Where has a week gone to? We keep sitting, stunned that we have done so much in so little time. Wednesday and Thursday we spent time taking Mandarin lessons. It was both fun, and useful. Des definitely has a knack for the language and has remembered far more words that the rest of us, especially Tony who just makes up his own words when he can’t remember (chick-chick-duck-duck). We were asked on Thursday what has been a highlight so far but this is too difficult to answer. Wednesday was a vocational visit for Lora. We all went to the Montessori School in downtown for Shanghai, with students from 18 months-5 years. The school is located In the French Concessions in a beautifully renovated French villa. There are both International and Chinese students at the school. It is interesting that as the Montessori method is to teach independence, that a child can do things for themselves, we felt that this is not a Chinese custom, especially with the one child policy, Chinese children tend to have things done for them, so in this way the school’s method was unique. After lunch we went to Jing An Temple, and after an hour of shopping on 7 floors of technology we had a meal of a variety of lamb dishes with Northern Chinese/Uighur influence.
Thursday included a visit to Pudong. Shanghai is basically split by the river. Pudong is where the new growth is happening, a lot of high rise building and known for global finance. We met with Rotarian Brinton Scott who was able to outline a little of the history of law in China, as well as business in China. We also had lunch with Rotary Club members who meet in Pudong regularly on Thursdays. The idea is that as it is difficult for them to get to the Tuesday evening meeting, they join for lunch on Thursdays, and hope to turn that in to an official Rotary meeting. Thursday evening was another fabulous meal generously provided with great conversation.
Friday was spent sightseeing. We went to the Pearl Tower, a TV tower in Shanghai. We went to the lookout, and stepped on to the glass floor so we could see below. There was also a very interesting historical tour with extremely well crafted scenes depicting the history of Shanghai. We keep being reminded that 30 years ago Shanghai was basically a fishing town. It’s growth has been in the last 15 – 20 years in particular. The afternoon was completed with a boat ride on the Huangpu River. In the evening we went to see Shanghai Acrobats, and sat in front of some Australians, some were from Canberra (small world). The acrobats were astounding, the show was excellent and watching the way they could move their bodies was a wonder.
Saturday we attended a Leadership Forum in the morning, which particularly promoted how to be a leader in Chinese business, or as a non-Chinese person in China. We had the opportunity to meet Allen, from the Rotary Club of Beijing, and enjoyed a spectacular view over lunch. There was opportunity for a rest (our first time) or shopping for those keen enough before a trip back to Pudong for a Japanese meal.
Sunday was a 3 hour walk around the French Concession in Shanghai. The weather was wonderful, and the walk was interesting, we were able to see some grand homes from the 1920s and 30s, also to walk in and through the streets and alleys where Shangainese are living today. In Shanghai nobody seems to mind if you are walking around the streets and around houses or little back alleys, it is very safe. The afternoon and evening included a vocational time for Elke with a wine talk and information about being a seller in China. Cisca made us some delicious Moroccan food and we all enjoyed Sangria.
One week down, these two entries can only begin to tell you of the things we have seen and done. It is a very busy time, there is so much to see, experience and learn.
1 comment:
What a fabulous busy program. You can sleep when you get home but you can only experience China while you are in China. Don't stop making the most of every opportunity.
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