I'll be in Chicago from the 16th and departing back to Shanghai on the 28th in the early morning. Give me a shout or send me an e-mail!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Home for the holidays...but first snow in Shanghai!
The day before I was to return to Chicago for about 10 days Shanghai was covered in snow. You should have seen the little kids going crazy. Snow isn't totally foreign to SH but generally it is a few flurries and that is about it. Well this time we ended up with a fair amount more and plenty even sticking to the trees and buildings. Here are a few from around my place in Xintiandi...
I'll be in Chicago from the 16th and departing back to Shanghai on the 28th in the early morning. Give me a shout or send me an e-mail!
I'll be in Chicago from the 16th and departing back to Shanghai on the 28th in the early morning. Give me a shout or send me an e-mail!
Asia Pacific Championship - 1/2 Ironman - Laguna Phuket, Thailand
Well as I mentioned before I was "training" for another 1/2 Ironman (1.2m swim, 56m bike and 13.1m run) in Phuket, Thailand. The good news is that I did the race, the bad news was I didn't train hard enough. In the weeks leading up to the inaugural race there were media reports describing it as what could be the most challenging course in the world for 1/2 Ironman...oh great!
Day before the race the bike is ready to go and so am I sort of....
I should point out that the day of the race, Dec 5th was the King's birthday. The King of Thailand was 83 that day and the longest governing monarch in the world. He has been in power more than 60 years! All these notes on the right were signed by me and other athletes to hopefully give us a bit of luck...
Here is the swim start. A very unusual course because you swam about 2/3 of the 1.2mile swim in the ocean. From there you got out and ran across the sand dunes for about 150m and then dove into a fresh water lagoon to do the final 1/3 of the swim. It was my first time racing in ocean and while I loved the saltwater for the buoyancy I can't say it tasted great. Plus the thought of looking around for sharks got my heart pumping. The biggest challenge was the lagoon actually. In that the lagoon tasted like motor oil! They had been ferrying athletes via pontoon boats all morning and the oil runoff was brutal!
But I did finish the swim. 1/3 (at least segment wise) done with the race! Now let the fun begin...
The bike was 56m or 90km. It was characterized not by hills but by mountains! Two that were exceedingly difficult. However many stretches of road were amazingly scenic through the countryside of Thailand, small villages, etc. There were lots of spectators out, including many little school kids making lots of noise and cheering us on.
The first major mountain stretch came at kilometer 45 of so. We basically came around a corner and looked smack dab straight up! Most people attempted the climb thinking we could see the top. I'm not sure how far I made it before doing as most others did and walking my bike up. Now for those of you who understand heart rates this will put it in perspective. WALKING up the mountain my HR was between 167-175 which is very high! Back to the course. When we thought we were to the top, we weren't, it was just another switchback. So tried to ride again, dropped my bike chain causing my legs to flail and me to simply fall over and off the bike. No pain as I wasn't moving but it was rather funny.
Finally at the top one thinks the fun is about to begin right? Get to cruise down super fast? Nope. These were areas marked as "yellow flag" areas. This meant according to the rules - no passing, hands must be on your brakes, you must sit up on the bike, etc, oh and you can't go more than 12mph! Why? Because the descent was so steep and so full of curves that someone would have died on the course. Honestly it was all I could do to pull the brakes hard enough to stay below 15mph!
The 2nd major mountain and far and away the hardest was at kilometer 80 out of 90. By that point my legs were completely jelly. I biked as much of it as I could but of course I dismounted and walked my ass up that too at some point. I would venture to guess that 90-95% of folks walked these mountains.
Finally the bike was over and it was time for the run...or in my case the very slow jog. My legs were burning and had nothing in them. The run thankfully was very flat and through the Laguna Phuket resort area. So we ran on all sorts of terrain from golf courses, to asphalt, through an Elephant park, etc. It was two loops and I did my better on the 2nd loop than the first as my legs slowly started to recover.
I guess I will need more training to do this race or others while living in Shanghai. But all in all I am thrilled I did the race, met some great people and surprisingly had a lot of fun.
The first major mountain stretch came at kilometer 45 of so. We basically came around a corner and looked smack dab straight up! Most people attempted the climb thinking we could see the top. I'm not sure how far I made it before doing as most others did and walking my bike up. Now for those of you who understand heart rates this will put it in perspective. WALKING up the mountain my HR was between 167-175 which is very high! Back to the course. When we thought we were to the top, we weren't, it was just another switchback. So tried to ride again, dropped my bike chain causing my legs to flail and me to simply fall over and off the bike. No pain as I wasn't moving but it was rather funny.
Finally at the top one thinks the fun is about to begin right? Get to cruise down super fast? Nope. These were areas marked as "yellow flag" areas. This meant according to the rules - no passing, hands must be on your brakes, you must sit up on the bike, etc, oh and you can't go more than 12mph! Why? Because the descent was so steep and so full of curves that someone would have died on the course. Honestly it was all I could do to pull the brakes hard enough to stay below 15mph!
The 2nd major mountain and far and away the hardest was at kilometer 80 out of 90. By that point my legs were completely jelly. I biked as much of it as I could but of course I dismounted and walked my ass up that too at some point. I would venture to guess that 90-95% of folks walked these mountains.
Finally the bike was over and it was time for the run...or in my case the very slow jog. My legs were burning and had nothing in them. The run thankfully was very flat and through the Laguna Phuket resort area. So we ran on all sorts of terrain from golf courses, to asphalt, through an Elephant park, etc. It was two loops and I did my better on the 2nd loop than the first as my legs slowly started to recover.
I guess I will need more training to do this race or others while living in Shanghai. But all in all I am thrilled I did the race, met some great people and surprisingly had a lot of fun.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
1 year
Well it is now official, I have lasted one year with my new company. Not quite one year of officially living in China since I didn't move here until February but still one year with Richloom Fabrics. After 14 years with my previous employer and now only one year here, it seems a lifetime ago that I was in my previous job.
I'm thrilled with my decision to join this company and I haven't looked back one time. The people and the organization are top notch which is huge. The amount that I have learned and absorbed in 2010 can't even be put into writing. I started knowing the industry because it is related to furniture but not the real specifics of the textile trade. Now one year later I can say I feel relatively comfortable with textiles.
The past year has not been an easy one. The year started with the usual of employee challenges. It is typical that after Chinese New Year employees change jobs, want more money, etc. As we had about 45 people at the beginning of the year we are large enough to have this type of problem. Now at the end of the year we are at 59 employees and every day is a challenge.
We have experienced excellent sales but lower margins thanks to rising material costs. We have had some quality issues that have forced me to learn more technical aspects of the business as well. Plus we have had to deal with the rising of the value of the Chinese currency vs the US dollar. Last but not least the unprecedented skyrocketing of material costs. I use the date of Nov 8th as our M-Day for material day. That was the day that all broke loose and went haywire.
So I look back on lots of accomplishments and with plenty of pride about surviving through what has been a tough year. I'm sure the year ahead won't be easier on many fronts but at least I'm far ahead of the game by now knowing the textile industry much better.
I'm thrilled with my decision to join this company and I haven't looked back one time. The people and the organization are top notch which is huge. The amount that I have learned and absorbed in 2010 can't even be put into writing. I started knowing the industry because it is related to furniture but not the real specifics of the textile trade. Now one year later I can say I feel relatively comfortable with textiles.
The past year has not been an easy one. The year started with the usual of employee challenges. It is typical that after Chinese New Year employees change jobs, want more money, etc. As we had about 45 people at the beginning of the year we are large enough to have this type of problem. Now at the end of the year we are at 59 employees and every day is a challenge.
We have experienced excellent sales but lower margins thanks to rising material costs. We have had some quality issues that have forced me to learn more technical aspects of the business as well. Plus we have had to deal with the rising of the value of the Chinese currency vs the US dollar. Last but not least the unprecedented skyrocketing of material costs. I use the date of Nov 8th as our M-Day for material day. That was the day that all broke loose and went haywire.
So I look back on lots of accomplishments and with plenty of pride about surviving through what has been a tough year. I'm sure the year ahead won't be easier on many fronts but at least I'm far ahead of the game by now knowing the textile industry much better.
Duck Crossing...
On Friday morning I got an e-mail from one of my customers that he was stuck in a traffic jam. He was on his way from Shanghai to a factory near the Hangzhou area.
Ever seen a duck crossing?
How about thousands of ducks, upon thousands of ducks?
As my buddy said, "just another day on the way to the office."
As my buddy said, "just another day on the way to the office."
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Ohhh Chiner...
I never get bored of some of the signs that I see. Unfortunately I can't take credit for this one but it sums a lot of things up here...nice finger huh?
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Taiwan
This weekend I made my first trip to Taiwan, unfortunately not for fun but for work but still worth it. Taiwan is considered by China to be essentially property of China and by Taiwan standards they consider themselves a free and independent democracy. It wasn't until just a year or two ago that direct flights were allowed between the two countries. Before that if you went between the two you had to fly to Hong Kong.
In any event we went to see our partner supplier there who handles predominantly outdoor fabrics, for patio furniture, umbrellas, etc.
My first impression was how clean it all was. Organized without millions of folks pushing, arguing and getting in my way. Driving on the roads (no I personally didn't drive) was pleasant. If not for the Chinese characters on road signs and store signs you would think you were in any other western country.
After two long days of work, on Saturday night we visited a night market near a University. The market was very much a local one with very few tourists. We checked it out, did some shopping and tried some local street food. The worst was chodo fu. Basically that means "stinky tofu." I've had it once before in Nanjing and it was awful. As the name states the chodo fu smells awful. The first bite isn't so bad. But after it sits in your mouth the aftertaste just gets worse and worse. The version in Taiwan was also spicy so I think that eliminated some of the taste. All in all not terrible. A few from the night market...
One of the best parts of Taiwan was how peaceful and organized it was. The sign below is one that is NOT followed here in China. Might be a good idea if they put some of this up all around China...
A great couple days, for sure need to go back and spend some downtime there...
In any event we went to see our partner supplier there who handles predominantly outdoor fabrics, for patio furniture, umbrellas, etc.
My first impression was how clean it all was. Organized without millions of folks pushing, arguing and getting in my way. Driving on the roads (no I personally didn't drive) was pleasant. If not for the Chinese characters on road signs and store signs you would think you were in any other western country.
After two long days of work, on Saturday night we visited a night market near a University. The market was very much a local one with very few tourists. We checked it out, did some shopping and tried some local street food. The worst was chodo fu. Basically that means "stinky tofu." I've had it once before in Nanjing and it was awful. As the name states the chodo fu smells awful. The first bite isn't so bad. But after it sits in your mouth the aftertaste just gets worse and worse. The version in Taiwan was also spicy so I think that eliminated some of the taste. All in all not terrible. A few from the night market...
One of the best parts of Taiwan was how peaceful and organized it was. The sign below is one that is NOT followed here in China. Might be a good idea if they put some of this up all around China...
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Through the eyes of a newbie...
Since I have spent a couple years getting to know China and Asia, I have probably gotten a bit jaded on things. I don't see things through eyes as open as I once did. That's not bad all in all as I have certainly acclimated to things. But it does mean I see it differently. So the below is an excerpt from a work e-mail from a NY colleague visiting China for her first time. She has very much enjoyed her visit to Shanghai and then out to the mills we partner with in the Hangzhou/Liping areas. Take a look at how she describes the more rural areas. By the way Hangzhou is a city of about 9 million people give or take...
"Well- hangzhou is very interesting!! I thought I was mentally prepared to see certain things, but then when I was actually put right in front of them, I
found them shocking and heart breaking. The amount of poverty is really crazy and the number of bike contraptions carrying heavy loads was out of control!! I was really excited to see Elite, but holy crap the smell!! How do the workers work without masks or the ones by the looms without ear plugs!! But, I finally got to see my first jacquard loom and (this is nerdy), I almost cried! It was so amazing and beautiful. We haven't had a chance to really see the area- we were hoping to walk around last night, but it was late and raining. So maybe tomorrow I will get up early and explore.
We had a traditional Chinese meal last night and I will never forget pigeon
egg as long as I live! I know that doesn't sound daring- but in my eyes
pigeons are flying rats of the world, and I ate its egg! Yikes."
"Well- hangzhou is very interesting!! I thought I was mentally prepared to see certain things, but then when I was actually put right in front of them, I
found them shocking and heart breaking. The amount of poverty is really crazy and the number of bike contraptions carrying heavy loads was out of control!! I was really excited to see Elite, but holy crap the smell!! How do the workers work without masks or the ones by the looms without ear plugs!! But, I finally got to see my first jacquard loom and (this is nerdy), I almost cried! It was so amazing and beautiful. We haven't had a chance to really see the area- we were hoping to walk around last night, but it was late and raining. So maybe tomorrow I will get up early and explore.
We had a traditional Chinese meal last night and I will never forget pigeon
egg as long as I live! I know that doesn't sound daring- but in my eyes
pigeons are flying rats of the world, and I ate its egg! Yikes."
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Triathlon
I do miss my triathlons back home so as some know I'm going to try and do one here, specifically the 70.3 in Thailand in early December. 70.3 basically is the designation for a 1/2 Ironman or 1.2mile swim, 56 mile bike and 13.1 mile run.
My training has been less than ideal. All my swimming takes place in my apartment complex pool so no open water swimming. My biking takes place indoors as well on my bike that is set up on an indoor training machine. Then running outdoors. Add to it that I'm working like a dog and I feel terribly unprepared for the pain I will feel.
Today I read an article about the race site. It's a first ever race and they did a training camp there last weekend. Sounds like the bike is going to be brutally difficult. Lots of hills and technical riding to be done. Here's the article hopefully the link will work, just cut and paste...
http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/asiapacific70.3/laguna-phukets-new-ironman-70.3-asia-pacific-championship-course-has-been-given-a-seal-of-approval-by-the?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ironman%2Ftopstories+%28Ironman.com+Top+Stories%29#axzz15Aul1YmF
In normal training mode this would be my last serious week of workouts, then start to taper down a bit. Problem is I haven't had time for the serious workouts and won't this week either. Oh well all in fun right?
My training has been less than ideal. All my swimming takes place in my apartment complex pool so no open water swimming. My biking takes place indoors as well on my bike that is set up on an indoor training machine. Then running outdoors. Add to it that I'm working like a dog and I feel terribly unprepared for the pain I will feel.
Today I read an article about the race site. It's a first ever race and they did a training camp there last weekend. Sounds like the bike is going to be brutally difficult. Lots of hills and technical riding to be done. Here's the article hopefully the link will work, just cut and paste...
http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/asiapacific70.3/laguna-phukets-new-ironman-70.3-asia-pacific-championship-course-has-been-given-a-seal-of-approval-by-the?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ironman%2Ftopstories+%28Ironman.com+Top+Stories%29#axzz15Aul1YmF
In normal training mode this would be my last serious week of workouts, then start to taper down a bit. Problem is I haven't had time for the serious workouts and won't this week either. Oh well all in fun right?
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Material Costs
I try and keep this site full of the fun and interesting stuff. This won't be so fun, at least not for me, but maybe interesting.
Since I have been back in China from my trip to the US we have been negotiating price increases. As many of you know the US gov't is pushing China to allow the RMB (Chinese currency) to increase in value more. Well when it does that it makes the goods we sell more expensive back to you. So far YTD it has changed about 2%, nothing major so far. There are rumors that it will go 20% in the next couple years. That means in essence I will take an automatic 20% decrease in salary because I get paid in USD and not in RMB. So that sucks...might be time to renegotiate that.
In addition to a rise in the value of the RMB there are MAJOR material cost increases going on. I won't bore you but cotton has gone up to the highest level since the US started following commodity prices. Then on Monday I come in to the office to find that the cost of Polyester has gone up 35% in just 3 days. Today being Tuesday it went up an additional 10%.
Long and short we have negotiated with mills and they are coming back saying they need another 5-20% raises effective now. But that isn't the worst part.
The worst part is that even if you agree on a price, no matter how high it is, you can't get the materials. The actual suppliers are not selling, they are hoarding the goods and hoping that prices will continue to rise. Already in 2 days numerous mills have shut down completely because they can't get raw materials. They will reopen when they get materials but right now it doesn't even pay to bring employees to work.
I've had mills in the past 2 days and they want more money from us but don't know how much to ask since it changes on a daily or hourly basis. I personally see the mills in survival mode right now. They will take not making money as long as they don't lose money in the short term. But they can't get the materials. I've heard stories of far Western China, near Pakistan where the Chinese Army is protecting cotton fields from people pillaging in the night!
For anyone I've talked to who has been in this business for years, nobody has ever seen anything like this. It is insanity. Talk about every day being different! If you don't think this will affect you, I'm sure it will it if continues. There is no way cotton t-shirts are going to be so cheap next season or the season after that.
Let's see what tomorrow brings...
Since I have been back in China from my trip to the US we have been negotiating price increases. As many of you know the US gov't is pushing China to allow the RMB (Chinese currency) to increase in value more. Well when it does that it makes the goods we sell more expensive back to you. So far YTD it has changed about 2%, nothing major so far. There are rumors that it will go 20% in the next couple years. That means in essence I will take an automatic 20% decrease in salary because I get paid in USD and not in RMB. So that sucks...might be time to renegotiate that.
In addition to a rise in the value of the RMB there are MAJOR material cost increases going on. I won't bore you but cotton has gone up to the highest level since the US started following commodity prices. Then on Monday I come in to the office to find that the cost of Polyester has gone up 35% in just 3 days. Today being Tuesday it went up an additional 10%.
Long and short we have negotiated with mills and they are coming back saying they need another 5-20% raises effective now. But that isn't the worst part.
The worst part is that even if you agree on a price, no matter how high it is, you can't get the materials. The actual suppliers are not selling, they are hoarding the goods and hoping that prices will continue to rise. Already in 2 days numerous mills have shut down completely because they can't get raw materials. They will reopen when they get materials but right now it doesn't even pay to bring employees to work.
I've had mills in the past 2 days and they want more money from us but don't know how much to ask since it changes on a daily or hourly basis. I personally see the mills in survival mode right now. They will take not making money as long as they don't lose money in the short term. But they can't get the materials. I've heard stories of far Western China, near Pakistan where the Chinese Army is protecting cotton fields from people pillaging in the night!
For anyone I've talked to who has been in this business for years, nobody has ever seen anything like this. It is insanity. Talk about every day being different! If you don't think this will affect you, I'm sure it will it if continues. There is no way cotton t-shirts are going to be so cheap next season or the season after that.
Let's see what tomorrow brings...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
To the US and back...
Well since I last wrote I've been back to the US with stops in NY (company headquarters), CT (to see mom), North Carolina (for a trade show) and then to Chicago to see friends and family, pick up some stuff and generally hang out. It was a busy 12 days or so and compounded by being sick with a temp nearly 103 for a while.
Now back in China for a week or so and settled back into the insanity routine we call life here. The weather is cooling off quickly just like Chicago fall weather, except no football to watch here.
I've got just about one month left before I do my first triathlon outside of the US. This is a 1/2 Ironman race also called 70.3 series. Consists of 1.2mile swim, 56mile bike and 13.1mile run. Down in Phuket, Thailand. My training so far to say the least has been piss poor! Although this past week since being home I'm surprised my body has done as well as it has on some of the long workouts. Trying to get workouts in with my schedule work wise simply is tough. Oh well, at least I have a goal and a timeline to follow...
Now back in China for a week or so and settled back into the insanity routine we call life here. The weather is cooling off quickly just like Chicago fall weather, except no football to watch here.
I've got just about one month left before I do my first triathlon outside of the US. This is a 1/2 Ironman race also called 70.3 series. Consists of 1.2mile swim, 56mile bike and 13.1mile run. Down in Phuket, Thailand. My training so far to say the least has been piss poor! Although this past week since being home I'm surprised my body has done as well as it has on some of the long workouts. Trying to get workouts in with my schedule work wise simply is tough. Oh well, at least I have a goal and a timeline to follow...
Sunday, October 10, 2010
My week...
So come back from vacation have one day in Shanghai, including the wedding I just went to. Tomorrow back to the office for a few hours, then off to the airport for a flight to Shenzhen. Meet with JCP on Monday night and then first thing Tuesday fly back to Shanghai. Spend the afternoon in the office, have dinner with a colleague and their family that night.
Then on Wednesday begin the trek back home to the USofA! First stop NY. Spend the end of the week in our office there. Then the weekend with Mom in CT. Sunday off to NC for the High Point Furniture show.
After all that then off to sweet home Chicago for a few days before returning to China. I'm excited to come home, see some folks, etc but am tired thinking about all the travel. Thankfully I'm well rested after vacation!
Then on Wednesday begin the trek back home to the USofA! First stop NY. Spend the end of the week in our office there. Then the weekend with Mom in CT. Sunday off to NC for the High Point Furniture show.
After all that then off to sweet home Chicago for a few days before returning to China. I'm excited to come home, see some folks, etc but am tired thinking about all the travel. Thankfully I'm well rested after vacation!
A Chinese wedding
I got back from Bali around midnight last night. All in all a very good trip. I will post an update and photos in a couple of days.
Tonight I went to another Chinese wedding, of a colleague. Upon arrival with another western colleague we find ourselves, not surprisingly, to be the only foreigners in attendance. All weddings i've been to here are totally different from each other as well as a western wedding. This one being Shanghai families was a bit more upscale. Much of the wedding part was in tuxedo's. We arrive, take photos with the couple and then are lead to our seats. First they check the seating chart. It's easy for us to find our names as all the other ones are in Chinese characters and then, almost in bold you see the names "Nolan" and "Megan." Too funny.
Throughout the evening the bride changed into 4 different dresses making a ceremonial entrance each time. In addition she and the groom came out one time wearing jeans and white t-shirts that they had all the attendees sign upon arrival. That was pretty cool.
The wedding itself was fast, an exchange of rings, a few speeches and that's it. On to the games and the food. One of the games was that they flipped through the photos that were taken upon arrival and someone yells "stop" and the person who's photo is on the screen wins. I was winner #2! Got myself a nice chopstick set! Winner #3 was actually my CFO. There were only 4 work people there and two of us won prices. Not a bad showing. When I went up they asked me to say a few words about the bride and groom. That was a bit tough given I don't know him at all. The audience was never so quiet all night until I had the mic in my hands.
From there the bride and groom go table to table drinking with every guest and saying thanks.
A nice evening and a beautiful bride and groom. Photos to come.
Tonight I went to another Chinese wedding, of a colleague. Upon arrival with another western colleague we find ourselves, not surprisingly, to be the only foreigners in attendance. All weddings i've been to here are totally different from each other as well as a western wedding. This one being Shanghai families was a bit more upscale. Much of the wedding part was in tuxedo's. We arrive, take photos with the couple and then are lead to our seats. First they check the seating chart. It's easy for us to find our names as all the other ones are in Chinese characters and then, almost in bold you see the names "Nolan" and "Megan." Too funny.
Throughout the evening the bride changed into 4 different dresses making a ceremonial entrance each time. In addition she and the groom came out one time wearing jeans and white t-shirts that they had all the attendees sign upon arrival. That was pretty cool.
The wedding itself was fast, an exchange of rings, a few speeches and that's it. On to the games and the food. One of the games was that they flipped through the photos that were taken upon arrival and someone yells "stop" and the person who's photo is on the screen wins. I was winner #2! Got myself a nice chopstick set! Winner #3 was actually my CFO. There were only 4 work people there and two of us won prices. Not a bad showing. When I went up they asked me to say a few words about the bride and groom. That was a bit tough given I don't know him at all. The audience was never so quiet all night until I had the mic in my hands.
From there the bride and groom go table to table drinking with every guest and saying thanks.
A nice evening and a beautiful bride and groom. Photos to come.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Vacation in Bali...part 1
So what is my agenda during my vacation to Bali? To relax, get some sun, see the culture, etc but the most important piece is getting the rest and relaxation to make it to the next holiday which will be Christmas in the states.
First things first I had to get to Bali. First I took a red eye flight from Shanghai to Singapore, landing about 5:30AM. My connection to Bali wasn't until 4:30PM so I had 11 hours to kill. Thankfully because of status on United airlines and therefore their partner Singapore Air I had access to the lounge. But that wasn't enough since I didn't really sleep on the flight. So at 9AM I tried the airport transit hotel in the Singapore airport. I got a 6 hour room for about $50. It was the best decision ever. Quiet and pitch black room allowed me to somehow sleep for more than 5 hours at which time it was time to get on my plane.
Arriving in Bali I used points to stay at the Westin in Nusa Dua. This is the high class resort area and was great. My plan was to stay there for 3 nights before finding another hotel in a different part of town.
My next problem was found when I tried to use my US debit card to get cash and found that it expired in August! Crap! My China debit card is not accepted outside of China so now I'm here with no cash and no easy way to get it. Thankfully the folks at the Westin helped arrange with a bank for me to get some against my credit card. Not enough for the trip but enough to get started.
With that behind me and finding the next hotel the rest of the trip was set. I've got 1 full day and 2 half days with a tour guide taking me to the must see places.
So far so good...
First things first I had to get to Bali. First I took a red eye flight from Shanghai to Singapore, landing about 5:30AM. My connection to Bali wasn't until 4:30PM so I had 11 hours to kill. Thankfully because of status on United airlines and therefore their partner Singapore Air I had access to the lounge. But that wasn't enough since I didn't really sleep on the flight. So at 9AM I tried the airport transit hotel in the Singapore airport. I got a 6 hour room for about $50. It was the best decision ever. Quiet and pitch black room allowed me to somehow sleep for more than 5 hours at which time it was time to get on my plane.
Arriving in Bali I used points to stay at the Westin in Nusa Dua. This is the high class resort area and was great. My plan was to stay there for 3 nights before finding another hotel in a different part of town.
My next problem was found when I tried to use my US debit card to get cash and found that it expired in August! Crap! My China debit card is not accepted outside of China so now I'm here with no cash and no easy way to get it. Thankfully the folks at the Westin helped arrange with a bank for me to get some against my credit card. Not enough for the trip but enough to get started.
With that behind me and finding the next hotel the rest of the trip was set. I've got 1 full day and 2 half days with a tour guide taking me to the must see places.
So far so good...
Friday, October 1, 2010
China National Day
Today is Oct 1st. It is the 2nd most important holiday in the Chinese culture behind the Chinese New Year. It celebrates the founding of the People's Republic of China on Oct 1, 1949. It has officially become a 7 day holiday with offices, government services, etc being closed Oct 1-7.
I know to many who do business with China that it seems like we get lots of holidays/days off here. I'd say that is somewhat true. A week ago we had Wed-Fri off for the Mid Autumn festival. But to make it up we had to work the following Saturday and Sunday. For the National Day we also have to make up two of the days on a Sat/Sun. So it is less than it appears but annoying as all get out to me. I say if you get days off you shouldn't have to make them up later!!!
So I woke up this morning on Oct 1st and the city is dead quiet. Not the rush of cars, horns, people, bikes, etc out my window either. It's been a very peaceful couple of hours. However it's now nearing 11AM and the fireworks have started. I'm sure they will be in full effect later this evening as well.
As for me I'm using this opportunity to visit another country I've never been to before. I'm heading off to Bali, Indonesia late tonight for a week on the beach of sun and relaxation!
I know to many who do business with China that it seems like we get lots of holidays/days off here. I'd say that is somewhat true. A week ago we had Wed-Fri off for the Mid Autumn festival. But to make it up we had to work the following Saturday and Sunday. For the National Day we also have to make up two of the days on a Sat/Sun. So it is less than it appears but annoying as all get out to me. I say if you get days off you shouldn't have to make them up later!!!
So I woke up this morning on Oct 1st and the city is dead quiet. Not the rush of cars, horns, people, bikes, etc out my window either. It's been a very peaceful couple of hours. However it's now nearing 11AM and the fireworks have started. I'm sure they will be in full effect later this evening as well.
As for me I'm using this opportunity to visit another country I've never been to before. I'm heading off to Bali, Indonesia late tonight for a week on the beach of sun and relaxation!
Nanjing Trip
So after all the debate of where to go was done the trip was taken. It certainly wasn't without complaint though. But I was planning to make the most of it.
Upon checking in to the hotel some rooms weren't right so more complaints, including the "this is the worst company trip ever, I'm going home one." Now people this is a free weekend with hotel, food, sightseeing, etc shouldn't we just all get along?
Saturday was a full day of sightseeing as you will see in the photos, followed by a dinner that included plenty of drinks sent my way. Not sure if this was respectful or a "we are going to get you because we don't want to be here" type things. But during the sightseeing one thing we visited was the memorial of the Japanese invasion to China where 300,000 Chinese were brutally murdered. I must say it was a spectacular memorial, very first class and respectful. I would love to go back and really spend some time there.
On Sunday we packed up and headed an hour towards Shanghai when we stopped at a hot springs resort. No cameras were allowed of course but we had a good time relaxing and letting our muscles recover from all the hiking and walking of the day before.
Enjoy the photos...
http://picasaweb.google.com/nolanmitchell14/Nanjing#
Upon checking in to the hotel some rooms weren't right so more complaints, including the "this is the worst company trip ever, I'm going home one." Now people this is a free weekend with hotel, food, sightseeing, etc shouldn't we just all get along?
Saturday was a full day of sightseeing as you will see in the photos, followed by a dinner that included plenty of drinks sent my way. Not sure if this was respectful or a "we are going to get you because we don't want to be here" type things. But during the sightseeing one thing we visited was the memorial of the Japanese invasion to China where 300,000 Chinese were brutally murdered. I must say it was a spectacular memorial, very first class and respectful. I would love to go back and really spend some time there.
On Sunday we packed up and headed an hour towards Shanghai when we stopped at a hot springs resort. No cameras were allowed of course but we had a good time relaxing and letting our muscles recover from all the hiking and walking of the day before.
Enjoy the photos...
http://picasaweb.google.com/nolanmitchell14/Nanjing#
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Company Trip planning
Most every company in China goes on a company trip annually (nice perk if you ask me). The biggest challenge is where to go. If you have a big budget you can fly someplace most people haven't been. If you don't have the big budget you take a bus or a train. But then everyone complains that "they've been there before."
So along with my GM and CFO we tried to come up with options that would work. However we didn't have a huge budget and have an office of 57 people so it was tough. Every idea that I threw out was rejected. Either they had been there before, didn't want to go there, etc.
I even suggested what if we went someplace within an hour of Shanghai and took spouses and kids? Just went for a day, played in the park, hiked, BBQ'd, went to a nice dinner, whatever. That idea was shot down faster than I could get it out of my mouth. I guess they all want to get away from home and their family!
In any event I finally made the decision and we planned on Nanjing. It's about a 4 hour bus ride from Shanghai. So not close but not like a 12 hour overnight bus ride that was suggested to me.
As soon as the decision was made many were not happy. I heard it all from "I've been there before" to "we don't want to go to a city, we want the countryside" to "we don't like Nanjing because of what the Japanese did there." (More on that when I post the update on the trip).
Bottom line you can't make everyone happy. But I was shocked to see the very selfish side of folks. For goodness sake it is a FREE trip, free hotel, food and sightseeing. Get over it! You can make what you want of it and be happy or make everyone miserable. There were some who chose to try and make everyone else miserable...
More on the trip later...
So along with my GM and CFO we tried to come up with options that would work. However we didn't have a huge budget and have an office of 57 people so it was tough. Every idea that I threw out was rejected. Either they had been there before, didn't want to go there, etc.
I even suggested what if we went someplace within an hour of Shanghai and took spouses and kids? Just went for a day, played in the park, hiked, BBQ'd, went to a nice dinner, whatever. That idea was shot down faster than I could get it out of my mouth. I guess they all want to get away from home and their family!
In any event I finally made the decision and we planned on Nanjing. It's about a 4 hour bus ride from Shanghai. So not close but not like a 12 hour overnight bus ride that was suggested to me.
As soon as the decision was made many were not happy. I heard it all from "I've been there before" to "we don't want to go to a city, we want the countryside" to "we don't like Nanjing because of what the Japanese did there." (More on that when I post the update on the trip).
Bottom line you can't make everyone happy. But I was shocked to see the very selfish side of folks. For goodness sake it is a FREE trip, free hotel, food and sightseeing. Get over it! You can make what you want of it and be happy or make everyone miserable. There were some who chose to try and make everyone else miserable...
More on the trip later...
Vacation - Cambodia/Vietnam
As usual I have gotten out of the habit of posting on here. Will try and do better for those who occasionally check it out.
In early August I needed a break. So I bought my tickets and went off to see the cultural wonders in Cambodia and then to Hanoi, Vietnam. Both places I had never been to.
Cambodia was amazing. It started a bit tough to handle as the first stop on my trip was to The Killing Fields where tens of thousands were slaughtered and buried by their own countrymen back in the 1970's. From there the rest of the trip was uplifting. Up to Siem Reap where Angkor Wat and all the temples were, then the floating villages. It was hot as all can be hiking everywhere. Felt like I lost 10 pounds a day just sweating like in a sauna.
You had to stay on the paths though in Cambodia as there are still land mines throughout the country from the war. They can't clean them all up fast enough. Be careful!
The trip ended with three days in Vietnam. Up on the north part of the country. Most of my time was spent in Halong Bay which is a World Heritage Site and features nearly two thousands islands made of limestone. So impressive.
A link to my photo journey is below...
http://picasaweb.google.com/nolanmitchell14/CambodiaVietnam#
In early August I needed a break. So I bought my tickets and went off to see the cultural wonders in Cambodia and then to Hanoi, Vietnam. Both places I had never been to.
Cambodia was amazing. It started a bit tough to handle as the first stop on my trip was to The Killing Fields where tens of thousands were slaughtered and buried by their own countrymen back in the 1970's. From there the rest of the trip was uplifting. Up to Siem Reap where Angkor Wat and all the temples were, then the floating villages. It was hot as all can be hiking everywhere. Felt like I lost 10 pounds a day just sweating like in a sauna.
You had to stay on the paths though in Cambodia as there are still land mines throughout the country from the war. They can't clean them all up fast enough. Be careful!
The trip ended with three days in Vietnam. Up on the north part of the country. Most of my time was spent in Halong Bay which is a World Heritage Site and features nearly two thousands islands made of limestone. So impressive.
A link to my photo journey is below...
http://picasaweb.google.com/nolanmitchell14/CambodiaVietnam#
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Traffic
Take a look at the article below on a recent traffic jam in Beijing. Next time you are stuck in a little bit of traffic think back to this and all your problems will seem like peanuts. I must say Shanghai traffic is brutal but this is insane!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/24/china-60-mile-motorway-tailback
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/24/china-60-mile-motorway-tailback
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Disgusting and funny
It's Saturday afternoon here. I was just in the van coming home from the office with one of my colleagues and I really wish I had my camera with me or preferably a video recorder.
A local woman is walking down the street in what appear to be man's boxer shorts and a short sleeve shirt of shorts. As she is essentially passing our van she reaches her right hand back and starts reaching down the shorts to her butt. Scratches, appears to pull something out and then the worst part is she brings her fingers to her nose and smells it! I nearly puked and cried laughing at the same time.
Trust me I can't make this stuff up!
A local woman is walking down the street in what appear to be man's boxer shorts and a short sleeve shirt of shorts. As she is essentially passing our van she reaches her right hand back and starts reaching down the shorts to her butt. Scratches, appears to pull something out and then the worst part is she brings her fingers to her nose and smells it! I nearly puked and cried laughing at the same time.
Trust me I can't make this stuff up!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Hanoi Airport
I just returned from vacation to Cambodia and Vietnam, more on that later. On the return home I was flying from Hanoi back to Shanghai. On the check in level as they started to clean I saw a rat run across the floor behind the man cleaning. Ok no biggie.
Then about 1 hour from departure I was in the Vietnam airlines lounge and saw not one but two rats running around. Despite the free beer I got out of there. I was the only guest left and there was no doubt plenty more rats poking around, under my chair, near the food, etc.
I left and went down to the gate when I hear screeching noises. I wasn't the only one as another couple people checked it out. There behind a glass door were two rats playing. I heard running around the overhead ducts and ceilings there too.
We know rats are everywhere however usually they don't necessarily like to be seen....except of course in the Hanoi International airport!!!
You simply can't make this stuff up.
Then about 1 hour from departure I was in the Vietnam airlines lounge and saw not one but two rats running around. Despite the free beer I got out of there. I was the only guest left and there was no doubt plenty more rats poking around, under my chair, near the food, etc.
I left and went down to the gate when I hear screeching noises. I wasn't the only one as another couple people checked it out. There behind a glass door were two rats playing. I heard running around the overhead ducts and ceilings there too.
We know rats are everywhere however usually they don't necessarily like to be seen....except of course in the Hanoi International airport!!!
You simply can't make this stuff up.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Grocery Shopping
A day in the life here often includes grocery shopping. Most of the locals literally do there shopping on a daily basis. I generally go 2-3 times a week. However it's a bit more complicated. I end up going to three places typically. The first being an "import" store where I can get many things like canned soups, salad dressing, mustard, tuna fish, etc. There is also a deli of sorts, meat section and bakery. From there I walk home carrying my bag or bags. Then it is a trip to another "import" type store that has a tremendous amount of fresh veggies and fruits. While they have the other stuff the selection is much more sparse. Lastly I make a stop at convenience store close to home and buy liquids - juices, gatorade and soda. Reason being you the heavy stuff like that takes it's tool walking around the city so it's best to do close to home.
All in all I can find most anything I need but generally need 2-3 stops to get it done. By the time I get home I'm either ready to eat or ready to take a nap...or both!
All in all I can find most anything I need but generally need 2-3 stops to get it done. By the time I get home I'm either ready to eat or ready to take a nap...or both!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Swimming Pool
I can't take credit for this. It was on a weekly recap of images on MSNBC. However this is from the 4th of July at a swimming pool in Sichuan Province of China. There have been massive heat waves through the country including Beijing having high's of about 107-109 degrees for a week straight. That heat wave is supposed to come our way this week after the rainy season ends.
As for the photo, I would be shocked if someone didn't drown in conditions like that!
As for the photo, I would be shocked if someone didn't drown in conditions like that!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Chinese bar scene
This last Friday night I went out for Taiwanese dinner with a Chinese buddy of mine from Shenzhen. I think it was the first time eating TW food and it was pretty good. Only slightly different from some of the mainland dishes but all in all a bit more refined or western.
From there we went out to a couple of Chinese clubs. The first one was ok and had a fair amount of foreigners in it. The 2nd one he had friends at but was literally almost 100% local Shanghainese. I think I only saw one or two other foreigners in there.
The scene was pumping loud western music and lights flashing. And when I say loud it was LOUD! Barry knew a group of folks so we hung out with them. A few spoke English but many didn't. The language barrier was no problem thanks to the whiskey. They were doing bottle after bottle of whiskey mixed with green tea. Actually tasted pretty good.
The tables around us though were in rare form. It seemed to be each table trying to outdo the others on champagne. One table I swear went through 25-30 bottles. They just kept coming and coming. This was the socialite scene of Shanghai and part of the scene is to buy for everyone and show that you have money. One would have thought we were in LV, LA, NY or somewhere else and not Shanghai. I'm guessing that some of the guests were celebrities or children of government folks. This was the one place in all of China where they did not allow cameras and photos.
Upon leaving I noticed a fair amount of Ferrari's, Porsche's, etc. So yes this was the upscale crowd.
Wisely I went home early. However Sat when I awoke my ears were still ringing thanks to the loud-ass music!
A fun time but not one that I am planning to make on a weekly routine.
From there we went out to a couple of Chinese clubs. The first one was ok and had a fair amount of foreigners in it. The 2nd one he had friends at but was literally almost 100% local Shanghainese. I think I only saw one or two other foreigners in there.
The scene was pumping loud western music and lights flashing. And when I say loud it was LOUD! Barry knew a group of folks so we hung out with them. A few spoke English but many didn't. The language barrier was no problem thanks to the whiskey. They were doing bottle after bottle of whiskey mixed with green tea. Actually tasted pretty good.
The tables around us though were in rare form. It seemed to be each table trying to outdo the others on champagne. One table I swear went through 25-30 bottles. They just kept coming and coming. This was the socialite scene of Shanghai and part of the scene is to buy for everyone and show that you have money. One would have thought we were in LV, LA, NY or somewhere else and not Shanghai. I'm guessing that some of the guests were celebrities or children of government folks. This was the one place in all of China where they did not allow cameras and photos.
Upon leaving I noticed a fair amount of Ferrari's, Porsche's, etc. So yes this was the upscale crowd.
Wisely I went home early. However Sat when I awoke my ears were still ringing thanks to the loud-ass music!
A fun time but not one that I am planning to make on a weekly routine.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Shanghai Expo 2010
A couple of weeks ago I was invited as a VIP Customer of Fed Ex to the Shanghai Expo 2010. They were launching new freight service from Shanghai and used this as their platform. We were driven to the Expo, entered through a VIP service line and then directly into the US Pavilion as VIP's. Not bad all in all other than the rainy weather. From there we were served an awesome lunch and heard a few speeches about their service. The end was VIP access to the US Pavilion and I must say it was unimpressive.
US laws prevent any public funds from being used for a world expo. So all the money ($61 million) used to build was through private funds spearheaded by Hillary Clinton. The pavilion itself was a series of 3 movies each 7-10 min in length. The first was intriguing in that it was something to the effect of "Can Westerners speak Chinese?" There were many celebrities, politicians and regular folks trying to speak Chinese. Some successfully others not so. All in all rather humorous. After that I was unimpressed with the rest.
After the US Pavilion we were free to enjoy the rest of the Expo on our own. What I saw was staggering. It was line after line of people to get into all the pavilions. The shortest would be 2-3 hours and the longest is upwards of 6 hours for the popular ones like Saudi Arabia. The China pavilion requires a reservation and those 30,000 typically disappear within 20 minutes each morning so that was out.
Basically I just wandered around taking photos and was shocked by the amount of people lining up to get into these wonders. Many of the building are truly amazing wonders. However I'm not sure what was inside of them.
The Expo lasts until end of October so I'm sure I will go back later on hopefully as the crowds diminish or in the evening.
Here is a view of the US....
Here is the UK. Very cool looking futuristic building. While it looks a bit fuzzy trust me that the image is clear, this is what it looks like in person...
A view of Germany and some of the crowds...
A view of one of the lines that goes back and forth waiting just to get in. They are pretty strict on people entering and leaving the lines so that means no chance to get something to eat/drink, go to the bathroom, sit down, etc. I didn't take any photos buy many people bought small little folding stools that were maybe 8"x8"x8" to rest on.
As I was leaving I couldn't help but notice a number of folks sleeping on benches getting some rest after waiting in lines all day....
US laws prevent any public funds from being used for a world expo. So all the money ($61 million) used to build was through private funds spearheaded by Hillary Clinton. The pavilion itself was a series of 3 movies each 7-10 min in length. The first was intriguing in that it was something to the effect of "Can Westerners speak Chinese?" There were many celebrities, politicians and regular folks trying to speak Chinese. Some successfully others not so. All in all rather humorous. After that I was unimpressed with the rest.
After the US Pavilion we were free to enjoy the rest of the Expo on our own. What I saw was staggering. It was line after line of people to get into all the pavilions. The shortest would be 2-3 hours and the longest is upwards of 6 hours for the popular ones like Saudi Arabia. The China pavilion requires a reservation and those 30,000 typically disappear within 20 minutes each morning so that was out.
Basically I just wandered around taking photos and was shocked by the amount of people lining up to get into these wonders. Many of the building are truly amazing wonders. However I'm not sure what was inside of them.
The Expo lasts until end of October so I'm sure I will go back later on hopefully as the crowds diminish or in the evening.
Here is a view of the US....
As I was leaving I couldn't help but notice a number of folks sleeping on benches getting some rest after waiting in lines all day....
Haircuts
I'm continually amazed by the challenges of getting a haircut here. I've now gotten about 3 cuts here in Shanghai from a very local place. First time cost me 30RMB (about $4.40). Next time, same place it only cost 20RMB ($2.95). Then the other day it dropped to 15RMB ($2.15) plus he wouldn't accept any sort of tip. The folks here do not speak a word of English.
I'm pretty sure the haircuts are terrible but oh well not worth going to an expensive place. I've had cuts where the folks getting cuts in the seats next to me are smoking cigarettes. And always there are a slew of fellow employees who stand around near by and watch my hair getting cut. I didn't think I was all that important!
I'm pretty sure the haircuts are terrible but oh well not worth going to an expensive place. I've had cuts where the folks getting cuts in the seats next to me are smoking cigarettes. And always there are a slew of fellow employees who stand around near by and watch my hair getting cut. I didn't think I was all that important!
Sunday, June 27, 2010
World Cup
The four games were all on TV here just not always at opportune times. Game one versus England started at 2:30AM on Sat/Sun. That was a rough night. The photo below is from that night. The guy in the England flag was a friend of mine back when I lived in Shenzhen. The next couple of games were at 10PM. The Ghana game though was another 2:30 AM.
I guess it's now time for them to start planning on 2014!
Streets of the World
There are days I think I have a pretty cool job, living in China getting to see and experience things that most everyone else won't. A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine from Shenzhen brought a friend out for the night that she knew from Holland. This guy is truly living the life of adventure. He is a photo journalist and is on a 5 year project. The project is called "Streets of the World." The goal is to visit the capital city in EVERY country in the world and take one photo that encapsulates all that city/country has to offer. He spends only 4-5 days in each country before moving on to the next. A crazy lifestyle but he will get to see things that almost nobody else will.
You can check it out here at...www.streetsoftheworld.nl or on twitter at twitter.com/swholfs
Apparently he brings his harmonica's out where-ever he goes. So when we were all out he asked the band if he could come up on stage and jam and here you have it...
You can check it out here at...www.streetsoftheworld.nl or on twitter at twitter.com/swholfs
Apparently he brings his harmonica's out where-ever he goes. So when we were all out he asked the band if he could come up on stage and jam and here you have it...
Macau
It's been a while since I've been on here. Nothing too exciting going on. Just more of the same, work, work and work.
A couple of weeks back I made a work trip to Macau for a trade show. At the left is the Venetian hotel. It is huge! Word is that it is the 2nd largest building in the world but it can't be shown completely here as there was no way to view all of it.
Macau has hundreds of years of Portugese rule, influence, etc and only about 10 of China. So it is a country with two very distinct backgrounds. A few years ago Macau surpassed Las Vegas in terms of money spent gambling. So there are two parts of Macau, the new one that has the Venetian, Hard Rock, Hyatt's, etc and the old part that has the Portugese influence.
At the left is a view from inside the most famous Portugese restaurant on the island. Called Fernando's. Many folks have signed the walls or left their local currency on the walls. Great food and nice and cheap!
All in all not a bad couple day trip.
Still need to find a way to go back and jump off the Macau tower. That has been on my list for some time. The weather was too windy on this trip.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
My office
This is my office building. Right across the street is the Shanghai soccer stadium complex. Right now we have about 50 people and split between the 11th floor and 15th floor. While we are trying to get more space it is another "China deal." Meaning that office spaces are individually owned and managed within a building. We can't just say to the landlord of the building that we want more space and they find it when leases are up. We have to work each landlord then work out a deal to get out of our space. So I'm resigned to the fact we probably won't get more space for the near future. I'm spending more time here than I would like of late. Looking for this craziness to slow down a bit.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Work visa/residence permit - physical
I got my results of my physical back and I passed. Three things came back in the "abnormal" range as they call it:
The details on the ultrasound says "slightly fatty liver." It goes on to say that suggestion is "take proper exercise, improve dietary habit." I guess that means I should cut down on McDonalds and get back to the gym.
- Skin/Lymph Nodes - that didn't sound good, until I read the details.
- Spine and Extremities - again doesn't sound good.
- My ultrasound was also abnormal (insert all the jokes here should you wish).
The details on the ultrasound says "slightly fatty liver." It goes on to say that suggestion is "take proper exercise, improve dietary habit." I guess that means I should cut down on McDonalds and get back to the gym.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Work visa/residence permit
We had a nice short week work wise thanks to a holiday. So it was only Wed-Sat (customer on Sat) but it felt like a heck of a lot more. My life so far has truly been - work, work, work over here. Not bad just a lot to learn and get through.
Wed this past week I went to get a Chinese physical for my work visa/residence permit. Quite interesting. Was truly an assembly line of rooms that I had to go through. Started with a blood sample. Not liking needles in general I figured I certainly wasn't going to look at one here in China. Then an ear, nose and mouth check up, followed by EKG, surgical check, general health and ultrasound. The EKG was the weirdest. They hooked me up to all sorts of 1950's type wires, laid me down on a gurney, turned it on and I felt nothing. Then it was over.
All in all I think it turned out just fine. Get my results this coming week I think. Then I need to apply for the permanent resident permit and work visa.
This week should be non-stop work. We have at least 10 customer appointments that I know of already through the weekend. I'm sure it will be satisfying but at the same time exhausting.
Wed this past week I went to get a Chinese physical for my work visa/residence permit. Quite interesting. Was truly an assembly line of rooms that I had to go through. Started with a blood sample. Not liking needles in general I figured I certainly wasn't going to look at one here in China. Then an ear, nose and mouth check up, followed by EKG, surgical check, general health and ultrasound. The EKG was the weirdest. They hooked me up to all sorts of 1950's type wires, laid me down on a gurney, turned it on and I felt nothing. Then it was over.
All in all I think it turned out just fine. Get my results this coming week I think. Then I need to apply for the permanent resident permit and work visa.
This week should be non-stop work. We have at least 10 customer appointments that I know of already through the weekend. I'm sure it will be satisfying but at the same time exhausting.
100th Post And Happy Mother's Day!
Well this is my 100th post, so I guess you want something special huh?
Well HAPPY MOTHER'S day to all the mom's out there! To my mom, you have done a great job in raising me and I couldn't be more thankful that there was not someone else available (inside joke that mom will understand). Thanks for everything and I hope one day you will get a chance to come and visit! Lov ya!
Well HAPPY MOTHER'S day to all the mom's out there! To my mom, you have done a great job in raising me and I couldn't be more thankful that there was not someone else available (inside joke that mom will understand). Thanks for everything and I hope one day you will get a chance to come and visit! Lov ya!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Chicago - April 2010
It was nice to be back in Chicago. Woke up bright and early, caught the sunrise while running on the lakefront. From there a busy day hitting the Chinese Consulate to get my work visa, hanging with my brother and picking up some stuff to bring back to Shanghai. From there a relaxing weekend with mom in CT and then off to High Point for the furniture show. When all was said and done it was nice to get back to China.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Heading home...
Well it's only been 6 weeks or so now but I'm heading home tomorrow (wed pm here). Back to Chicago for a day and 1/2 to visit the Chinese Embassy for my work permit application along with other stops, then to Connecticut for the weekend to see mom and finally to North Carolina for the High Point Furniture market.
As usual, lots to do and only a little time to get it all done. Looking forward to getting home and seeing some friends.
Weather here in Shanghai is still unusually cold and rainy. Every day is dreary and magnified by the pollution. But life itself is good. I've seen a bunch of old friends and former colleagues in my short time here so that has made the transition super easy.
Bring on Chicago if only for a couple of days!
As usual, lots to do and only a little time to get it all done. Looking forward to getting home and seeing some friends.
Weather here in Shanghai is still unusually cold and rainy. Every day is dreary and magnified by the pollution. But life itself is good. I've seen a bunch of old friends and former colleagues in my short time here so that has made the transition super easy.
Bring on Chicago if only for a couple of days!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter
I hope everyone had a great Easter weekend! I had a nice three day weekend, not due to Good Friday or Easter but to that not so famous holiday called Tomb Sweeping Day. Basically a chance for the Chinese to pay their respects to deceased family members. Historically they go to the tomb or burial places and burn paper (fake) money to pay respects, clean the tomb and remember their loved ones.
My weekend was spent catching up with old friends. I went down to Dongguan and had dinner Friday night with my old China team from my previous company. A good chance to catch up as I hadn't seen them since resigning. Then Saturday into Shekou where I lived before and dinner/drinks with friends followed by a Easter brunch on Sunday with a large group. Then a relaxing day here in Shanghai on Monday before works starts back up tomorrow.
My weekend was spent catching up with old friends. I went down to Dongguan and had dinner Friday night with my old China team from my previous company. A good chance to catch up as I hadn't seen them since resigning. Then Saturday into Shekou where I lived before and dinner/drinks with friends followed by a Easter brunch on Sunday with a large group. Then a relaxing day here in Shanghai on Monday before works starts back up tomorrow.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
World Expo
Two years ago I was lucky enough to be in China to experience the Bejing Olympics. This year, in one month's time begins the World Expo here in Shanghai. It's a 6 month experience that is supposed to bring folks from all around the world.
Shanghai has done a tremendous amount of construction and cleaning to get ready for it. In recent weeks The Bund has basically re-opened with new walkways, viewing areas, etc. Lots of construction still to be done though...
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Residency Permit and a visit to the police station
Well since I'm living here completely legitimately now, I needed to visit the police station and register my residency. Apparently this needs to be done within 72 hours of arrival. I was about 1 day late. So that meant I paid a 100RMB fine (about $14US). However the headache with paying the fine was typical China. I had to go to the station to get the ticket, then go to a bank across town, pay the fine, get a receipt and return to the police station to get the permit. Below is the permit.
When I return to the states in April I'll need to go to the Chinese Embassy and submit other forms for my work visa in order to be totally legit. It's all a process I guess but not much fun, especially when dealing with the language barrier.
Below is my ticket for registering late. I can't read it but for sure I did pay the fine.
When I return to the states in April I'll need to go to the Chinese Embassy and submit other forms for my work visa in order to be totally legit. It's all a process I guess but not much fun, especially when dealing with the language barrier.
Below is my ticket for registering late. I can't read it but for sure I did pay the fine.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Brunch
We had a very cool day today. We took a customer out to brunch at the Westin. It's considered to be the best brunch in Shanghai and it didn't disappoint! Food on two floors, endless drinks, and entertainment. Nice way to entertain some customers, relax and get some good food!
Not a bad way (or a hard way) to spend a Sunday....
Sorry about the quality of the photos but they were taken from my phone as I forgot the camera.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Plane Food
Today was a first. Was flying back from Guangzhou (southern China) to home in Shanghai. Luckily we got the upgrade to business class, although it really wasn't very nice but still.
Meal service. We had the offer of beef with noodles or hot snake! I guess hot snake is better than cold but still I choose the noodles. Maybe if I wasn't stuck on the plane I would venture out...but maybe not.
Meal service. We had the offer of beef with noodles or hot snake! I guess hot snake is better than cold but still I choose the noodles. Maybe if I wasn't stuck on the plane I would venture out...but maybe not.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
My birthday
Today I turned 37 and spent it very casually. Went to the store, the gym and then the airport for a flight down south. I don't really know many folks here yet so I didn't miss going out in all honesty.
The nice thing was I received a couple of presents from my new China staff on Friday along with a big old cake! Yup that's it in the box.
Looks good huh? It was! A nice gesture on their part plus it was big enough for everyone to enjoy.On a side note I learned more about how old I am. Generally when you are born in China you are 1 year old because of the time spent in the womb. But because I was born in March, meaning I was in the womb during one year and born in another then I'm essentially 2 years older. So if you were to give someone my info they would say I'm 39 years old! Weird!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Job
So what do I do these days you ask? I'm working for a NY based textile company that sells fabric basically. We sell to manufacturer's and retailers directly. Fabric to be used on sofa's, for outdoor furniture, for bedding and window treatments. I'm responsible for the upholstery business (meaning for sofa's, chairs, etc).
So it has kept me in the same industry - furniture basically - but at the same time almost everything is new to me. New customers, new terminology, new processes, etc. Lots to learn.
In addition to direct sales I also essentially run the operations of the office. We've got about 45 people right now and hiring more. There are two other Americans here as well. One handles our contract business and product sourcing and has been here for 3 years. She's been a huge help so far! The other moved over just after me and he is going to be responsible for all our quality issues.
So long story is I sell fabric to customers, run the office and spend a fair amount of time entertaining customers. When a customer lands in China they are usually 12-14hours upside down so to speak. Having an American they can count on to take them to a decent dinner or grab drinks is a relief for those who don't know where to go. So it will become my job to be their concierge here in China. Not a bad gig all in all but lots of work.
So it has kept me in the same industry - furniture basically - but at the same time almost everything is new to me. New customers, new terminology, new processes, etc. Lots to learn.
In addition to direct sales I also essentially run the operations of the office. We've got about 45 people right now and hiring more. There are two other Americans here as well. One handles our contract business and product sourcing and has been here for 3 years. She's been a huge help so far! The other moved over just after me and he is going to be responsible for all our quality issues.
So long story is I sell fabric to customers, run the office and spend a fair amount of time entertaining customers. When a customer lands in China they are usually 12-14hours upside down so to speak. Having an American they can count on to take them to a decent dinner or grab drinks is a relief for those who don't know where to go. So it will become my job to be their concierge here in China. Not a bad gig all in all but lots of work.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Arrival in Shanghai
(View from my new apartment...)All my bags and bike made it to Shanghai as planned on Friday night. Saturday I went to my new apartment to get keys and make sure everything worked. Then off to Carrefour (like a Wal-Mart) to buy supplies - blankets, sheets, pillows, kitchen ware, etc...
Saturday night I was invited to a moving party. Not for me but friends of mine who I knew in Shenzhen were moving out to Hong Kong the next day. Sad to see them go but was good to get out and meet others.
Sunday I left my hotel and completely moved in to my apartment. Very nice place, especially in comparison to my apartment in Shenzhen. Probably close to 1,400 sq feet (including balcony and such that is unusable space). 2 bedrooms (room for guests) and decent size living/dining area. All in all it will be home. For now it's sparse.
Sunday night was the Latern Festival. Traditional festival for the first full moon of Chinese New Year. All in all that to me that simply meant tons of fireworks!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Move...
The week of my move (Feb 22nd week) turned from controlled chaos to just plain chaos. Monday ended up with last second root canal which delayed getting my crown finalized until Wed. Good news is the pain was nominal for a root canal.
Tuesday the movers came to put everything into storage. I was not certain that the space I had rented would be enough for all my life to fit in. However when all was said and done there was plenty of space in the 10'x15' space.
Wednesday was back to the dentist to get the crown finished. Then off for all the last minute packing, trips to storage with a few more things and the sale of my car. I was staying in a hotel since everything else was in storage. The night before my flight I realized my luggage was really heavy! Off to find a scale to buy, found one at BB&B for $20 and weighed everything. Yup heavy! After a few more hours of re-packing I think I had it maximized for efficiency and least amount of excess charges.
Thursday morning, day of my flight. Needed to get 4 large suitcases, 1 medium carry on, one bike in a travel box (not small but thankfully on wheels) and backpack to the airport. Got a taxi van and off I went...
Flight delayed 4 hours but I'm off...
Tuesday the movers came to put everything into storage. I was not certain that the space I had rented would be enough for all my life to fit in. However when all was said and done there was plenty of space in the 10'x15' space.
Wednesday was back to the dentist to get the crown finished. Then off for all the last minute packing, trips to storage with a few more things and the sale of my car. I was staying in a hotel since everything else was in storage. The night before my flight I realized my luggage was really heavy! Off to find a scale to buy, found one at BB&B for $20 and weighed everything. Yup heavy! After a few more hours of re-packing I think I had it maximized for efficiency and least amount of excess charges.
Thursday morning, day of my flight. Needed to get 4 large suitcases, 1 medium carry on, one bike in a travel box (not small but thankfully on wheels) and backpack to the airport. Got a taxi van and off I went...
Flight delayed 4 hours but I'm off...
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Things are never easy
Well in the never ending challenge of China I've found that this blog is now blocked in China! For various reasons over the past year China has blocked YouTube, Facebook and blogs among other things. As with everything there are ways around it but it will make updating this more cumbersome than the last time.
Onto other news. I spent Christmas and New Years in Hong Kong and Thailand on a previously planned vacation with a buddy from the states. It was decided before I took the new job but the new job meant that essentially my flight to/from the states was paid for! So that made vacation all the better.
I've spent a fair amount of time in HK but had never been to Thailand before. It was absolutely crazy! Bangkok was full of bustling activity, tons of people and pollution but some wonderful tourist sites like the Palace and temples. Then off to Phuket to the beaches.
Here's some photos if you want to check them out...(FYI Picasa web album is also blocked!)
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/nolanmitchell14/ThailandHongKongDec2009#
Onto other news. I spent Christmas and New Years in Hong Kong and Thailand on a previously planned vacation with a buddy from the states. It was decided before I took the new job but the new job meant that essentially my flight to/from the states was paid for! So that made vacation all the better.
I've spent a fair amount of time in HK but had never been to Thailand before. It was absolutely crazy! Bangkok was full of bustling activity, tons of people and pollution but some wonderful tourist sites like the Palace and temples. Then off to Phuket to the beaches.
Here's some photos if you want to check them out...(FYI Picasa web album is also blocked!)
http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/nolanmitchell14/ThailandHongKongDec2009#
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