Shanghai Demographics

Average Disposable Income ~ $3200
Population ~ 18.9 million
Population Density ~ 6900 per sq mile
Average Life Span ~ 80 yrs old
-Men  ~    78.5
-Women~ 82
Most Rain: June July Aug > 6"
Least Rain: Nov Dec Jan Feb < 2"

Average Temps  High (Low) °F
Jan    47(34)
Feb   49(36)
Mar  55(42)
Apr   66(52)
May  75(61)

I'm partially packed.  I've gone shopping a few times and surely I'll go a couple more times before I'm ready to get on a plane and get out of here.

JBiber

T: -8 days

Today I finally started getting things in order to prepare for the trip.  I have gone through the list many times in my head and so I finally went to walmart and made my first round of purchases.  I came home and set out the suitcases I plan on using.  The limit for the checked bags is about 62 inches in the 3 dimensions and it must weigh less than 50 lbs.  The larger bag i'm using is about 60 to 61 inches.  I hope they don't count the handle or I'll be over.

I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to take, but once i get it all packed i'll revise it and pack less i'm sure.  I was wondering what I would be getting into when I get over there.  I googled "Things to do in Shanghai" and found that tripadvisor.com has a top 20 list.  The number one thing on the list is a guided shopping tour.  All the reviews are great.  The prices aren't listed on the website, but it's looking pretty cool.  Something I'd really like to do; I'll post pricing information when I know more about the tour.

Also, people have started to give me their Skype account information.  Please let me know your skype stuff or add me; jbiberstine.  Really creative, right?  Look forward to seeing you all via webcam.  I am also distributing my phone number to people while I'll be in China.

I would rather not post the phone number here on the blog because, it's the internet.  If you'd like my number, be sure to sign up for the mailing list.  I'll also post it on facebook.

Thanks,
JBiber

PS - If you've got any tips on how to pack two large bags for 5 months of living abroad -- share your thoughts in the comments!

Shanghai 101

I've been spending sometime away from Rosetta Stone trying to enjoy the holidays.  Not studying Chinese doesn't free my mind from China though.  I have just been looking for some of touristy things to be doing in China.  I think it would be a good place to start throughout the first weekend or two while our group is in China.

This is a link to a map thats somewhat interactive. One of the attractions is the maglev train.. one of the first things we'll be doing as a group.  I'm thinking the water cities would be cool to see.  Theres more attractions that are kind of family oriented for the entire country.

Worth looking at in my opinion.  Do share what you would go visit and what you wouldn't bother with.

JBiber

China: It's coming...

An article at gizmodo.com (link) shows an example of how different Shanghai is from Indiana.  Recently, I watched a Discovery video on Shanghai.  It was an interesting 45 minutes that highlight some of the things that don't match US culture.  The video was the last part of a four part series "Paul Merton In China."  It starts by highlighting the how Shanghai is really the leading capitalistic city.  It isn't that the socialism doesn't exist there, just that the culture is part of the fast paced world.  He likened it to the way New York City is always moving, vibrant city.  Continuing - A vibrant city famed for it's progressive thinking, independent women, and hedonistic lifestyle.

The video covers many experiences, night life, going out to eat, having a suit tailored, and visits many of the places china wants you to see.  There was also an example in the video of Paul traveling down the river to a trash dump.  There were citizens that (illegally) setup a small community.  They rummage through the garbage and find things that can be sold for money.  Eventually his camera man was spotted and was told to stop filming or face consequences.  These rummagers can make up to three times a taxi cab driver's daily pay, but the lifestyle is quite limiting.  There is no doubt that China has many different faces, it will be interesting to experience first hand.  It is very encouraging that Shanghai is leading the way on the emerging capitalistic way of life.  While there is some movement towards capitalism, there is still a very strong cultural standard that is encouraged by the Chinese government, such as the regulation of video games.

I need to watch the video again to complete my summary and will continue this at a later date.

Another video that I saw recently on the PBS website showcased the world's largest mall, recently built in China.  It's an interesting watch, part 3 of the Utopia series.  The mall was built.  It is larger than the Mall of America.  It is also nearly completely empty.  Only a few shops and very few people.  Definitely worth watching.

It will be an interesting place to visit.
JBiber