My first impression is that Shanghai is BIG, exotic, with lots and lots of people, bicycles, and cars - but easy to navigate and relatively cheap to live if I do not attempt maintain a totally American lifestyle - which I did not want to do anyway. The few Chinese people I have had contact with after 5 days have been very friendly, helpful, and tolerant. A surprising number of Chinese I have encountered speak some English.

English is taught as a required subject in most schools. Taxis and bicycles are everywhere. I can get anywhere in the city for 2 or 3 dollars. We will not need a car here.

Supermarket/department combo stores are similar to Western ones, only bigger with a broader and more localized selection and much cheaper prices are 10 minutes by taxi.

You know how when you set up a new apartment, there is always a long list of things you need. Pots and pans, brooms and mops, cleaning supplies, dishes and cooking utensils, bookshelves, storage units...you know what I mean. We bought 2 shelves, all that kind of apartment stuff and 5 bags of groceries for less than USD 100 (about 800 RMB). We can buy Western name brands like Hersheys, Hormel and Kraft, but there is usually a Chinese product similar or better for 20% of the price. There is French bakery close - or should I say a Chinese bakery and that bakes French pastry - with fresh croissants for about 2.5 RMB each (about 30 cents US). All for now - I was thinking of starting some kind of newsletter about my experience.