Monthly Archives: November 2011

Dipping on Nanjing West Road

It took me a few seconds to register, I thought he was with the 4 girls. When my brain eventually engaged I realised that he was dipping his hand into her handbag which she was carrying over her shoulder. I can still picture the handbag clearly, a nice thick green leather bag with a top… Read More »

KTV with happy ending

I am doing a series of interviews with migrant workers and after much searching found (courtesy of Kiki in the office), a prostitute willing to speak to me. Ellen, also from the office agreed to come and translate and although initially a little hesitant warmed to the idea. I decided to meet her at Sculpting… Read More »

Disaster on Shanghai Rd

Thursday was Thanksgiving and Sue decided to go with her friends to Blue Sky on Shanghai Lu for a grand dinner. I was at work and returned with a dish of aubergine and rice for my dinner. After eating half, I gave up on it, sat back, relaxed and starting reading a magazine. Soon afterwards… Read More »

Bartering fatigue

Went to the fake market market at the Science and Technology Museum today to do some tablecloth and table runner shopping for Sue who is returning to NZ for Christmas and doesn’t have time to shop. I always get lost and am never able to revisit the same shops each time. So each time I… Read More »

An office with a view

I go to the British Council in the French Concession each week. The area of the city is really beautiful, lots of tree lined streets, nice restaurants and loads of foreigners. From the 37th floor all you can see is tower bocks as far as the eye can see. There are supposed to be 23… Read More »

My search for a cheap prostitute

I have to carry out an interview for my journalism course. I decided to interview a migrant worker, one of 130 million who have migrated from the country to the cities to work. My plan was to interview a builder. There are hundreds of thousands in Nanjing building the gleaming new skyscrapers. They sleep on… Read More »

Shanghai Metro

Shanghai Metro is a lovely bright airy place. If you are on it during the rush hour though it’s hell on earth. You have to move as one body of people. Chinese are famously inconsiderate, have no care about other people around them or the impact theire decisions have on those sharing the space with… Read More »

Beggars

I went in search of Mrs Avocado on Ulumuqi Road in Shanghai. Apparently this is a small fruit and veg shop which is famous amongts ex-pats for stocking all sorts of foreign food like Nutella and avocados (obviously). Each week she sells whatever she can get her hands on so you never really know what’s… Read More »

Loony man and his goose

I found this guy singing and play music on Guangzhou Lu on my way home one night. I had never seen him before and he was the most amusing busker I have seen here. I loved his Elton John style glasses, strange clothes and the fact that he was wearing a short and tie. All… Read More »