Feb 2007

I was supposed to have 2 days in Shanghai, but unfortunately my airline likes to change their flights around. First, my flight on Saturday was cancelled so I have to fly out tonight instead, then they cancelled my flight yesterday and put me on a later flight. Then, my later flight was delayed 45 minutes.

Great airline.

So anyways, after showing up in Shanghai and finally finding my way to the hostel (which was also lots of fun), I arrived here at around 12:30. I met with my friend Pedro and we had some Tsingtaos, but by the time we tried to go out, most of the clubs we went to were closing, so we ended up getting drunk at the hostel and catching up - which was actually pretty fun.

Today, after having brunch (massive meal for 1$ - and Shanghai is supposed to be the most expensive city in China) I checked out the Bund and the view I have to say is one of the best in Asia. Unfortunately it was foggy/smoggy so I didn't take any pictures, but it was still amazing. Old-style French colonial buildings on the left, the Huangpu river on the right (with boats with 50 foot wide TVs on them blasting Yao Ming commercials) and a futuristic Jetson's style area across the river. It's gorgeous.

After that, I checked out Nanjing Road, People's Square and the Yu Yuan Temple Markets - all pretty interesting. After being in Korea, it's wierd having the feeling of space again...

Tonight, I fly out to Bangkok.

Ahh...It's so nice to not have to work at the hagwon anymore... Although it would help if I didn't have a cold. As predicted, my boss tried to shortchange me (welcome to Korea) but in the end, he gave me everything I was owed. Surprisingly, I didn't even have to blow my top to get it.

Going to be a busy next few days, what with me moving out of my apartment, having my going away party, and taking care of all of the little things that have to be done before you leave a country.

Next Thursday, the carnage begins with a 36 hour trip in Shanghai. I can't believe how long I've been waiting for this trip...