I decided that I will act like a local and live like they do. Thus, I decided to take the public transport on my own to the dismay of my aunt. Taking a cab to work is not expensive at all, it only cost about S$5 to get to work in a cab. For the distance that I travel, it is considered to be very cheap indeed. But taking the public transport would only cost S$2 a day, back and forth from work.
Shanghai’s subway is just like Singapore’s MRT, extremely packed during peak hours. However, I was shocked to see people having their breakfast on the train. We all know that this is prohibited in Singapore. Other than that, people were pushing violently through their way into the train, hitting you at times which I heard is a very normal phenomenon here as Shanghainese can be quite uncultured at times, but i must state that not all are like that. The people in my office are fantastic.
It felt like I was on an adventure, I got on the train as if it was a ride at the theme park and was secretly proud of myself for getting down on the right stop. When I told my mum, aunt and friends; they told me to forget it and just take a cab to work.
Shanghai’s train stations are roughly 3-4 times bigger than Singapore’s train station. They have 6-12 exits while Singapore mostly only has 2. They have many lines here as well and I’m excited to do some exploring here over the next 2.5months.
I got lost thrice already; I won’t go into detail on that as the main point is that I learnt many things. I believe it is only when you get lost one-two times, then will you remember. I realized that I had to always be alert; I had to remember many roads’ names, which are in Chinese and I had to constantly have the courage to ask for directions from the locals.
I'm enjoying work very much and i've familiarised with the roads and train stations already. I refuse to take a cab to work everyday or take the driver cause i really wanto learn how to get around myself just like the locals (to the dismay of my aunt who is a tai tai here). I know it's dangerous as i look 100% blur at times, but it's the reason why i'm here. Not just to see this beautiful city, but to learn to be more bold, to step out of my comfort zone, and explore the unknown. Everyday, it takes a step of faith to cross the crazy roads here where drivers, motorcyclist and even cyclist would rather run you over than stop for you.
Therefore, even crossing the road here requires skill. I had to remember many roads as well as Shanghai is so big. You have to be confident when talking to the cab driver or he'll bring you for a merry-go-round to earn some extra cash. I have to be constantly alert for pick-pockets in crowded areas etc..
After being in Shanghai, i understand why it is so important to be well traveled, not just as a tourist but living like a local. You become a 100 times more street smart and you'll be more confident wherever you go. Confidence is such an important attribute to carry with through your life. Just like my leader Aaron which i met on my first day here.
I met Aaron at Jin Qiao Carrefour (Secret Recipe) and the first thing i did was to give he a big hug. It is always nice to see Aaron and i bet everyone in Singapore misses him. But he's back already and now i'm here. We talked about alot of stuff but i can't write it here. haha.
Well, just to update you on my work, i'm currently helping with some world expo project for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai. An Aston Martin Roadshow and the coming HSBC Golf Championship 2009. Very exciting!!
I really miss everyone back home, especially my family, E459, my church, Stephen etc...Too many to be named. You know who you are. I was talking to Huiyi on Skype just now. So happy to be able to see her (through the com lah).
Thats all that i currently have. Here are some random pics, i haven uploaded my pictures from my cam. Another time yeah. Sorry Guys.
An Aston Martin Car. I'll be helping with this project. Can't wait to see the cars :)
Vanessa and I on our first outing
ME eating luch with Van
