Archive for September, 2014

h1

Shanghai Library

September 21, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

tall white stone building

We ventured to the Shanghai Library via metro train. We obtained our library cards which is fairly easy to do. We needed our passports with our residency visas, filled out a form on computer terminals near the registration desk. Then took our slip that printed out and our ID to the registration desk and were handed our cards. Easy peasy.

The foreign books and periodicals are on the fourth floor, so we went up to take a look around. They have an impressive collection and plenty of space for people to sit. DaddyBird may be hanging out there occasionally to do research.

All the pictures – click here.

Other pictures from this month – click here.

Posted in Shanghai | Tagged , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Bellagio

September 20, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

dragon painted on a restaurant ceiling

Located half way between our apartment and my work is a Bellagio Restaurant. The food is Taiwanese and AMAZING. We have already eaten there twice in one week. It is difficult not to just stop in on my way home from work.

See all the pictures – click here.

a bowl of mango pudding, chunks, and ice cream

Posted in food, restaurant, Shanghai | Tagged , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

The Big “Why?”

September 14, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

stone house ruins in the foreground, hills in the background open lawn area and large deciduous trees
three story building with ice palace restaurant building with scooters parked in front and laundry hanging from the awnings

Both in the United Arab Emirates before our move and in Shanghai after our move, we have been asked “Why?” Why would we want to leave the wondrous UAE? What brought us to China? The answers given depended on how well we knew the person inquiring, but mostly boiled down to “new job, better job.”

The laws regarding libel in the UAE are such that one can be charged with libel for publishing anything negative, even if it is true. Therefore, I cannot do a side by side comparison to show why we chose to move on and out. I can, however, tell you about my new job and new home city.

  • My salary is higher.
  • Housing is provided by the employer and we were driven directly to our apartment without any time in a hotel upon arrival. The internet was already connected and the air conditioning actually works.
  • Not once have I been warned that I could be fired at the drop of a hat for a minor infraction.
  • My coworkers are happy and cooperative and collaborative.
  • My library has a budget. A healthy budget.
  • I have two assistants to help with the workload.
  • Human Resources has been nothing but helpful and truthful.
  • Visa paperwork processes are being handled in a timely manner.
  • HR arranged for the bank and immigration to send representatives to campus for the convenience of new staff.
  • When I put in a request with I.T. services, they respond and get it done.
  • The cafeteria food is not like any cafeteria food I have experienced before. There are at least 6 different choices each day and a salad bar.
  • The curriculum includes multiple languages, music, art, theatre, sports, and character development.
  • The students are motivated to learn and to read.
  • Shanghai weather is lovely and frequently rainy. It varies from day to day. It actually cools off over night.
  • Shanghai people are polite and friendly. They wait their turn in line. Even crowds in touristy areas are polite. (While in Germany, I got so tired of being bumped into. No one made any effort to avoid collision or said “excuse me.” While walking down a crowded Nanjing Road, not once was I bumped into.)
  • Shanghai driving is crazy, but not aggressive, mean, or vindictive.
  • Our utility bills are WAY lower. There aren’t a bunch of hidden fines and fees related to housing.
  • Public transport is cheap and plentiful. (We traveled 20 stops on the Metro and it cost 5 yuan – $0.81 / 3 AED.)
  • We are serenaded morning and evening with music from the park next door. This morning it is lovely traditional Chinese flute music.
  • The cats, Oliver and Bert, seem to be happier here than ever before. They are frisky every day, multiple times a day. Oliver is living without his calming collar. We can’t explain it. We just appreciate it.

Are there negatives, of course.

  • The air quality is poor and sometimes enough to warrant wearing a face mask. (Although that has not yet happened since we arrived here.)
  • The tap water is not safe for drinking regularly, due to the likelihood containing heavy metals pollution.
  • Moving was an expensive and extremely stressful experience. My head might have exploded if it were not for the help of dear friends.
  • We had to leave our many dear friends behind, but they are welcome to come visit us here!

I predict that the thing that will get on my nerves will be the traffic. It is very difficult to safely cross the street even when there are traffic signals and a clearly marked crossing. The pedestrian simply does not have the right of way and you have to be totally aware of what is going on around you. You need eyes in the back of your head.

Posted in answers to questions, Shanghai, work | Tagged , , | 1 Comment »

h1

Shanghai Zoo

September 6, 2014

Posted by Kanga. Please do not reblog.

carved archway of the zoo depicting elephants

Last Sunday, we went to the zoo, despite the weather prediction of 60% chance of rain. Not one drop of rain, but it was a pleasant afternoon anyway.

a lizard

There were reptiles and snakes and fish. This fellow was quite a poser.

a pond with people in boats like bumper cars

There were several ponds. This one has bumper boats which looks like fun.

open lawn area and large deciduous trees

Large wide open green park areas. Notice how crowded the park is.

mother and baby chimpanzees

There were two baby chimpanzees as well as other young ones.

brown bear standing on hind legs

The brown bear was quite the beggar. He was talented at catching the food tossed to him before it hit the ground.

giant panda eating bamboo

And, of course, we saw the Giant Pandas.

DaddyBird had read some reviews online that said the zoo was depressing, but we do not agree. There is room for improvement – mostly the fault of visitors. There is too much garbage in the exhibits and park areas. There were coins in the alligator exhibit. I do not know if people think it is lucky somehow. The zoo certainly has plenty of space and room for additional exhibits. We didn’t see everything, so will probably go back and take anyone who visits us.

restaurant sign

We headed across the street to Dumpling King of North China for some very lovely dumplings.

bowl of 18 dumplings

 

We had leek and egg dumplings and pork dumplings. The menu was bilingual, so no surprises this time. Yummy and recommended if you are ever near the Shanghai Zoo.

As usual, there are more pictures – click here.

There is also a panda video – click here.

Posted in animals, Shanghai | Leave a Comment »