunited with the rest of my group, I will check on those things to see if there is a trick or if the trick is VPN.

I plan on going to Jing’an Temple(http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/english/doc/2004-11/01/content_387373.htm)  because it appears to be walking distance from my hotel. My phone doesn’t work, therefore, I have no Google maps in my hand once I leave the safety net of the hotel staff. Being directionally challenged, this is actually a big deal for me even if it is only a block or two. The thick haze is overwhelming. I tried to capture it from my hotel room but not sure I got the full affect.

Off I go. I should probably end these with a tip to China 2012 group. Let’s see….I would make sure you are staying at the hotel with the group.  The only reason that I am not is because I could not cancel my reservation. Rooms are inexpensive compared to the US so don’t worry about booking well in advance- just book when you know where you classmates will be.  I think that would be fun being with them today but flying solo for a couple of hours isn’t all bad. Print off directions to your hotel in Chinese- this was a lifesaver as I would have had no idea how to tell my cab driver where to go.

Until whenever I can get back online again…….