After 16 days of reading in my room, meeting unusual/special/interesting people in the hostel, Joe came and picked me up. He said “I got an apt in Shanghai (he'd moved to a “suburb” of Shanghai because of work) and "we can spend your last week together". I was just fine with this because I have seriously checked out of China and just want some relief or a break from it. Anne is tired.
He cooked, I zoned out and happily accepted the princess treatment and sadly counted the days til I leave this guy and China. All of a sudden it was time to leave. At the airport Joe told me he missed me already, that this isn't good-bye because he's just sending me ahead. He was proud of me for not crying. (apparently he was ready with tissues for me to make a scene...does he even now me. good grief)
Anne's heading home
Jan 15, 2012
Jan 7, 2012
“I like you perm”
An ayi on the street told me this when I was having a big curly hair day. China weather is not ideal for my hair most of the time and I couldn't begin to explain to this woman that this was in no way, shape or form a perm on my head...good grief.
Day 10 in hilarious hostel...
The front desk people now bring me sugar for my coffee without me asking, know my first name, and ask when my boyfriend will visit again because they like that he can speak Chinese and they think he's handsome (seriously grown Chinese men blush when they see Joe. I don't understand it. I tell him not to get use to that...). Joe pops into town from work every few days or so to make sure I am fed and packing and have not killed anyone.
This is my life.
I've watched many people come into the hostel bright-eyed and naive about moving to China and wanting to live here and excited and completely unaware of how things work here. I wondered if I looked like this to anyone when I arrived...probably. People ask me what I'm doing here and I just say, “stuff and things”. I don't want to start telling my “ridiculous china story”. I'll just recommend they buy the book and do just the opposite of what I did.
One of the many roommates that have passed through the hostel asked me how old I was. I told her I was 33. I later stopped and did the math and realized that I'm 32. There is no reason for me to push things along and when did I become so bad at math. I don't even have hangups with my age. It seems the older I get the less interested I am about my age. Its very strange to think that “I'm in my 30s”.
So at the lovely age of 32, I will finally see Japan (albeit a very little of it with a 24hr layover). I will be blitzing through Tokyo on a budget of $0. Much like my China move, I will play it by ear. After that, its off to Dallas. Only place, for now, that I can actually go decompress, work on books AND be poor AND be unemployed for a minute.
Since I've mentally checked out of China, I go to the local cafes and look for jobs online and think of ways to do business. I'm not even trying to upload or work on my book here anymore. I go to upload somewhere or download some software for editing...Boom, crash. Something goes wrong. Its not in the stars for me to finish it up here. I will probably have better luck on the plane back to the States or something. I will not stress about it.
Currently I have 4 students that are pretty consistent about canceling, rescheduling, or no showing for classes. Whatever. I still enjoy my Balluff VP business English student. In our last class we discussed how he read research about how all humans originated from Africa by a Japanese scientist. (the fact the he is reading and really respects a Japanese scientist speaks volumes about him, because so many Chinese HATE Japanese people)
It was a very interesting conversation. Our many conversations have opened my eyes to the a more promising positive China that 'could be'. I asked him if he's very popular with his friends and he replies “no, not when I speak of these subjects and how “民主“ min zhu (democracy) will be the only way China can be prosperous”. I grin at him uncomfortably thinking, “easy tiger, lets wait til I leave before you start an uprising. Am not trying to step on government toes”
Even if this is one mans opinion, I think its representative of many here. This is a super capitalist country that is exploding with growth due to the fact that they are running before they can walk as far as development goes. In my honest opinion.
Current goals are packing and leaving. (packing seems to be the hardest thing EVER)
Motto this year “Realistic goal setting and step taking”
Day 10 in hilarious hostel...
The front desk people now bring me sugar for my coffee without me asking, know my first name, and ask when my boyfriend will visit again because they like that he can speak Chinese and they think he's handsome (seriously grown Chinese men blush when they see Joe. I don't understand it. I tell him not to get use to that...). Joe pops into town from work every few days or so to make sure I am fed and packing and have not killed anyone.
This is my life.
I've watched many people come into the hostel bright-eyed and naive about moving to China and wanting to live here and excited and completely unaware of how things work here. I wondered if I looked like this to anyone when I arrived...probably. People ask me what I'm doing here and I just say, “stuff and things”. I don't want to start telling my “ridiculous china story”. I'll just recommend they buy the book and do just the opposite of what I did.
One of the many roommates that have passed through the hostel asked me how old I was. I told her I was 33. I later stopped and did the math and realized that I'm 32. There is no reason for me to push things along and when did I become so bad at math. I don't even have hangups with my age. It seems the older I get the less interested I am about my age. Its very strange to think that “I'm in my 30s”.
So at the lovely age of 32, I will finally see Japan (albeit a very little of it with a 24hr layover). I will be blitzing through Tokyo on a budget of $0. Much like my China move, I will play it by ear. After that, its off to Dallas. Only place, for now, that I can actually go decompress, work on books AND be poor AND be unemployed for a minute.
Since I've mentally checked out of China, I go to the local cafes and look for jobs online and think of ways to do business. I'm not even trying to upload or work on my book here anymore. I go to upload somewhere or download some software for editing...Boom, crash. Something goes wrong. Its not in the stars for me to finish it up here. I will probably have better luck on the plane back to the States or something. I will not stress about it.
Currently I have 4 students that are pretty consistent about canceling, rescheduling, or no showing for classes. Whatever. I still enjoy my Balluff VP business English student. In our last class we discussed how he read research about how all humans originated from Africa by a Japanese scientist. (the fact the he is reading and really respects a Japanese scientist speaks volumes about him, because so many Chinese HATE Japanese people)
It was a very interesting conversation. Our many conversations have opened my eyes to the a more promising positive China that 'could be'. I asked him if he's very popular with his friends and he replies “no, not when I speak of these subjects and how “民主“ min zhu (democracy) will be the only way China can be prosperous”. I grin at him uncomfortably thinking, “easy tiger, lets wait til I leave before you start an uprising. Am not trying to step on government toes”
Even if this is one mans opinion, I think its representative of many here. This is a super capitalist country that is exploding with growth due to the fact that they are running before they can walk as far as development goes. In my honest opinion.
Current goals are packing and leaving. (packing seems to be the hardest thing EVER)
Motto this year “Realistic goal setting and step taking”
Jan 1, 2012
Last post of the 2011
Although I had planned to be very diligent about posting and updating, there just wasn't much to say. I've moved into a hostel in Shanghai. I don't want to stay in a slumlord type place where I can't really use the restroom or feel like I'm in a closet (plus the sublet was up and finding short term seemed impossible) I like the hostel and its hot rooms and nice and clean duvets, it makes me feel like I'm on holiday. The characters are special and unique per usual in the ladies dorm. Many chinese come to hostels from other cities to stay during the week and go home on the weekends. Very interesting dynamic.
There is an older lady (52 but looks 30 of course) that has "family problems" and is staying in the hostel for a month. Everyone wants to know her story, but none of use can get any info from her. There was a German girl thats here just to get away from everything in Germany, some girls that are illegally teaching in Beijing and looking to come to Shanghai to work. They are blonde hair and blue eyed and love kids. I told them that they would not have any trouble for sure. We've gone to breakfast and hungout a little. I realize how old I am when I hang around 20 somethings...MY GOD. I feel ancient around these creatures.
They wanted me to go out with them for NYE and I had to decline. They took 4 hours to decide what to wear, 2 hours to get ready. They looked great and I somehow ended up helping them get ready (hair pinning, blush applying, accessory and accent decision making (i.e. "is the tiara too much?", "yes, honey") I think this is what its like to send your kids to prom or something. I took their pictures and sent them off. I made some tea and pulled out my laptop. This is better than loud bar, crowed place, spending money I don't have.
Joe is in West China for a week...boo hoo so few students to teach (now the girl that let me use her room has returned) I will miss Benz and a few others. So all my work in Dec will probably all go to a flight home...
We shall see.
I'm attempting to work with a German couple that makes and sells fitness apparel and want to do business in China. I'm not telling them I'm leaving Shanghai and will try to use contacts here (Joe) to help make some money. We'll see. So much money can be made here it just take A LOT of patience. I'm accepting the fact that I'm starting from scratch when I return to Dallas, but I've got many ideas of things I want to do.
So long dangerous ill-mannered pushing crowds, so long strange life prioritizing people, so long inefficient way of doing EVERYTHING, good bye to the yelling, good bye to squatting toliets (I still have not mastered how to use them while wearing pants)...the list goes on
Lets see what next in 2012
There is an older lady (52 but looks 30 of course) that has "family problems" and is staying in the hostel for a month. Everyone wants to know her story, but none of use can get any info from her. There was a German girl thats here just to get away from everything in Germany, some girls that are illegally teaching in Beijing and looking to come to Shanghai to work. They are blonde hair and blue eyed and love kids. I told them that they would not have any trouble for sure. We've gone to breakfast and hungout a little. I realize how old I am when I hang around 20 somethings...MY GOD. I feel ancient around these creatures.
They wanted me to go out with them for NYE and I had to decline. They took 4 hours to decide what to wear, 2 hours to get ready. They looked great and I somehow ended up helping them get ready (hair pinning, blush applying, accessory and accent decision making (i.e. "is the tiara too much?", "yes, honey") I think this is what its like to send your kids to prom or something. I took their pictures and sent them off. I made some tea and pulled out my laptop. This is better than loud bar, crowed place, spending money I don't have.
Joe is in West China for a week...boo hoo so few students to teach (now the girl that let me use her room has returned) I will miss Benz and a few others. So all my work in Dec will probably all go to a flight home...
We shall see.
I'm attempting to work with a German couple that makes and sells fitness apparel and want to do business in China. I'm not telling them I'm leaving Shanghai and will try to use contacts here (Joe) to help make some money. We'll see. So much money can be made here it just take A LOT of patience. I'm accepting the fact that I'm starting from scratch when I return to Dallas, but I've got many ideas of things I want to do.
So long dangerous ill-mannered pushing crowds, so long strange life prioritizing people, so long inefficient way of doing EVERYTHING, good bye to the yelling, good bye to squatting toliets (I still have not mastered how to use them while wearing pants)...the list goes on
Lets see what next in 2012
Dec 15, 2011
My core is very important...
Going back to the gym has reminded me that (not sure how I forgot) my balance and sanity are in my health. Mental and physical health are directly connected to how I treat myself. Now that I’ve apologized to my body, moped around a little in self pity, laughed off the negative, I can now smile and properly prepare for whats next.
I’ve moved into a hilarious 8brm converted from a 2brm (lord knows how many people per room) 2bathroom (I don’t step foot in either, hence the gym membership I use a minimum of twice a day) no kitchen or living room…yes its very interesting.
One of the pluses(working on being positive) of getting this temporary sublet piece of slumlord heaven was also acquiring some temporary adult students (cha-ching$$$). I’ve been working everyday since being kicked out of the last place. Work, gym, sleep. (not having a working computer...again really helps this lifestyle)
One of the new temporary students is a manager for Mercedes Benz. His views of life in China are very interesting. He’s never been abroad and he extremely familiar with western life (internets are amazing). I’ve not met many straight Chinese men my age that happily talk so openly about anything (most are shy or too busy trying not to lose face and embarrass themselves). He’s very smart and funny. His views of the social climate in China are from a perspective I honestly didn’t know existed. He tells me stories of how a simple trip to the hospital becomes an Olympic Event. You wait/pay before you see the doctor/wait/see doctor for 4 mins/wait/pay for meds/wait/see pharmacist…
Some people slip the doctor some cash (I’m apparently guilty of this when Joe took me to the hospital earlier this year, little did I know) to cut in front of “anyone” (old people, burn victims, bloody and injured alike). He admits that he can pay to cut, but he “SHOULDN’T HAVE TO.” He understands how ridiculous things are here but “sometimes you have to play the game to survive”. I asked him if his company offered to relocate him to Germany or the States would he go. He says “this sounds crazy but I wouldn’t. China is my home, but I am certainly shipping my daughter off somewhere [outside China] when she’s in her teens so she can see that this [life in China] is not how it has to be”. Mr. Benz (I call him this because we meet 3 times a week and he has a different color Benz shirt/sweater vest/jacket on. I’ve not seen him in the same thing 2 twice…hilarious) got me thinking as I desperately look for flights home, “that this might be what being homesick feels like”. Joe bought me some really good pancakes and hash browns the other day because he thinks I’m homesick, but really just wants me to shut the hell up about biscuits…man if he knew Arghhhh!!!!! If he only knew!!!!!!!!!!
I might be in denial still, but I’m having dreams of coming home now.
I’ve moved into a hilarious 8brm converted from a 2brm (lord knows how many people per room) 2bathroom (I don’t step foot in either, hence the gym membership I use a minimum of twice a day) no kitchen or living room…yes its very interesting.
One of the pluses(working on being positive) of getting this temporary sublet piece of slumlord heaven was also acquiring some temporary adult students (cha-ching$$$). I’ve been working everyday since being kicked out of the last place. Work, gym, sleep. (not having a working computer...again really helps this lifestyle)
One of the new temporary students is a manager for Mercedes Benz. His views of life in China are very interesting. He’s never been abroad and he extremely familiar with western life (internets are amazing). I’ve not met many straight Chinese men my age that happily talk so openly about anything (most are shy or too busy trying not to lose face and embarrass themselves). He’s very smart and funny. His views of the social climate in China are from a perspective I honestly didn’t know existed. He tells me stories of how a simple trip to the hospital becomes an Olympic Event. You wait/pay before you see the doctor/wait/see doctor for 4 mins/wait/pay for meds/wait/see pharmacist…
Some people slip the doctor some cash (I’m apparently guilty of this when Joe took me to the hospital earlier this year, little did I know) to cut in front of “anyone” (old people, burn victims, bloody and injured alike). He admits that he can pay to cut, but he “SHOULDN’T HAVE TO.” He understands how ridiculous things are here but “sometimes you have to play the game to survive”. I asked him if his company offered to relocate him to Germany or the States would he go. He says “this sounds crazy but I wouldn’t. China is my home, but I am certainly shipping my daughter off somewhere [outside China] when she’s in her teens so she can see that this [life in China] is not how it has to be”. Mr. Benz (I call him this because we meet 3 times a week and he has a different color Benz shirt/sweater vest/jacket on. I’ve not seen him in the same thing 2 twice…hilarious) got me thinking as I desperately look for flights home, “that this might be what being homesick feels like”. Joe bought me some really good pancakes and hash browns the other day because he thinks I’m homesick, but really just wants me to shut the hell up about biscuits…man if he knew Arghhhh!!!!! If he only knew!!!!!!!!!!
I might be in denial still, but I’m having dreams of coming home now.
Nov 24, 2011
While missing Thanksgiving dinner...
As I walk around like a zombie trying to figure out and over calculate every move I make now, I find myself making silly mistakes. Sending the wrong resume out, not taking the time difference into account when trying to Skype people for interviews...etc, etc.
Poor choices: Trying to apply for jobs after 2 hours sleep (I've become a crazy person trying to edit, write and organize) 3 to 4 hours of oral English lessons including but not limited to power point presentations and practice (one of my 1 on 1 business English students is a VP for Balluff China. He genuinely loves how interested I am in his company and my ppt ideas for different presentations he's had with his German and American heads and coworkers...ok, you're caught now). After 60+ slides I want to kill myself, but am extremely surprised how much I've learned and how my knowledge from the rail industry has prove somehow useful in automation/machine tools/sensors...blah, blah, blah I won't bore you.
So in order to come home to the good ole US of A without being a complete peasant, I will try and make a few dollars (thats literal...a very few USD) before I return home (i.e. teaching private lessons) Meanwhile buying time for flight prices to go down and visa to expire :)
My day to day activities include staring/reviewing my writings and hating them and being emotional and frustrated and basically thinking too much. I get up today and while showering my electricity suddenly stopped. I went to call my roommate and asked him “Ummm whats up?”. I immediately remembered that he is in Germany or Japan or somewhere NOT IN SHANGHAI. I told Joe and he asked if he David paid the electricity and I told him “I think so”. I realized at this point that I've become, what seems like to me at the moment, some helpless character in this strange story I've been living in for over a year now. Common sense would tell one “check” the circuit and flip the switch” or “get the maintenance guy to check on things”...but no
Joe is looking at old electric bills to calculate the most I (meaning him)would need to take to the company to pay to get everything back on (while quietly cursing my roommate for being incompetent and himself for finding such a roommate.) He stops and realizes that I don't seem the least bit worried about the cold (*sidenote: he's from Africa where 70 degrees warrants dressing like an Alaskan...its not cold, about 50F) temperatures that have hit Shanghai and not having electricity = no heat. He tells me that he's going to talk to the building guy and see what the problem is. 20 minutes later, crazy doorman guy comes up, flips the fuse (just to be fair, I had no idea where the fuse box was located) and everything was fine. Joe looks at me saying, extremely relieved,“thank god it was a quick fix because you would've froze to death”. (death Joe, really?)I told him “I can't wait to see you in a REAL crisis situation”
So that's me, some damsel in distress minus the distress...
Happy Thanksgiving
love
~Anne~
Poor choices: Trying to apply for jobs after 2 hours sleep (I've become a crazy person trying to edit, write and organize) 3 to 4 hours of oral English lessons including but not limited to power point presentations and practice (one of my 1 on 1 business English students is a VP for Balluff China. He genuinely loves how interested I am in his company and my ppt ideas for different presentations he's had with his German and American heads and coworkers...ok, you're caught now). After 60+ slides I want to kill myself, but am extremely surprised how much I've learned and how my knowledge from the rail industry has prove somehow useful in automation/machine tools/sensors...blah, blah, blah I won't bore you.
So in order to come home to the good ole US of A without being a complete peasant, I will try and make a few dollars (thats literal...a very few USD) before I return home (i.e. teaching private lessons) Meanwhile buying time for flight prices to go down and visa to expire :)
My day to day activities include staring/reviewing my writings and hating them and being emotional and frustrated and basically thinking too much. I get up today and while showering my electricity suddenly stopped. I went to call my roommate and asked him “Ummm whats up?”. I immediately remembered that he is in Germany or Japan or somewhere NOT IN SHANGHAI. I told Joe and he asked if he David paid the electricity and I told him “I think so”. I realized at this point that I've become, what seems like to me at the moment, some helpless character in this strange story I've been living in for over a year now. Common sense would tell one “check” the circuit and flip the switch” or “get the maintenance guy to check on things”...but no
Joe is looking at old electric bills to calculate the most I (meaning him)would need to take to the company to pay to get everything back on (while quietly cursing my roommate for being incompetent and himself for finding such a roommate.) He stops and realizes that I don't seem the least bit worried about the cold (*sidenote: he's from Africa where 70 degrees warrants dressing like an Alaskan...its not cold, about 50F) temperatures that have hit Shanghai and not having electricity = no heat. He tells me that he's going to talk to the building guy and see what the problem is. 20 minutes later, crazy doorman guy comes up, flips the fuse (just to be fair, I had no idea where the fuse box was located) and everything was fine. Joe looks at me saying, extremely relieved,“thank god it was a quick fix because you would've froze to death”. (death Joe, really?)I told him “I can't wait to see you in a REAL crisis situation”
So that's me, some damsel in distress minus the distress...
Happy Thanksgiving
love
~Anne~
Nov 16, 2011
After further review
I'm happy to inform that I've been getting many job offers. Albeit from remote and rural areas of China, but what seems like genuine job offers. For example the above photo with the Enron logo. Its a school 2 hours outside of Shanghai that wanted to give me a 2 month trial to see if "I was any good" then they "might" see about a visa. I would have to find a new place in the middle of no where and hope and pray they liked me in 2 months and get paid. I don't really like gambling. So, no thank you.
I decided that going back to the States would be the best strategy. After much internal fighting and endless headaches, this would be a good idea. I could use the break (a dryer, biscuits, fresh air, seeing friends and family) . Joe's 2 years remaining in China could buy me time to reset things. I need a clear palette. I can't imagine getting married with my head in the clouds right now. So basically Joe and I thought me going home and startng a game plan would be best. He finally got me to discuss future talks with him. Short and long term goals list, etc, etc. What I want to do with my life and how I will get it done.
Step one...stable job with income in the US
Step two...take chinese lessons and get back to yoga/fitness 100%
Step three...start planning how to do business
I'm going to use my visa until the end (it was a pain in the ass to get) I will definitely be here until the end of December. I'm guessing February the latest. We'll see where dallas, LA, Chicago.
Send good thoughts and feelings my way.
Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one.
- Dolly Parton
Failure does not exist. Failure is simply someone else's opinion of how a certain act should have been completed. Once you believe that no act must be performed in any specific other-directed way, then failing becomes impossible.
- Wayne Dyer
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
- St. Francis of Assisi
Nov 2, 2011
Strange things often do happen to me
Dear Marilla,
Its happened, Joe asked me to marry him. To be exact while watching a football game "would you like to spend the rest of your days with me as husband and wife"...my reply "what...".
He then ask again and says "we have a bumpy road ahead, but I'm willing to do it with you.
Me: Bumpy? Are you trying to talk me out of this before I can even answer or think about it?"
Joe: No, but I DO NOT see you living in Nigeria and you are not ready to go back to the States. By bumpy I mean we will have to figure this part out, because China doesn't want you here (him trying to be funny) and my plans are not living here forever. What do you think about Dubai or Canada?
Me: Dubai? What's in Dubai?
Joe: What was in China when you came...?
Me: Good point. Let me think about this.
Joe: So is that a yes.
Me: You realize I am a broke American with no job in China.
Joe: I like challenges. It makes it more interesting.
Me: Ok then, lets figure this out.
For some reason it seems right.*
*I've consulted our star signs (Aries woman and Sagittarius man)
they tell a funny story.
Its happened, Joe asked me to marry him. To be exact while watching a football game "would you like to spend the rest of your days with me as husband and wife"...my reply "what...".
He then ask again and says "we have a bumpy road ahead, but I'm willing to do it with you.
Me: Bumpy? Are you trying to talk me out of this before I can even answer or think about it?"
Joe: No, but I DO NOT see you living in Nigeria and you are not ready to go back to the States. By bumpy I mean we will have to figure this part out, because China doesn't want you here (him trying to be funny) and my plans are not living here forever. What do you think about Dubai or Canada?
Me: Dubai? What's in Dubai?
Joe: What was in China when you came...?
Me: Good point. Let me think about this.
Joe: So is that a yes.
Me: You realize I am a broke American with no job in China.
Joe: I like challenges. It makes it more interesting.
Me: Ok then, lets figure this out.
For some reason it seems right.*
*I've consulted our star signs (Aries woman and Sagittarius man)
they tell a funny story.
Oct 28, 2011
Saving my “face”...my game face
The weight of realizing my extremely small existence here in PRC seems to be affecting my decisions and clouding my perspective. I am annoyed with myself for sounding melodramatic and whiny about not being able to go forward or move in any direction. I have a long list of "GREAT ideas that would prove amazing, IF someone gave me a chance to prove it"...they seem useless right now. I'm not so naive and idealistic that believing who you know isn't the key to success. But in China, who you know is the ONLY way to get anything done.
Although Tiger mom would have been a great contact for business, I would rather call INTERPOL on her ass and have to go into witness protection (I’m sure her and her shady crew of millionaire misfits would be after me), before I would ask her for help.*
*life lesson: there are some bridges that you MUST burn down
Joe tells that doing business and being successful in China won't be easy for me because I'm 'all or nothing' and 'tell it like it is' (apparently these are not good characteristics if you want to be taken serious). He explains to me that in China 1 + 2 does not equal 3. Rational, sensible, logical thinking have to be removed before the business equations can be solved sometimes. Had I not been here for as long as I have (it does not take long to see how hilarious things are), I would have told him "Puhleeeze" Considering the things I've witnessed and been first hand apart of...nothing is impossible. Everything moves slow, rules change daily, brand name (anything) rules.
As much as I would like to be an “Agent of Change”, its complicated. I'm not even a fish in the ocean, I'm a micro-organism at the bottom of the sea. Common sense can't be taken for granted, whats right isn't right and things are done differently and as inefficient as possible. Can I really do business in such a place? Would I really want to try and convince ANYONE here that their quality of life could be improved. I really need to consider these things.
I sit in cafes listening to dreamy foreigners and their ideas of what they want/will do in Asia and how they CAN and WILL change things (overly optimistic and insensitive jerks if you ask me). I read forums about people taking their 'journey' and finding themselves here. I'm guessing many of them didn't take the Shanghai route. Maybe that makes my 'trip' a little unique (I'd like to think I'm somewhat special...its really all in my head) My adventure is taking shape by way of “trying to live in a developed and growing” China instead of 'an ancient and traditional country'. I've been thinking that trying to find where I fit in could be the source of my problems. I should probably turn my attention and focus to finding how China might “fit” into MY plans.
I like this idea a lot more.
Although Tiger mom would have been a great contact for business, I would rather call INTERPOL on her ass and have to go into witness protection (I’m sure her and her shady crew of millionaire misfits would be after me), before I would ask her for help.*
*life lesson: there are some bridges that you MUST burn down
Joe tells that doing business and being successful in China won't be easy for me because I'm 'all or nothing' and 'tell it like it is' (apparently these are not good characteristics if you want to be taken serious). He explains to me that in China 1 + 2 does not equal 3. Rational, sensible, logical thinking have to be removed before the business equations can be solved sometimes. Had I not been here for as long as I have (it does not take long to see how hilarious things are), I would have told him "Puhleeeze" Considering the things I've witnessed and been first hand apart of...nothing is impossible. Everything moves slow, rules change daily, brand name (anything) rules.
As much as I would like to be an “Agent of Change”, its complicated. I'm not even a fish in the ocean, I'm a micro-organism at the bottom of the sea. Common sense can't be taken for granted, whats right isn't right and things are done differently and as inefficient as possible. Can I really do business in such a place? Would I really want to try and convince ANYONE here that their quality of life could be improved. I really need to consider these things.
I sit in cafes listening to dreamy foreigners and their ideas of what they want/will do in Asia and how they CAN and WILL change things (overly optimistic and insensitive jerks if you ask me). I read forums about people taking their 'journey' and finding themselves here. I'm guessing many of them didn't take the Shanghai route. Maybe that makes my 'trip' a little unique (I'd like to think I'm somewhat special...its really all in my head) My adventure is taking shape by way of “trying to live in a developed and growing” China instead of 'an ancient and traditional country'. I've been thinking that trying to find where I fit in could be the source of my problems. I should probably turn my attention and focus to finding how China might “fit” into MY plans.
I like this idea a lot more.
Oct 23, 2011
A year later, lessons learned, looking for Scottie to beam me up and out
This past year has proven to be one of the most challenging for me. Every single day I doubt this decision and then I am immediately reminded, by strangers or friends, that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I still don't know the right answers AND there is a ridiculous learning curve.
As I went jump roping in the park (turns out its the cure for many things, such as zero motivation to deal with life or people) I watch the old people do Tai Chi. There are 2 old men that attempted to teach me and I'm sure they're silently judging me and I my jump rope skills. Whatever, this jump rope got me out the apt. The past 3 days I have been in my apt watching 24. I have heard of this show. I might have seen a few partial episodes, but I never watched religiously. After finishing season 7 (yes 7 damn seasons) I realized that at this point I was falling into some sort of depression. Somehow jump rope was the answer. Also calls from Erick* who sees something is wrong with me and calls me out for walks around the city.
*please recall the injured German whose bathtub I used
I am on my way to Hong Kong...again. I hope to return, a refreshed Anne.
There have been no updates here, because there has been nothing new. I am dealing with the same headaches everyday. Interview for many jobs, one job offer, job sounds promising, take job, get screwed, I'm shocked at outcome...moving on. This last one did pay me (40% less than agreed) so I shouldn't complain...right.
So I've possibly come to the conclusion of "What Would Anne of Green Gables do In China"...she wouldn't fucking come. Bottomline. Anne is crazy but she's a lot smarter than this.
With that said, I'm here and I'm going to stay as long as I can. I don't want to leave here with a bitter taste in my mouth of disdain and frustration. I want to give people and this place a chance. Now to seriously look for other avenues.
Game face back ON.
As I went jump roping in the park (turns out its the cure for many things, such as zero motivation to deal with life or people) I watch the old people do Tai Chi. There are 2 old men that attempted to teach me and I'm sure they're silently judging me and I my jump rope skills. Whatever, this jump rope got me out the apt. The past 3 days I have been in my apt watching 24. I have heard of this show. I might have seen a few partial episodes, but I never watched religiously. After finishing season 7 (yes 7 damn seasons) I realized that at this point I was falling into some sort of depression. Somehow jump rope was the answer. Also calls from Erick* who sees something is wrong with me and calls me out for walks around the city.
*please recall the injured German whose bathtub I used
I am on my way to Hong Kong...again. I hope to return, a refreshed Anne.
There have been no updates here, because there has been nothing new. I am dealing with the same headaches everyday. Interview for many jobs, one job offer, job sounds promising, take job, get screwed, I'm shocked at outcome...moving on. This last one did pay me (40% less than agreed) so I shouldn't complain...right.
So I've possibly come to the conclusion of "What Would Anne of Green Gables do In China"...she wouldn't fucking come. Bottomline. Anne is crazy but she's a lot smarter than this.
With that said, I'm here and I'm going to stay as long as I can. I don't want to leave here with a bitter taste in my mouth of disdain and frustration. I want to give people and this place a chance. Now to seriously look for other avenues.
Game face back ON.
Oct 3, 2011
Yup, thats about right
So I signed a contract with a new English training kids “school/center/business” in Shanghai. They said they will “get me a visa” and “take care” of important paper work for me. The guy that recruited me promised many things(i.e. 20-30hrs per week, flexible schedule, visa, housing allowance, blah, blah, blah)
I get to the school:
*No kids
*The “other english teachers” don't speak english very well or AT ALL
*I am the only English speaker/teacher with any experience
*My 1st schedule...I work 9 days straight. About a 40 hour week (Did I mention the no kids part?)
Apparently I'm not only responsible for teaching the kids (whenever they come), teachers and other staff at this 'New' school, but I am also in charge of convincing the parents and kid that “THIS TRAINING SCHOOL/BUSINESS IS THE BEST AND YOU SHOULD STUDY/BUY CLASSES HERE”
Hilarious...I know.
We have 'public classes', 20 to 25min sample classes for potential students. I've designed many short demos for varying ages and English levels with the other “english tutors”. I've tried explaining flexibility to them and how we won't know what age or level the kids will be, we should be ready for ANYTHING. I tell them that THEY need to speak English themselves and create a comfortable atmosphere for the kids to WANT to learn. I realized after day 3 that my work and aspirations were futile. When the few kids that DID come to the 'public classes' spoke better english than the tutors here, I lost most of my motivation to even try. They hired young college students to come “tutor” English to little kids. I'm not sure what to make of this situation.
This motivated me to go on a job interview at Shanghai Call Center. They're looking for a Corporate Business Trainer. Basically teaching Chinese adults to sound American or extremely fluent in English. This sounded right up my alley, so I jumped at it.
The interview seemed good. They liked me (they always do, but you never know here) so we'll see. I have to wait to hear from them after Chinese National Holiday. If they want me I will RUN, not walk, to that job.
For now I'm trying not to go too crazy with the kids “school”.
The “principal/business owner” told us, in one of our many meetings that she wanted this to be the best school in Shanghai. I smiled at her determination and spirit. She followed that up with “I want us to be better than Disney English!!!!” (one of the top english training programs/company IN THE WORLD) I smiled and thought to myself “of course you do”. My days are made up of settling arguments with the tutors and other workers in the school over whose pronunciation is best/worst. Its interesting that most of them think their fluency is almost native level (they think they sound exactly like me or British) I think its good they have the confidence, but I happily correct them when necessary. Meanwhile,t he paint is still drying, 3 “tutors” have quit and the principal has taken a new approach to the “public classes”. I now sit in the office and work on future lesson plans and quietly sit around looking mysterious and peak the interest of visitors. (I now know how zoo animals feel when being watched)
And thats that...for now.
Love always
Anne with an 'e'
I get to the school:
*No kids
*The “other english teachers” don't speak english very well or AT ALL
*I am the only English speaker/teacher with any experience
*My 1st schedule...I work 9 days straight. About a 40 hour week (Did I mention the no kids part?)
Apparently I'm not only responsible for teaching the kids (whenever they come), teachers and other staff at this 'New' school, but I am also in charge of convincing the parents and kid that “THIS TRAINING SCHOOL/BUSINESS IS THE BEST AND YOU SHOULD STUDY/BUY CLASSES HERE”
Hilarious...I know.
We have 'public classes', 20 to 25min sample classes for potential students. I've designed many short demos for varying ages and English levels with the other “english tutors”. I've tried explaining flexibility to them and how we won't know what age or level the kids will be, we should be ready for ANYTHING. I tell them that THEY need to speak English themselves and create a comfortable atmosphere for the kids to WANT to learn. I realized after day 3 that my work and aspirations were futile. When the few kids that DID come to the 'public classes' spoke better english than the tutors here, I lost most of my motivation to even try. They hired young college students to come “tutor” English to little kids. I'm not sure what to make of this situation.
This motivated me to go on a job interview at Shanghai Call Center. They're looking for a Corporate Business Trainer. Basically teaching Chinese adults to sound American or extremely fluent in English. This sounded right up my alley, so I jumped at it.
The interview seemed good. They liked me (they always do, but you never know here) so we'll see. I have to wait to hear from them after Chinese National Holiday. If they want me I will RUN, not walk, to that job.
For now I'm trying not to go too crazy with the kids “school”.
The “principal/business owner” told us, in one of our many meetings that she wanted this to be the best school in Shanghai. I smiled at her determination and spirit. She followed that up with “I want us to be better than Disney English!!!!” (one of the top english training programs/company IN THE WORLD) I smiled and thought to myself “of course you do”. My days are made up of settling arguments with the tutors and other workers in the school over whose pronunciation is best/worst. Its interesting that most of them think their fluency is almost native level (they think they sound exactly like me or British) I think its good they have the confidence, but I happily correct them when necessary. Meanwhile,t he paint is still drying, 3 “tutors” have quit and the principal has taken a new approach to the “public classes”. I now sit in the office and work on future lesson plans and quietly sit around looking mysterious and peak the interest of visitors. (I now know how zoo animals feel when being watched)
And thats that...for now.
Love always
Anne with an 'e'
Sep 23, 2011
Pretty package
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not the perfectly (you what know what I mean) put together person I thought I was...well according to some folks here anyway. I'm becoming more and more nostalgic of the events that occurred this time last year. Nervous as hell moving to another country, looking for a job, worrying about visas, housing, money...blah, blah, blah. Sound familiar. Well it should, because its “China Headache 2: the Remix” I'm wondering every single day whats the point and I am quickly reminded that this is “a once in a lifetime experience”. I need to take advantage of this chance. That's that.
I just got off the phone with one of the 12 agents that have made it some sort of fun challenge to get the Black American a job. Bradley, is his name, told me that he's sending ME a copy of MY “augmented CV” for me to start using and sending out. He told me he “fixed it” and made it “worth” looking at. He requested I find a picture of myself with some white people to send out. (how I wish I was joking) I should preface this with the fact that Bradley is a midwestern looking white guy from Cincinnati and has been in Asia for over 3 years. So know that FOR SURE, he is my favorite agent helping me look for a job. He knows EXACTLY how ridiculous he sounds to me when he requests ABSURD things from me (i.e. pics with 1 or 2 white people in a classroom type setting) He gets more upset about my rejections, due to skin color issue (if you get my drift) than I do and he seems to be very honest about everything I ask him about. For example, I've called him about job postings I've seen or heard about to see if he could do some re-con on...he replies “I'm on it” or “well the thing about that place is...”
Even if Bradley doesn't find me a job, its good to have someone on my side. He reminds me often, that I CANNOT take this personal. My friends here all seem confident that I will find something because I'm American, but I don't think many of them understand that I am not the pretty packaged “American” that’s wanted sometimes. If I had the funding, I'm sure I could do a very interesting Sociological Experiment/Research on this, but alas no market or real interest for that here. Which has bought me to another realization. Mental hygiene isn't an easy industry to push in China. Attempting to life coach to prideful, arrogant, rich, infallible human beings seems crazy. The more people I see as potential clients for my wonderful life changing idea/program...the more I see attempted murder cases on my hand. You can't change peoples value systems and I would never never want to try. But if you value “winning” and “boasting” about how much power you have and what you HAVE...you are a lost cause from jumpstreet.
I want to help people find ways to get more out of life than the material factors. I want people to see that quality can be more profound than quantity...Bootleg central is not ideal for this little experiment. I need to think more on how I can/will achieve what I want.
Until next time...
always Anne with and 'e'
I just got off the phone with one of the 12 agents that have made it some sort of fun challenge to get the Black American a job. Bradley, is his name, told me that he's sending ME a copy of MY “augmented CV” for me to start using and sending out. He told me he “fixed it” and made it “worth” looking at. He requested I find a picture of myself with some white people to send out. (how I wish I was joking) I should preface this with the fact that Bradley is a midwestern looking white guy from Cincinnati and has been in Asia for over 3 years. So know that FOR SURE, he is my favorite agent helping me look for a job. He knows EXACTLY how ridiculous he sounds to me when he requests ABSURD things from me (i.e. pics with 1 or 2 white people in a classroom type setting) He gets more upset about my rejections, due to skin color issue (if you get my drift) than I do and he seems to be very honest about everything I ask him about. For example, I've called him about job postings I've seen or heard about to see if he could do some re-con on...he replies “I'm on it” or “well the thing about that place is...”
Even if Bradley doesn't find me a job, its good to have someone on my side. He reminds me often, that I CANNOT take this personal. My friends here all seem confident that I will find something because I'm American, but I don't think many of them understand that I am not the pretty packaged “American” that’s wanted sometimes. If I had the funding, I'm sure I could do a very interesting Sociological Experiment/Research on this, but alas no market or real interest for that here. Which has bought me to another realization. Mental hygiene isn't an easy industry to push in China. Attempting to life coach to prideful, arrogant, rich, infallible human beings seems crazy. The more people I see as potential clients for my wonderful life changing idea/program...the more I see attempted murder cases on my hand. You can't change peoples value systems and I would never never want to try. But if you value “winning” and “boasting” about how much power you have and what you HAVE...you are a lost cause from jumpstreet.
I want to help people find ways to get more out of life than the material factors. I want people to see that quality can be more profound than quantity...Bootleg central is not ideal for this little experiment. I need to think more on how I can/will achieve what I want.
Until next time...
always Anne with and 'e'
Sep 13, 2011
A more positive post...for crying out loud.
So I've made an appointment with this publisher guy friend of Joe's named Miller. I met him last year and because I'm slow didn't think to consult him or try asking for his assistance or some guidance for book publishing. So we'll see.
I will not have anymore "damn Joe" complaining post. I probably will never understand him so I will stop trying. He's doing outpatient treatment for his stomach and says he's fine. He just keeps saying "you told me to take care of myself and that my condition isn't good...". Who throws words back at people like that. 5 year olds, thats who. I told him "don't complain if I disappear. I will probably be too busy finding myself to bother letting you know" He looks at me like he's disappointed...hilarious. I agree with my friend Sam, I SHOULD BE GETTING PAID FOR THE WORK I do in this relationship. Whatever
I've learned that the queen, chinese french national (God yes I know, another one) of the ifa (fashion school I interviewed with) doesn't like females under 24 or anyone born under the year of the monkey sign. I feel my chances are good. I am 32 and born under the goat sign. Let's pray she's not crazy....
I will not have anymore "damn Joe" complaining post. I probably will never understand him so I will stop trying. He's doing outpatient treatment for his stomach and says he's fine. He just keeps saying "you told me to take care of myself and that my condition isn't good...". Who throws words back at people like that. 5 year olds, thats who. I told him "don't complain if I disappear. I will probably be too busy finding myself to bother letting you know" He looks at me like he's disappointed...hilarious. I agree with my friend Sam, I SHOULD BE GETTING PAID FOR THE WORK I do in this relationship. Whatever
I've learned that the queen, chinese french national (God yes I know, another one) of the ifa (fashion school I interviewed with) doesn't like females under 24 or anyone born under the year of the monkey sign. I feel my chances are good. I am 32 and born under the goat sign. Let's pray she's not crazy....
Sep 12, 2011
what am I missing
So apparently Anne might not be cut out for relationships...period. Joe is currently in the hospital being watched by a doctor. I've only been back 14 days and Joe came back from a 2daywork trip (which I suggested (told) him not to go because he wasn't looking well) feeling awful. He's visibly loss MORE weight and has zero energy. He goes to a few doctors, they give him medicine and he sort of takes it. Then complains of nothing working. We argue when I tell him that he's not taking care of himself and then he goes missing for 3 days. I got a text message from him, after I've tried calling a few times, saying "I can't use the phone while I'm staying in the hospital. YOU told me that I needed to take better care of myself...so thats what I'm doing". UNBELIEVEABLE...I would almost prefer him cheating. BECAUSE THAT WOULD MAKE MORE SENSE TO ME.
Am I missing something? Can guys really be that worried about looking weak? Could something be really wrong and he doesn't want to tell me...ugh.
I don't like this.
I've been looking at the cost tickets back to the States versus buying a Visa through an agent. No jobs here, definitely no jobs there, its making my head hurt. France truly costed me more than I realized, but I'm trying very hard to look at the bright side.
I need to find a gym and sauna...
Sep 11, 2011
I have the worst memory
Joe finds me a very good place in Shanghai with a nice Chinese guy named David. He is always out of town. I met him on the 6th day I was back, then he left again. While he was around we chatted about Chicago and his 14 years living there and all over the US. I wonder if Joe knew I needed this little piece of home after the crazy summer I had...
Now I am once again looking for work in the good old PRC (Peoples Republic of China) I've interviewed with a few places and like usual...I just wait. I am putting together the pieces of what might be a book that I was able to put together this summer. We'll see.
Now I am once again looking for work in the good old PRC (Peoples Republic of China) I've interviewed with a few places and like usual...I just wait. I am putting together the pieces of what might be a book that I was able to put together this summer. We'll see.
Sep 3, 2011
France...the conclusion.
Of course I couldn't calmly and quietly leave Paris without just ONE more dinner party and MORE DRAMA. Hairong ask (told) Agnes to inform me that I was expected at a dinner party my last night in France.
*backstory* Hairong boasted and bragged about having a young American companion to some potential business partners earlier this summer and long story short...she couldn't lose face and say "oh that American hates me or she's dead" (I would've been fine with either of those excuses)
Agnes said that I should go and meet some interesting people, maybe get some contacts for...well you never know. Afer some coaxing I thought why not go for a nice free meal and make the best of my last night here. I'm so glad I did. Considering I was in the hole financially from Hairong's manic episode (train ticket back to Paris plus a number of other expenses that she was SUPPOSE to take care of) I thought why not go make her terribly uncomfortable and see the boys one last time. Agnes agrees to go with me so that she could see the boys too. We show up and Hairong is quiet and not very responsive. She looks visibly sad. Jacques comes to me and said that they were visiting graves all day while his mom fought with Alain on the phone. I asked him what happened and I regretted it the moment I asked. Please follow if you can...
Hairong comes to Paris and stays with her ex-fiance Stephan (don't ask me why) or at some 5 star hotel. She doesn't usually take the kids to Paris with her and leave them with Agnes or in Normandy or Toulon. I think she likes to play single, children free lady from time to time...
Hairong's ex-fiance, Stephan, got a call from Alain's ex-wife saying "my son is coming to stay with you and Hairong until its time for all of them to fly back to Shanghai." Alain didn't want to pay for a hotel for HIS son and gave HIS ex-wife Hairong ex-finace's phone number...then turned off ALL 4 of his phones. Hairong flipped out when Alain's son showed up at Stephans front door ready to be boarded and fed. Alain finally turned on one of his phones and the argument begin. Jacques said by the end of the conversation, Alain told Hairong "I'm only with you for you money". Hairong said that he needed to be gone by the time they got back to Shanghai and that he needs to take Charlotte with him. "She's your child". I asked Pierre and Jacques if they were alright, they said its whatever. Apparently Hairong and Alisha got into an argument too because Hairong didn't call to cancel dinner plans they made at some really nice restaurant and they were suppose to take all the kids to see a show. Alisha tol her "don't make plans if you can't follow through". So Pierre's ticket out of that places was burned. I mingle the rest of the night and met some really interesting people that did not JUST talk about themselves. I exchange phone numbers and they insisted that I give them a call next time I'm in France or Italy or wherever the hell they were from. I was very proud of my networking. I did not speak to Hairong once. Agnes and I left the party around midnight with one of the older gentlemen that I think might be interested in her *wink wink* he brought us home and I started to pack for my flight the next day. 2am rolls around and there is a knock at the door. Its Pierre and Jacques. Their mom dropped them off at Agnes' apt. Jacques said he was soh sorry and that thier mom had to take care of some business and didn't want to put them in a hotel. Agnes looks at them and shakes her head and goes to make a bed for them. Their flight was 10 in the morning and they had been dragged around by their mother the last 3 or 4 days. Jacques gave me a bag for my extra luggage his mother gave him and said that their mom would be by to pick them up at 9.
I look at Agnes and say "I'm sorry". She smiles and says "thats how she is and she seems to be getting worst" We all sleep and I make the boys a big breakfast of baked egg,tomato, cheese crossaint sandwiches at 7. Hairong calls Agnes and tells her to BRING the boys to Stephan's place instead, because "she has so much to deal with right now, there isn't enough time to go get the boys" Agnes hangs up and says "I knew that would happen" So all get in Agnes' car and drive over. The boys go up and come back down to tell us that thier mom isn't coming down and that she said bye. I start laughing and I give them big hugs and tell them to email IF THEY can and that I'm sorry I couldn't help them more. Agnes and I drive away and she says "she could've come down to say thank you, damn bitch" All I can do is laugh and laugh. Agnes starts laughing too saying "what ridiculous people"
I spent the day visiting the Lourve and a few other museums, walking around really seeing the city. I don't dislike it as much now for some reason. Agnes took me to the airport that night and told me with a big smile on her face "you know where the key is, come see me and all the friends you made last night again". I told her that I couldn't thank her enough and that I would most certainly come back. I have to get this bad taste/experience of France out of my mouth." We hug and I go to check my bags and find out I'm flying business first class. I laughed at this because I think Hairong forgot to change it when she got pissed off at me. Whatever. I sat next to a really pretty Chinese lady that lives in Paris and spoke an interesting British english with a french/chinese accent. We talked about yoga, government, her life and friends. How she went to Hermes to buy her friend a bag and they told her that its a year long wait for that bag. She explained asked the salesperson "you want me to pay 25,000euro to wait for a bag that will be out of season when I get it?!?! I don't think so" (i really wished she'd follow it up with a homey don't play that) She said that she bought her friend Channel for a year and that she better with happy with that. She bought up everything from the duty free cart on the plane. She told me "its easier to buy in the air, less luggage for you AND they will keep it for you so that you don't have to keep up with it" I laughed at her and agreed.
The flight seemed short and we were suddenly in Shanghai. Joe met me at the airport. He had a very big grin on his face and gave me a big hug and said "Welcome back to Shanghai, it missed you". I smiled and said I missed it too.
Anne's back in China
*backstory* Hairong boasted and bragged about having a young American companion to some potential business partners earlier this summer and long story short...she couldn't lose face and say "oh that American hates me or she's dead" (I would've been fine with either of those excuses)
Agnes said that I should go and meet some interesting people, maybe get some contacts for...well you never know. Afer some coaxing I thought why not go for a nice free meal and make the best of my last night here. I'm so glad I did. Considering I was in the hole financially from Hairong's manic episode (train ticket back to Paris plus a number of other expenses that she was SUPPOSE to take care of) I thought why not go make her terribly uncomfortable and see the boys one last time. Agnes agrees to go with me so that she could see the boys too. We show up and Hairong is quiet and not very responsive. She looks visibly sad. Jacques comes to me and said that they were visiting graves all day while his mom fought with Alain on the phone. I asked him what happened and I regretted it the moment I asked. Please follow if you can...
Hairong comes to Paris and stays with her ex-fiance Stephan (don't ask me why) or at some 5 star hotel. She doesn't usually take the kids to Paris with her and leave them with Agnes or in Normandy or Toulon. I think she likes to play single, children free lady from time to time...
Hairong's ex-fiance, Stephan, got a call from Alain's ex-wife saying "my son is coming to stay with you and Hairong until its time for all of them to fly back to Shanghai." Alain didn't want to pay for a hotel for HIS son and gave HIS ex-wife Hairong ex-finace's phone number...then turned off ALL 4 of his phones. Hairong flipped out when Alain's son showed up at Stephans front door ready to be boarded and fed. Alain finally turned on one of his phones and the argument begin. Jacques said by the end of the conversation, Alain told Hairong "I'm only with you for you money". Hairong said that he needed to be gone by the time they got back to Shanghai and that he needs to take Charlotte with him. "She's your child". I asked Pierre and Jacques if they were alright, they said its whatever. Apparently Hairong and Alisha got into an argument too because Hairong didn't call to cancel dinner plans they made at some really nice restaurant and they were suppose to take all the kids to see a show. Alisha tol her "don't make plans if you can't follow through". So Pierre's ticket out of that places was burned. I mingle the rest of the night and met some really interesting people that did not JUST talk about themselves. I exchange phone numbers and they insisted that I give them a call next time I'm in France or Italy or wherever the hell they were from. I was very proud of my networking. I did not speak to Hairong once. Agnes and I left the party around midnight with one of the older gentlemen that I think might be interested in her *wink wink* he brought us home and I started to pack for my flight the next day. 2am rolls around and there is a knock at the door. Its Pierre and Jacques. Their mom dropped them off at Agnes' apt. Jacques said he was soh sorry and that thier mom had to take care of some business and didn't want to put them in a hotel. Agnes looks at them and shakes her head and goes to make a bed for them. Their flight was 10 in the morning and they had been dragged around by their mother the last 3 or 4 days. Jacques gave me a bag for my extra luggage his mother gave him and said that their mom would be by to pick them up at 9.
I look at Agnes and say "I'm sorry". She smiles and says "thats how she is and she seems to be getting worst" We all sleep and I make the boys a big breakfast of baked egg,tomato, cheese crossaint sandwiches at 7. Hairong calls Agnes and tells her to BRING the boys to Stephan's place instead, because "she has so much to deal with right now, there isn't enough time to go get the boys" Agnes hangs up and says "I knew that would happen" So all get in Agnes' car and drive over. The boys go up and come back down to tell us that thier mom isn't coming down and that she said bye. I start laughing and I give them big hugs and tell them to email IF THEY can and that I'm sorry I couldn't help them more. Agnes and I drive away and she says "she could've come down to say thank you, damn bitch" All I can do is laugh and laugh. Agnes starts laughing too saying "what ridiculous people"
I spent the day visiting the Lourve and a few other museums, walking around really seeing the city. I don't dislike it as much now for some reason. Agnes took me to the airport that night and told me with a big smile on her face "you know where the key is, come see me and all the friends you made last night again". I told her that I couldn't thank her enough and that I would most certainly come back. I have to get this bad taste/experience of France out of my mouth." We hug and I go to check my bags and find out I'm flying business first class. I laughed at this because I think Hairong forgot to change it when she got pissed off at me. Whatever. I sat next to a really pretty Chinese lady that lives in Paris and spoke an interesting British english with a french/chinese accent. We talked about yoga, government, her life and friends. How she went to Hermes to buy her friend a bag and they told her that its a year long wait for that bag. She explained asked the salesperson "you want me to pay 25,000euro to wait for a bag that will be out of season when I get it?!?! I don't think so" (i really wished she'd follow it up with a homey don't play that) She said that she bought her friend Channel for a year and that she better with happy with that. She bought up everything from the duty free cart on the plane. She told me "its easier to buy in the air, less luggage for you AND they will keep it for you so that you don't have to keep up with it" I laughed at her and agreed.
The flight seemed short and we were suddenly in Shanghai. Joe met me at the airport. He had a very big grin on his face and gave me a big hug and said "Welcome back to Shanghai, it missed you". I smiled and said I missed it too.
Anne's back in China
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