Imagethief

Will,
I lived in Shanghai for five years until about 1 1/2 years ago, and frequently return there on business. I believe you will enjoy you time there......... perhaps not wishing to return to BJ!! Advise: Depending where you office is located, and your working hours, consider living in Pudong. Much less crowded and much better air quality.

Let me know if you need any help.

Paul

Plus, you are going to *love* the taxi drivers there (figuratively, of course).

I-Thief, you are going to have fun!

air quality is better in pudong, but that's just about it. it's almost a microcosm of how quickly visions of the future start looking dated.

i've been in shanghai for 1.5 years and have never stopped wanting to return to beijing - there is just more interesting stuff going on up north, and crucially more interesting conversations. that holds true among taxi drivers as well.

a friend of mine has actually just blogged about my views on moving back to beijing - URL given under my name - see a couple of the comments below it as well, the second comment backs me up. (in chinese)

in short, there's a lot of posing going on in shanghai. but on the good side, there is a large variety of spinach-like vegetables available, as well as crabs when in season, and there are some reasonably good nightlife options. and it's nice to sit and watch the boats going by, for example in a couple of lujiazui riverside cafes, the peace hotel's breakfast room, or anyone's flat with a view of suzhou creek (ok, fewer boats down suzhou creek though).

that probably sounds a bit more like damning with faint praise than i intended it to. you'll get your own perspective anyway! you're most welcome in hongkou if/when you get bored.

Hi imagethief, long-time reader first-time comment leaver (??) here,

Having made the move from Beijing to Shanghai in September, I've found it a real challenge. Having been located in deepest darkest Fengtai last year, the difference between this and Shanghai are pretty stark.

I'm liking the transport system a whole lot better. A metro that actually covers more than 2% of the city is useful, and on the whole the traffic is a little better.

Also I've found the difference in people - both their attitudes and the language - to be a real eye-opener. For a start I've no idea what the locals are saying!. Although they are much more open and friendly in Beijing, it's actually easier to get things done here (if you can put up with low-level grumbling), although the need for guan xi is ever-present.

Anyway, that's enough from me. Best of luck with Shangers, and keep up the good work,

Tom

Ha! We're heading in different directions. Best of luck, and sorry you'll be leaving BJG just as I'm returning.

Welcome to civilization. We could always use a new hand at the pub quiz. On the plus side, it sounds like you'll be escaping the worst of Beijing's winter.

You will love it.

I take SH over BJ anyday....

So, farewell then, Mr Imagethief.

Not that 3 months is long. Hell, you'll be back before we've even missed you.

I was a bit perplexed by Tom's praise for the Shanghai subway system. OK, I suppose it's got a line that goes over to Pudong, and a line that goes up to the University district, so that does arguably give it slightly better coverage than Beijing..... but only VERY slightly. There are very few subway stations anywhere near anywhere you'd actually want to go in the centre of the city. And the lines aren't really joined up at all. Are *any* of the 'interchange stations' actually interchanges?? The one at the main railway station isn't: to change lines there, you have to walk about half a mile or so through a claustrophobic underground mall (with NO VISIBLE SIGNAGE to help you find your way), and then enter a completely separate station.... and PAY for a new ticket, despite the ticket auntie's original assurances that you had paid a through-fare for your full journey.

Oh yes, even getting tickets is a pain in the backside. The ticket machines don't give change, and are out of service half the time anyway. And the ticket aunties - if there are any on duty at all - never seem to know the names of any of the stations.

I think the subway system is a good metaphor for the whole Beijing/Shanghai dichotomy - it's superficially more glitzy and modern than the Beijing network, but scratch the surface, and you find it is even more f***ed up!

Oh well, I'm sure we'll soon be enjoying your views on all of this. Looking forward to it. I really only know a little of Shanghai, from a few long weekend visits. Perhaps you can open my eyes to its unexpected wonders.

I-Thief,

I'm a-coming down to the Big Smoke in early 2007 and will take you to all the hotspots: The Big Bamboo, Senses, Zapata's and the not-to-be-missed Eager Beaver. The first Beaver Burger is on me.

Cheers, BB

to Wm Moss,

As for credentials, I grew up in Honolulu. In the mainland USA, I lived in Berkeley, CA, New York City, New Jersey and Silicon Valley. I moved to Singapore and got a PR. I have lived in both Beijing and Shanghai, and live in the latter now. It's a futile comparison: Like LA vs. NYC or SF vs. LA, or Houston vs Dallas. Appreciate the differences and resist bemoaning the fact that this place is not that place.

While you are here, would you be interested in being on a National Public Radio program broadcast from the Honolulu, HI affiliate? I do a monthly news bite, but I'm looking for some contributors who could do a longer piece. For further info, click below for the station call letters and then click on the program, ThinkTech.

http://www.hawaiipublicradio.org/

Look forward to meeting you. Email me separately if you wish to discuss. Chang Er

Hi will,

I lived in beijing for 8 years, but now I am living in shanghai. A friend from beijing once said "shanghai is great if it weren't for all the shanghaiers" I think that expresses my sentiment as well. I got my blog back up at www.synapsestudio.com.cn. Squarespace is still being blocked, I can't imagine it being "subversive", but the word has many meanings in Chinese apparently. Drop me an email if you want to have a cup of coffee. derrickcope@synapsestudio.com.cn

Hi Will. Having a Christmas pool party here in KL from 4pm to 8pm. Wanted to invite you.... lol

Anyways, when you get to Shanghai be sure to go to the Big Bamboo, behind Portman.
Ask for Major, he was/is the day manager! Tell him I sent you.

Also, may I suggest that you contact john at sinosplice about a room? He can probably help out.

Lastly, it's been 6.4 days since your last post and I need my imagethief 'fix'.