Move it or lose it...

Shanghai is definitely a happening city. With over 18 million inhabitants it's one of China's most populous cities. The food is great, in fact quite exceptional and the nightlife leaves San Francisco watering holes back about 30 years, but we can get in to that later.

Getting around town is actually quite exciting here. Between the cars, taxis, scooters, and bicyclists, crossing the street can be an and adventure in to itself. Shanghainese don't stop for anyone of thing. If there's an obstacle, they will just go around... or simply run into you or it. This goes for buses, cars, cyclists (motored, electric, or manual). As a pedestrian especially, there's no right of way. It's not at all like back home where motorists wait patiently behind each other for there turn to move. There are so many people out on the streets that if you don't “rush it” than you will (as a westerner or low wai) just sit there and not i get anywhere.

Convenience store lines and subway cars are even worse. You've got to stay on your game here. I was next in line at the counter the other day, money in hand passing my goods to the clerk and someone just popped in from the side, right in front of me, handed their money to the clerk and the clerk severed them, with out a thought. I was thinking to my self, what the %^$* was that. As I looked over to my friend with confusion, he just smiled and said “you'd better get in there.” So, I threw an elbow to the little old lady who tried to rush me from the other side, paid for my milk tea and squeezed out of there will a clearer understanding why riding the bus though China town (back home) can sometimes feel like a rugby scrum. Just kidding about the elbow mom. :)