Decided to just go to France and learn Chinese

please enjoy photos...1st is at Japanese all you can eat, which I ate all I could and almost died from 1st degree burns. 2nd photo is Yin and Regina (whom I'm staying with until I go to France). 3rd photo is of me, last day at the school. (yes that is a look of huge indifference)


Verdict is in...drumroll please..."your visa request is rejected" Me: ok, I quit.
I made it that simple. I've been waiting since January for this. They waited til a month ago to move their asses and I just don't have the time. I called Tiger mom up and told her about my situation. (Of course she's in flight somewhere...) She tells me that I can just apply for a new visa while in France and we can work on it while we're there. She suggest that, worst case scenerio, she can have my return flight rerouted to the States and I can just work on it there. I'm not sure why or how she made it sound so easy and fixable. I calmly say ok, hangup with her, and begin to panick at this point. I've quit the private school and will remain with the pimp school until I figure things out.

Pluses: I'm down to 6 students. They will all be officially mine and no more middleman (pimp school) taking their cut when I come back from France. I've paid rent up until I leave. I know where I'm storing my things while I'm away. I now have time for Bikram and Chinese lessons...the list goes on.

Minuses: Missing income(wasn't much to begin with), a little homelessness when I return, oh yeah that Visa thing.

I've talked to so many people and everyone seems to be in the same boat. They've been changing the Visa requirements everyday it seems. Which to my private schools surprise, they "did not have the power to get Visas and the government wants more Chinese working in Chinese school". I laughed when I heard this, mainly because of my photo shoot for the brochure a month ago. 'Yes this school is international, look at the Black lady in the pamphlet.' The headmaster has lost face and seems to think that his "guanxi" or relations with the government was something short of amazing. Guess not. Whatever. Moving on.

Meanwhile, Vida (implant from Lithuania by way of Tokyo) has become my roommate. She's a friend of Jakes (now mine) that needed to come to Shanghai to defend her thesis at Fudong University. She's extremely smart and has been a huge asset in keeping me sane these past few weeks. She so reasonable and rational. I see a Ph.D in her future for sure. She suggested I find a language program at one of the many universities, apply and convert visa to a student visa to buy some time for me to think about what I can/want to do.---One option
Jo has a 'guy' I can talk to and get some suggestions. I say "of course you have a guy".--Another option

I'm not as stressed about my situation as I was initially. I want to use my time and money wisely now (considering the little of both I have for the time being). I will call the Chinese consulate in Paris to confirm whether or not Tiger mom was right and see what papers THEY need for visas. (as soon as I figure out the time difference)I will start looking at fitness places again to work at. I really feel thats where my heart is at. Meanwhile get in shape, so that I'm somewhat hirable...SO MUCH WORK TO BE DONE.

no more being absurd and lazy.

thats all for now folks.

My patience and time is short these days

I've solved 2 of the 3 issues I had previously. I got insurance for my trip and found a place to live for 24 days for free on June 1st. I am STILL working on my visa. I don't like threatening people, so I 'PROMISED' the school that if my visa isn't taken care of by June 1st, I will not return for the next term in the fall. I am told its a long process the first time, but this is really too much. Worst case scenerio is I go back to the states (f'n expensive)after my summer in France, apply for a job and work visa like most normal people and come back to China. I am dead set on not stepping foot on US soil again until I can speak Chinese and have gotten everything out of this 'experience' that I possibly can. I'm clearly stubborn and/or dumb right now.

I've cut down the number of private students to 6. I've decided this will definitely give me less grey hair. I've not been to the gym or worked out really in almost 2 months now. Somehow discouragement and motivation go hand in hand. Having a boyfriend makes me fat, lazy and spoiled. *mental note: think about perhaps not having a boyfriend*
Jo is good. I told him I've been reading forums and having discussions about how Nigerians are a crazy bunch and to be in a relationship with one is "proceed with caution". He laughs at me tells me "Most Black people (meaning the Africans) here in Shanghai are rude and that he doesn't trust any of them." He then ask me "Why do you think I don't introduce you to anyone when we go out." I reply "because you're rude?" He says "No, because someone will try to challenge me to try and take you from me" I laugh and say "well Spartacus, good to know you are not wanting to fight for me and we live in such a barbaric time". He looks at me kisses me on the forehead and says "its a cultural thing that I'm not sure I can explain in English, so work harder learning Chinese and we can have more serious conversations" He's an asshole sometimes. Patronizing me. My 7 year old student, Ken told me he was also disappointed in my Chinese learning. He told me last week that "Lǎoshī D hěn cōngmíng" (Teacher D is very smart/clever).wèishéme zài nǐ de zhōngwén xuéxí (why bad at studying your chinese?) I told him "Wǒ míngbái nǐ gāngcái shuō de!!!!" (I understand what you just said) He sighs and pats me on the back and says in English "we will work hard together. i'm going to practice a little piano and you study some chinese. english lesson after." Whats with these kids having me questioning my life choices...hilarious.


One of my lovely Chinese friends told me she bought me this new thing in China called a "Groupon" for yoga classes.(yes Groupon is finally here, I am in so much trouble now) She wants me to go with her. All I could do was laugh. I like WHEN the stars do feel like lining up in my favor. Fate is kind of amazing.

this is my life...for now

What the hell was I thinking

Leave it to a kid to shake the foundation of a grown ass persons ego.
This week in my classes we discussed 'adjectives'. Because I'm trying to be
creative and "engaging" with the 3rd graders, I thought talking about Teacher D would be a good activity. "Class describe Teacher D"...silence. "What words do you think about when you see Teacher D" (loosely translated to students with Chinese teacher assistant) The following is a short list is what came about:

*tall (i laughed at this myself)
*nice(they speak the truth)
*funny(they are smart)
*clever (they were buttering me up at this point)
*big hands (it goes downhill from here)
*fat(chinese teacher assistant tried desperately to explain 'full-figured'...huge fail)
*beautiful(this kept me from crying)
*thin (me:"I thought I was fat", students: "you are, but thin too")
*small ears
*huge head (what!!)
*lovely (cold heart is warming again)
*white teeth
*big legs (I need to run to the gym right now)
*big eyes (seriously?!?!?)
*big mouth (...)
*pretty in dresses (I cannot argue with this)

Needless to say I regretted the activity immediately after starting. I asked a few students to come to the board and draw the person (creature) they thing is being described(supposedly me). We analyze the animals-human hybrids that were drawn.I ask them "You think Teacher D looks like this?", while pointing to the monkey spaceman drawing. They laughed and said no.

There is no need to worry about me being too full of myself. I have about 100 kids reminding me weekly that I am almost about average...maybe.

Ugh.

Its always SOMETHING or another

Dearest Marilla,

China is teaching me patience. I've come to realize that I'm selfish and have taken a lot of things for granted. For example my living situation. Why on earth would I think Jake would be like Del and let me live with him for like several years or some silliness like that?!?!?!? I was recently informed that I will be homeless June 1st. Jake has found a place with Kozen and they will live the fairytale couple life. I am not bitter, but a little more warning would be nice. It’s fine, it was time to cut the cord anyway. A lot of foreigners, as I've mentioned before, find Chinese mates and become attached and unable or unwilling to do things on their own. Unfortunately I'm different. I'm faced with 2 new problems now that all rely on other people moving their asses.

Problem 1: I can't go to France if I don't have my Visa to get back into China. As excited as everyone is about me going to south of France, I'm looking at the reality of it. Tiger mom can buy all the flights and book all the hotels in the world for me, but it’s useless if I can't go. *side note, tiger mom suggest I fly back to the states to apply for the work visa and she will formally invite me and I "work" for her. I think this woman is hilarious and awesome.* I am now in this time sensitive battle with my school to get me a teaching work visa that they promised to get me and should have gotten 2 months ago. ~practicing patience~

Problem 2: If/when visa is acquired, I still won't leave until June 24th...As ridiculous as it sounds right now, I don't want to impose on anyone (I've clearly done that too much) 24 days is nothing, I know. I've got to look at my options (meaning the cheapest)I have a potential roommate for a new place, but they means looking for a place and paying for rent for 3 months here while I'm in France.

So as I write this, it seems so silly and not a big deal at all. I should be fine, right? Hell I moved to China. I think having these little issues come up makes me practice my resourcefulness. I'm aware of my magic powers (or whatever the hell it is that attracts and brings strange people and unusual circumstances to me)so I just need to use them.

I am thankful and grateful to have so many people cheering me on with every hilarious/insane step I take.

Btw, I'm doing a lot better. The season change and asthma and China are having a fight in my body. I had a cough for 2 weeks that might have given me a
nice 6 pack. Jo took me to the hospital (scariest/funniest/strangest thing I've ever seen) and looked after me, as if I were on a suicide watch. (This guy is crazy and I think he really likes me, good grief) You pay 50cents for a registration card and sort of push your way in to see a doctor. (I'm fortunate that Jo is either flirted with or can sweet "Chinese" talk his way into anywhere...maybe that not a good thing. whatever) Doctor sees you and gives you many things to pick from eastern or western medicine (I choose a nice mixed cocktail of western inhalers and eastern teas). You go to the pharmacy pay and done...I would have never been able to figure this out on my own. I am so happy Jo was there.

Thus is life Marilla and I am learning and living it.

love,

Anne with and 'e'

p.s. please enjoy pic of jo and I on a double decker shanghai tour bus for my bday. he REFUSES to cooperate with the camera. i think we will have a fight soon!!!!

the pics i forgot to add to previous post

hong kong evening with wendy and lin..

Just a lot of ramblings

I'm not sure why I am surprised by anything...but I am. I get back to school after my trip to Hong Kong (which sucked initially and became awesome quickly) and the head director of the primary school hands me this pamphlet of admissions. I look at him and ask "Am I applying for school now, what’s this?" He said it’s our new brochure for incoming students. I open it and my eyes widen when I see my face (really bad picture) along with a few other teachers inside the brochure. The head teacher says "your picture is the best". That’s not saying much, but it was kind of true. Judge for yourself. I thought the pic was for the hallway board of "Look at all the shit we do in our class" type thing. No, it’s a damn official publication for public viewing. Whatever...

Hong Kong, the short story...got on a plane in Shanghai, then had to change planes 3 more times (1st plane = landing gear no good, 2nd plane = the cabin door wouldn't stay closed, I'm not even joking, 3rd plane = no clue what the problem was, but we landed in some small city call Jinjaing about hour away from Hong Kong . Waited for 2 hours until they got us a “good” plane) I finally get to Shenzhen (my border running town) and the damn plane lands in a field 30 mins from the airport. (we can’t get taxied to a freaking gate after all our troubles…) It was pitch black and we had to exit the plane on some sort of makeshift scaffolding stairwell-esque type contraption (taking ghetto to another level) We board buses to take us to the airport. I’m thinking that I’m a hostage at this point and who would actually pay money to get me back. I laughed out loud to myself while looking around at all my fellow hostages/flight-mates. No one would pay for any of us. I get to the hostel and thank them for letting me check in WELL AFTER check in time. I go to my room and my roommate is a lovely girl from Beijing named Wang Di aka Wendy. I tell her I’m from Shanghai and explain my lil adventure of how a 2hr flight became a 6hr hostage situation to her and she patiently listens to me bitch and complain. She happily replies by telling me that we should go to Hong Kong together and that we will have a lot of fun. (Asians are so positive and upbeat sometimes) She’s planned a whole day of things to do. I tell her ok and we talk all night about all her traveling and people she’s met and her living in San Diego a few years. I really need to start traveling more. I know that I sound like an asshole with the France thing just around the bend, but there are soooo many places to see. Anyway, at some point we have another person that wants to go to Hong Kong with us. His name is Lin and he insisted on speaking Chinese to me (his English was just fine) because he said I “looked like I understood”. I told him I speak very little “he yidian dian”. We get up at 6am and return at 12am. Wendy is in her last year of university studying hospitality. The girl knows what up. I spent 200RMB ($30USD) We hit up all free sample shops and free showings of everything. We covered more ground than I did my last visit. All Hong Kong new territories were visited. We took a ferry ride, saw fireworks, and visited a mall on the highest peak of Hong Kong…and so on. I was dead tired when we got back. My flight was early the next morning. (No extended stays this time round, I have to work) Lessons learned this trip: NEVER TAKE CHINA EASTERN…YOU WILL DIE AND/OR NEVER ARRIVE, OR END UP IN A FIELD IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE.

Please enjoy a few photos of Anne’s adventures

Anne is going to the South of France...

“Did you realize that you were a champion in their eyes? Yes I did, so I packed it up and brought it back to the crib…” By crib I mean South of France. Kanye’s song “Champion” is the perfect way to describe how I’m feeling these days.

*The internet in so frustrating here AND google and china are fighting again WTF?!? Because of this I am limited on my posting!!! ARGHHHH!!!

Recently, I decided to tell the Pimp school to kiss my ass, because I have a full load of students I’ve stolen from them and I'm overworked, but then they ask me to meet with a Chinese/French family to tutor 2 boys. I’m not making much money but I am enjoying my experience here so I said yes (because I’m too nice sometimes). I meet with them and they are the cutest family EVER. Mother is Chinese, went to school in France. Found a French husband and have 2 extremely smart and adorable mixed boys. They need help with their English (I laugh at myself thinking, yes knowing 3 languages is the “in” thing I guess…WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE?!?!?!) I talk with them and fall in love immediately. I have 3 hour sessions with them twice a week. After 2 weeks the mother calls me up and asks to meet with me. We meet, have tea, and I update her on the progress and what we’re working with the boys and she tells me the EXTREMELY insane life she has. (I will sum it up in a few sentences. She travels daily all over China, US, France, etc, etc, they have several homes, and she’s the epitome of “guanxi” (relationship/network) that’s so important in China. She loves her family and husband very much and she is Alpha Dog in probably most or every situation she’s comes across. I think she’s my hero) She grabs my hand gently and asks me “My boys really like you so what are you doing June to August?” I tell her I’m not sure. She explains to me that they just bought a house between Cannes and Marseilles on the sea. I’m looking around for the camera, because this conversation is just unreal. She asks me “if you have time, would you like to join us for summer holiday in South of France” I start laughing and she laughs too. I say “of course, I can pencil that in”. She says “that’s wonderful” I immediately come to my senses and say “wait, wait I’m sorry, I was a little taken back with the chateau and Bordeaux blinding me here. How much will this cost me?” I tell her that “the Pimp school and my private school don’t really fund South of France trips.” She laughed and said “oh I detest (in a great French accent) that that company pretending to be a school. Too many of those places in China. No worries, I will get your ticket, you can have a room at our masions (mansion basically) and I will pay you while you’re with us. I only ask that you work with the boys a few times a week and you can have as much free time as you would like. We will help you with your Chinese and French if you want. Comment est ce son? (how’s that sound?)” I replied “ummm tre bien” (very good!!) It’s seems so natural for people to drop so much money on strangers here. I think I found some good peeps. So I’m going to act like this is normal and roll with these folks.

Did you realize that you were a champion in their eyes? Yes I did…

Never thought in this lifetime

I would ever have the conversations and encounters I've had.


For example, Jo told me a few days ago "I'm not dating you for your passport. I don't need or want to go to America." I would give you context of this, but there is none. Out of the blue he says this as if he just remembered and I needed to know immediately. Me confused, looked at him and I said "Good, no one invited you. So no worries". It occurs to me later that Western women could have the same issue as the men here. So its commonly known that men are often used (some are ok with it) for their passports. I never thought for a second that I would be considered a high commodity. Some Chinese friends tell me to be careful all the time about who I meet. I now see that they are genuinely worried about me being swindled into marrying someone and BOOM! they're American. The idea of it is just funny to me. I dare someone to try to "use" me for my damn passport.

I never thought in my lifetime would I have to explain to someone how and why I'm not rich. Why I'm Black and not African and/or do I sell drugs. This falls under cultural shock I believe. This has become a huge motivator for me to learn Chinese. I really need to explain some shit to people properly. I was laughing at these encounters at first, but I'm seeing that people just don't know. How would they? I'm not sure how to tell someone that yes I'm American and yes I've made more money in a year than some of you will probably make in a lifetime, but no I'm not rich. Its not easy to understand this.

A very interesting exchange I often have with some Chinese people I work with is when they ask me if something is considered rude. I will tell them "yes, where I'm from thats extremely impolite and/or rude". They get honestly upset because I've not told them before hand. I tell them that there is no way I can tell a billion of you people(yes I say you people, because this is how you explain things here) that sharing other peoples salary information, eating while talking, pushing, telling someone they've gained weigh, etc, etc is not how we roll in the US. I tell them that they were doing this stuff before I got here and will keep doing it. No point in me trying to change it. The amazing counter response I get time and time again..."We want to do it just like Americans". I then realize that its not about manners but how one "should" act when imitating someone else. I've met some Chinese people that can rival my American-ness, so they think (the idea of brand names and celebrity news = knowing all about America)I can't remind them enough that whats on TV and the movies isn't how ALL OF AMERICA is. I ask them if they've heard of a little thing called public radio...I get silence (I'm an asshole and I know it)

Yes the Earthquake was the icing...

On the cake of my experiences in China.

So I've not updated due to the fact that I'm stupid busy trying to get use to working in a private school, while juggling the private students that I've successfully STOLEN from the pimp school that I sometimes work with, dating a Nigerian guy named Jo and trying to find a good internet connect is impossible!!!!

Ok here we go, a summary of the past month.

The private school:
1st, is it hilarious.I have been there about 5 weeks now. The students are comfortable enough to call me fat and beautiful at the same time. My Chinese teacher assistant jumps in to reprimand them (me being initially happy and surprised then immediately awkward) and quickly tells them that "Teacher D is not fat, she is sexy. Right Teacher D?". This was not in my lesson plan to teach, so I uncomfortable smile and prayed that the Chinese assistant wouldn't come to my rescue again. 2nd, they treat English class like gym class. Once I realized that I am was hired to give the school more of an "international appearance", my frustration with teaching 13 forty minute classes of 36 students of varying ages (6 to 12) and English levels (they can say hi or tell me the fruit and things they like and dislike) subsided. My sole purpose for these kids is to just teach them how to SPEAK English. I don't care what!!!! 3rd, the paperwork and stamping that's involved in ANYTHING done here is mind blowing. Because my work visa paperwork isn't complete, I get the pleasure of going to HK again. My indifference and/or mild frustration is duly noted by the headmaster. (mainly because I told him and told him that compensation was necessary for my unnecessary troubles)

The pimp "school":
I have started to put my foot down with them and refusing people I don't want. They might not know the word, but I'm showing them what AUDACITY means. I let them know "bu qing" (it ain't happening) most of the time now. They think they're taking advantage of me, but I'm letting them know that I'm not going to make money for them so easily anymore.

The guy:
Jo is funny, former physicist - now he does distribution of pharmaceutical equipment between China and anywhere you name it, extremely good looking, great to hangout with, and might be a keeper. Who knows, I'm enjoying myself and taking one day at a time.

The earthquake/tsunami/radiation:
The last earthquake was felt in Beijing yesterday (today is Thursday). We are told not to eat seafood and stay indoors as much as possible. Few people are panicking about the radiation, but everyone seems on alert. I'm not too worried myself, especially after the nuclear fusion lesson I got from Jo and worst case scenario possibilities. Because the proximity is close, our biggest fear is wind. Heading west for a few weeks might be doable, but we'll see. I'm hoping that the layer of pollution over China can prove to be a good sheilding force field. (I've watched too much Star Trek sorry) Radiation levels are being monitored in all major cities. We seem to be ok for now.

I will try and keep everyone posted and updated as much as I can. In the meanwhile enjoy looking at my hair do :)

love, love from east

anne with an 'e'

CNY Spring Festival...catching my breath

*pictures courtesy of Jake and Kozen, because I couldn't be held responsible for documenting good times and having them simultaneously...

more to come soon

Please make that communist check out to "wo de" (me)

The motorcycle riding interview proved lucrative. I signed the contract today. Go figure. They want me to be apart of their absurdly large, extremely communist private school (this is the school, google translate and enjoy some good old fashion communist reading ;) Its part time so I can keep most of the private students I have and continue my "stealing clients" misison (mwahhahahaha) I work 30 hours a week, they will pay for Chinese lessons (woot woot) they help get the work visa, and contract is til Feb 2012. Looks like I'm going to hang around for a bit here. I'm looking into FREE non degree language programs that Papa Obama says he will give to Americans wanting to learn Chinese abroad. If you're not into politics you should be at least reading how China is growing and progressing at a phenomenal rate. I know I keep saying this, but watching a country progress at this speed is really astonishing. I am so desperate to learn Chinese just so that I can be better prepared for whatever the hell is coming next.
just saying.

Anyway, today I also picked up my 6 outfits from the fabric market that I had made last week for about 500RMB ($75USD)-found a magazine and pulled out pictures, picked out some fabric and showed the lady, she measured me and then made them - Have I not said my life is pretty ridiculous already. I will post pics somewhere when I wear the clothes.

The injured German fellow (his name is Erik)is doing a little better and might not need surgery. I'm going over for some bath tub soaking and brownie baking this weekend. I will be checking up on him as well. Gil would not be happy if I were not kind to strangers ;)

I finished my taxes after almost having a nervous breakdown and going postal. I've gained 5 kilos and I'm avoiding meat like the plague. Fun times as usual in Shanghai.

More to follow...soon. CNY is on the horizon (Chinese new year)

100+ days in but whose counting

I've been trying to update this damn thing for the past week. China firewall and Vista hate me. So out of boredom I pulled the wigs out (Jake, Kozen (Jake's bf) and myself)...so for your enjoyment: Pic of me in wig revisited... you're welcome hahahahha

I made it safely back from Hong Kong and felt motivated to start another mission. As I complained to Jake about my teaching gig (the whoring job), it came to me that I could just start taking the students from this ridiculous "school" and being a private tutor for them on my own terms. The students pay WAY too much and I don't get paid enough (btw they paid me!!! hallelujah!!! they also took a pimping fee. bastards) I've happily taken 3 students from them. One of which is teaching me Chinese in a very strict fashion (powerpoint, dry erase board, worksheets)her name is Angela and she's awesome. Another is Watson, some real estate big deal fella (meaning he's absurdly rich) that wants to get better with his english so that he can go to yoga class and improve his listening. I go to his office and home and we basically do yoga. I think he will be my connection to teaching fitness in China. Lots of "guanxi" from that man. The 3rd is a college girl name Marieanne thats studying for her GRE and dislikes the language "school" as well. I sense a mutiny in order and I'm ok with leading the angry mob...

On a more positive note. One of the guys that asked me out during one of the million interviews I went on, gave me a call about a private school needing a full time and/or part time teacher. Pay was from 6,000 to 14,000RMB per month. Since my indifference toward job interviews is at an all time high, I accepted. I was running late for the interview because stupid language "school" got some classes mixed up (per usual)and messed up my schedule. I couldn't find a taxi so I had to hop on a motorcycle taxi (big group of guys that hangout by some subway exits with their motorbikes trying to make an extra buck). I hailed one of the biker guys, I somehow saddled the bike in my interview dress and show him the address in Chinese from my phone and said "Zhèlǐ qǐng" (here please) I was happy to have the moral support of the pack of other bikers that cheered me on as I, without realizing, flashed them while we drove off. whatever. My life is so stupid. I get to the school, interview goes well and they offer me the position for teaching their primary school. They're not sure about whether they want me full time or part time (story of my life). I have to wait til after chinese new year to figure out the contract in order to sign and get details. I'm not holding my breath but it would be nice to make 14,000RMB...for realz.

As far as the guys go, not a lot in rotation. I'm down to a solid 5. My French Chinese guy likes to buy me coffee and work on his English. You know how I am about free, so this is fine. One of the German fellows that I met when I first got here, has been in and out Shanghai for work. He's recently hurt his back (herniated disk)and lives close by, so I've been helping him by taking him fruit and milk and whatever little things he needs. In return I use his BIG ASS KITCHEN AND BATH!!!! Yes folks, I found someone that will let me use them for their amenities. He complains to me about his chinese girlfriends how that only like him for his money and I happily listen and watch his big ass tv and bake and hangout in his mansion...I've already said my life is stupid. I've started checking in on him a few times a week between gym and tutoring. I'm doing my part for mankind. DO NOT WORRY people. The extremely smart Australian fellow is out of town for work, the other 2 are in Beijing so they don't really count. The Croat will be here on the 25th. I am honestly nervous, but whatever. I think that just about sums it up.

So much money can and is being made here. Everyone in China seems to be trying to get a piece of the money pie. I think I will start looking into getting my bite too.
Why not? Hell I'm here.

Sorry this was so damn long...

love

Anne with an 'e'

pics from hong kong and shenzhen

I borrowed Toni's camera for a few pictures...so the fancy pics are from her camera and the boring plain ones are from my cellphone camera...blah. Her camera was too fancy anyway!!!! The construction is amazing and everywhere. They are so serious about advancing, that they might be missing some important factors, like the people and who can actually afford to live in these expensive places...The random botanical gardens through Shenhen was nice, but the weather was sooo glib.
Anyway sorry for the lack of good pics. You've seen one city, you've seen them all. No I'm not jaded, I just don't think its really important to take pictures of a bunch of buildings plus it I was on a mission.

Anne with an E meets "Toni with an I"

How can I summarize 5 days of absurd people, places, and things? I will just talk about the ones that stood out. Little did I know I only touched the tip of the iceburg with the people I met at the hostel. A Chinese American New Yorker that thought everyone was jealous of her (she spoke Chinese and was young and naive). A young Chinaman from Hubei looking for an accounting job in Shenzhen. A few other oddballs as well. The one that stood out the most and insisted I go with her on most of her outings was Toni. The picture is "Toni with an i" and Yaoyao. Toni with an i (I will keep referring to her as this because EVERYONE we met, she introduced herself as such and also informed people that they needed to write it down and remember it) If you've ever seen Kat and Kim (Aussie version, not the lame ass US version) mixed with AbFab...then you'll understand this woman. Her story: She's 48, owned and ran a gallery in Wales, had a daughter (that she can't stand), had a nervous breakdown (might have been institutionalize at some point. I didn't want to push the subject), sold all her stuff and started traveling 3 years ago. Lived in India the past year, thought she should write a travel book about art and artist in the East starting with China. Sounds pretty simple right...no. She also has an alterior motive. Change the minds of as many Chinese people she can. Every night we had a different Chinese girl in our room. Same conversation happened every night. Toni with an i asking: "are you happy here in China? what the hell is your government doing? where the bloody hell is the art and personality in this country? how many bloody fucking trees are they going to chop down before they make every city concrete?"
After night 2 I started chiming in, because I'm A. stupid and B. I found this interesting. I tried to explain to Toni with an i that you can't miss what you've never had...for example having to form your own opinion about the environment and how rapid your city is growing commercially. Toni, addressing the poor confused Chinese girl, "there are a billion of you people, you could over throw the government. What the bloody hell". Sadly Toni with an i never got what she wanted out of the Chinese girls until the last two young students roomed with us. I told her that of course they understand what she's saying because they're a new generation of Chinese thats more aware. Yaoyao, 21 year old student studying painting, said she wants to go to Germany - for the beer festival and Holland - because lesbians can get married. (Toni and I both later laughed at this and agreed that someone was a closet lesbo and it was really cool) Yaoyao was our tour guide for a few days. Local museums, gardens in Shenzhen, and really interesting spots. AJ was the last girl we had as a roommate. She was so inspired and fired up by Toni with an I, that she was talking of quitting school to start a movement with fellow classmates. I know times have changed a bit and I would never joke about this, but did we forget about a certain "Tiananmen Square" incident...I'm just saying

I believe Toni with an i understood more when we crossed the border to Hong Kong and how our lovely Chinese guides couldn't join us when we crossed back and forth. I felt like a ass for all the times I've taken my freedom for granted. China mainland people can't cross with such ease. Eye opening experience for sure. It took 10 to 15 mins to get my stamp and get through customs...insanely fast. Immigration freaks me out ALL the time. I always feel like I look guilty. Anyway Hong Kong was nice. EXPENSIVE AS HELL!!! Toni with an i and myself visited 4 museums, met with her friend Patty from London (she called her "short ass") popped across the border to Shenzhen for a cheap lunch and popped back to Hong Kong to do more free sightseeing.
FYI it was gloomy, rainy, crappy weather the entire time I was there. So the pictures suck. I will find some decent ones to post. I felt I was dragged around the city, willingly, looking for the "under belly" as Toni with an i says. She likes finding where the prostitutes, brothels, and gambling is happening around China. I found this hilarious, so why not, right? We found them and no comment.

We returned to the hostel in Shenzhen and the owner of the hostel told me that the police informed them that my 90 days expired. I slightly panicked and said "POLICE"!!! I forgot to show them my stamped passport after the 1st time I went to Hong Kong and the police check the hotels and hostel every few days to make sure everyone is registered...ugh. So all is good.

I left Toni with an i and AJ at the hostel and told them to keep me posted on the travel book about art and the student Movement. It was fun. I will keep in contact with them for sure.

I was very happy to get back to Shanghai. Something about being around "familiar" settings. Just knowing where shit is...is so nice.

Thats about it.

Pics to follow soon.

In Shenzhen

Let's see where to start...
I took a taxi to the bus, which took me to the airport in Shanghai. From the airport in Shenzhen, I took local bus to the subway. From the subway, I rode 2 stops and thought "if I'm lucky, there will be a mule or horse waiting for me". Alas, I only had to walk a few blocks and there was my lovely hostel. Because I am poor I got the pleasure of sharing a room with 2 other ladies. One big slumber party...WEEEEE
A 20 something year old Chinese business girl and a 40 something year old British lady finding herself. So it was necessary I was roomed with these 2, I was the missing piece for sure.

My first day here was not exciting. I slept ALL day. I was still recovering from New Years Eve and no real sleep. Its fine. I've met a handful of people in the hostel. I've gotten roped into doing some local activities (free because they're all hippies and poor). Visiting places off the beaten path, museums, and local parks. The 1st order of business was to buy some food (oatmeal,eggs, bread) and eating utensils at the market across the street ~NO EATING OUT~ (please see above picture, 50 cent was spent on a cup and kiddie bowl and monkey spoon...yes I SCORED)

Today I explored Shenzhen a little via dietie (subway). I found all the malls. *rolls eyes*
I'm ok with easing into the China lifestyle (meaning not going to the really dirty China just yet), but seriously. These cities are crazy. Big building and malls everywhere. I step off the plane in Shenzhen and thought this is freakin' Miami. Why are there palm trees in China? Bright Yellow and Pink are not colors for buildings...EVER!!! There is no need.

I'm going to head across the border tomorrow (the HK) and will try to remember to take pictures. I keep forgetting, but this doesn't seem like a vacation nor do I feel moved to take pictures. So we'll see.

Hope everyone had a happy new year!!!