Saturday, December 6, 2008
The international world of Shanghai
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The future of China
"On December 18, 1978, the pivotal Third Plenum of the Eleventh CCP Congress was held. During the congress Deng famously stated that "a liberation of thoughts" was in order and the party and country needed to "seek truth from facts". Hua Guofeng engaged in self-criticism, stating that his "Two Whatevers" policy was a mistake."
Now the Shanghai University is one of the biggest in the world and education, the arts, literature (and the Olympics) are thriving. So imagine, these kid's parents' at the same age had very limited access to anything really cultural (art /literature/artistic education etc). And when the kids were born, China was just starting to find its feet again.
I sense a feeling of 'catch up' in the culture.
The modern desire to succeed is tempered by the culture of great respect and politeness. On one hand they compete to be better than everyone else but not in an agressive or self centred way. They are smart kids too. At the same time niave. They love brands. They love each other. They want to stay in touch with trends, but not set them. They want to conquer challenges, but do it with friends and not on their own. And I haven't even started on the differences between cities or the differneces between cities and regions.
And the other thing about Shanghai kids - they can all ride a bike!
And my finishing observation to share.
I think someone is really trying me out.
When I arrived, I was annoyed by a billboard I could see cleary out of my apartment window. It was for Jacobs Creek wine and had a big kangaroo on it. Crappy wine and a big roo in the middle of Jing An. And the headline was; "Welcome to our country" It just annoyed me.
I saw it coming down the other day, which made me very happy. Now, I think I am beig given one supersite sized hint. See the pics below. Is someone telling me something? (and there is a Tiffany & Co one block from my apartment). That's just not fair.
(If you can't see, it's a really big solitaire diamond ring)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Entry is free - a culture of sharing
A walk through any of the big parks first thing in the morning but especially on the weekends will show you what I mean.
They are people that like to learn and better themselves, they are also willing to share their learnings with others. They teach each other without question, without ridicule, embarrassment or expectation (of payment). It's a pleasure to see their collective energy to learn and culture of sharing.
The other great thing is how the large parks have little 'corners' (as they are often called) where common interests are shared. This makes for a wonderful environment and a pleasurable wander (even if a few things are a bit strange)
Let me share with you some of the 'culture' I have spotted so far.
Dancing in the streets (ballroom lessons)
The woodwind section in the rock garden
Solo singing
(I couldn't get a shot of the choral singing as the crowd was too big)
Card playing (this happens everywhere)
Top spinning (fun to watch when they get tangled)
Tai Chi (anyone can join in, no matter how small you are)
These people have posters and signs up. They are actually match making (for family and friends). An interesting angle on the theme of sharing.
A bit like advertising your children or friends children for marriage. (although arranged marriages are pretty old school now)
Badminton (any wonder they got medals at the Olympics)
Playing the... (thing with strings)
Entry to the park is free, so is the entertainment, the lessons, as are the smiles - all thanks to a culture of sharing.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The humble push bike
- the taxi drivers and car drivers are more crazy than the bicycle riders, so going on the road is risking life and limb.
- the riders have a healthy disregard for the road rules making it even more exciting to the observer
- the bikes don't come with helmets (nor do the riders) and probably no brakes
- they carry the family, the pets and the shopping on them
- they are a commercial form of transport for more than couriers
- this is a big city, with smog and dust, so it's pretty gritty out there
- every day you see something interesting on a bike as it scoots past you.
- anyone that rides on the foot path and tries to run me down on a push bike needs some credit for courage (or stupidity)
So rather than prattle on any more. Please enjoy these pictures. Note, that if you click on them you will get a full size version. Enjoy.