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Drizzle
Veejay
Joined: Apr 02, 2003
Posts: 2036
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2004 - 09:53 AM |
 
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I also find that I'm much more neurotic about my, well, body image here. If I don't get to go to the gym for a long time, I start looking in the mirror and scrutinizing myself. bizarre.
Jemning - I can associate with this. In the UK this kind of self scrutiny very rarely raised its ugly head. But here, I admit I have become extremely self consious about the way I look and the WEIGHT issue. Its getting worse, and the knock on effect is a lack of self esteem.
I have to say overall I have become a much more tolerant and patient person whilst living here. Before in the UK I used to get so annoyed with people walking slow, old women farting around looking for 5p off money coupons when I was waiting to pay for food in my lunch hour etc etc. General day to day annoyances would make me lose my temper. But here I am more accepting of the things I cannot control.
I have found socially, the drinking is getting out of hand, and I regulary think to myself, thats it, I've got to get a grip. Its like being on holiday every weekend. Every 3 months I start losing it a bit and need to either take some time off work and hide away, or take a break from it all and spend some time in a more orderly country with birds, fresh air and my Dad. |
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merdy
Rocker
Joined: Mar 10, 2004
Posts: 747
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2004 - 06:59 PM |
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I agree with an earlier statement that said that Shanghai does not really change you, but brings some well-hidden qualities to the surface.
I have not been here long and I am definately lucky to have an amazing job, working with great people (all chinese) and learning new things every single day. So maybe I cannot comment as well as the old-timers. This place is chaotic for sure. But the very charm of this city comes from this chaos. You will love Shanghai if you embrace the chaos.
The usual shiit that pisses most expats off does not really affect me. I love the crowd. I love the mess. In the morning, the subway is like a tuna can. Maximum use of each train!! I just listen to my favorite music and smile. The slow walking, umbrella poking, line cutting is no big deal, really. Nothing to become intolerant, aggressive or impatient from anyway. I know that as a foreigner in this country, I get much more respect than most local people do. I do not abuse this respect by behaving in a superior way to anyone. As was said before, smile, and most people will smile back. If they are in a shitty mood does not mean you have to be too.
As for the "foreigners are all evil and responsible for China's problems", I have not yet heard it once. On the contrary, most Chinese, especially the younger generation are extremely open-minded and truly don't have this blind and judgemental perception of foreigners. They enjoy the same things their foriegn counterparts enjoy (ie. movies, music, shopping...) and do not run around blaming foreigners for their problems.
Yes the government is not known for its kindness. But that does not prevent any of us and most of the locals to live their life the best they can. Of course if you are a political activist here, its another story. But the number does not seem to be too high. And if one really wants, one can find shiit on any government in the world. The US is as easy a target for bashing as is China.
For the "not being able to stay healthy here" deal, I also have to disagree. I am an avid jogger and love sports in general. Yes, most days you cannot jog in Shanghai because of the pollution. But I have joined a gym and exercise 3-4 times a week. And what you eat here, like anywhere else, is entirely up to you. Food from all major groups are readily available here. So no excuse for eating crap.
So in summary, Shanghai, like every other place I have stayed at, will no doubt help me become a better person. By learning a new language, experiencing a new culture, meeting new people, building precious friendships and simply enjoying everything this fantastic vibrant city has to offer, one can only improve as a person.
If you are close-minded, arrogant, racist or impatient, no matter where you are in the world (including your own country), you will always find excuses to be unhappy. Enjoy life, no matter where you are.
Time to go to the gym.
Peace. |
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JeffG
Raver
Joined: July 15, 2004
Posts: 410
Location: don't know ... don't care
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2004 - 07:40 PM |
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being a closed minded, arrogant, racist I find myself to be very happy because everything that goes wrong is some other F@*kers fault.
Personally if you have to be so introspective as to established if you have changed, you ain't living, and unhappy with your situation because a ain't working hard emough on enjoy life the way YOU want it to be |
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I ain't got time to bleed |
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melbmarco
Seeker
Joined: July 14, 2004
Posts: 43
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2004 - 08:34 PM |
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I have only been here a few months but I am different already...I cant pinpoint it but I know I am different - I am infinately more patient at work knowing that i will have to repeat the same thing 5 times for 5 different answers...but I am ok with that.
I do have to admit so far it has been an eye-opener - I will never take home for granted ever again. But i have to agree with earlier posts - I have just learnt to accept that people are different - not wrong or weird - just different. Hell, I nearly felt like spitting in the street this morning! I even pushed an old lady out of the way this morning! Maybe it is time to have a "home leave".....ha! |
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GreatEscape
Talker
Joined: June 19, 2004
Posts: 77
Status: Offline
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Oct 28, 2004 - 09:31 PM |
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After only one year, definitely not an old timer... But i have to say, almost everytime i get frustrated i judge the situation, almost always its because of selfishness, which in alot of ways is due to the population....
I am also not bothered by alot here, i will not be upset at spitting, and old ladies harking up a lung on the street, lack of common sense etc... I just smile now....
But the lack of common curtiousy towards one another, the lack of consideration (again a number problem!), really really kills me... I had a guy today, which happens at least a couple of times a day.. pull out in front of us, we stopped and waited, waited and waited... His side was jammed!! Yet he still felt the need to bring us to a screeching halt, so he could get through in 5 minutes time, blocking us and many others... Lack of common curtiousy, decency.... A numbers problem... He heard about it, not just from me in English, but from the driver in Chinese, and he is an aggressive man.... But the c.ckhead, just looked blankly straight ahead, which made me more angry!!! DO YOU CARE ABOUT OTHERS, there are 20 mill here all trying to get somewhere or do something, have curtiousy and patience!
All in all, i think i am definitely a better and a more patient person, although, work ethics and morals have changed, WHILE I am HERE, and a few other areas have changed for the short term... I can see almost all of the above in my experiences here, but as Merdy said, let it be a good experience rather than a bad, and enjoy!! |
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did God mean to say we were all equal? |
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serend
FooJay
Joined: Aug 31, 2004
Posts: 1712
Status: Offline
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Oct 29, 2004 - 09:58 AM |
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This thread is refreshing. I actually see decent and thoughtful posts from expats on their experience here. Defintely makes my "Happiness in SH" list. |
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IamME
Rocker
Joined: May 23, 2004
Posts: 625
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Oct 29, 2004 - 12:21 PM |
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yeah.
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I have your hamtaro |
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SwedishChef
Low Seater
Joined: Aug 19, 2004
Posts: 3028
Location: Køokin' der yummee-yummer
Status: Offline
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Oct 29, 2004 - 12:26 PM |
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Let's just say...Shanghai hasn't brought any of my positive qualities into the light... |
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serend
FooJay
Joined: Aug 31, 2004
Posts: 1712
Status: Offline
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Oct 29, 2004 - 12:47 PM |
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^ My heart will bleed for you after it's done admiring the decent qualities in other members. |
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frenchlover1999
Shanghai Royalty
Joined: Sep 18, 2004
Posts: 8730
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Feb 01, 2005 - 11:41 AM |
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Oh that was good thread, a very good one. Comes at the right time for me, too. You wont believe that I just found it googling for the word "acujerjered"... |
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That was no shark. That was my personal submarine. But enough of this polite conversation. What is the purpose of your visit? |
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SirFiddler
Board Legend
Joined: Mar 30, 2004
Posts: 11445
Location: Very close to a bottle of chilled Boags
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Feb 01, 2005 - 11:58 AM |
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plus, u know, ma english has becoming worsened becoz ---  I read 2 much:roll: on da website ya know.... |
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Beer...Soooo much more than just breakfast www.justbeer.cn |
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jimandcoco
StreetBeater
Joined: Apr 20, 2004
Posts: 2204
Location: California
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 01:59 PM |
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It is refreshing to read this thread again after several months. I realize that i haven't really blown my top in awhile. Maybe i'm becoming more tolerant. I haven't even said anything the last few times someone's been smoking in the elevator. Good Lord! Am i becoming concerned with FACE?
Jim |
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I'm going to memorize your name and throw my head away. Oscar Levant (1906 - 1972) |
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serend
FooJay
Joined: Aug 31, 2004
Posts: 1712
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 02:22 PM |
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There has been some improvement in locals' subway behavior. Or so I think. Anyone observes the same?
But the damned cab drivers in Zhangjiang are as lawless as ever. Didn't someone at this forum say "it takes three generations to reform a peasant"? |
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itv1980
Low Seater
Joined: Mar 05, 2004
Posts: 3355
Location: Revalidation centre
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 02:39 PM |
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Well after another waste day to get some documents, and riding back and forth for one louzy copy of something etc.
The unwillingness to show some damn heart or just help a litlle and slow down a moment and think of otherswill help for sure, but obviously not today 
Fortunately tomorrow is another day |
_________________
RRRRRRRRGGGGHHH!!! |
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itv1980
Low Seater
Joined: Mar 05, 2004
Posts: 3355
Location: Revalidation centre
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 02:41 PM |
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Just a few hours and I'll get mansion mania again :p fiddler knows , you want to join in  |
_________________
RRRRRRRRGGGGHHH!!! |
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SirFiddler
Board Legend
Joined: Mar 30, 2004
Posts: 11445
Location: Very close to a bottle of chilled Boags
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Feb 01, 2005 - 02:45 PM |
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 mate would love to but cant play at the moment... |
_________________
Beer...Soooo much more than just breakfast www.justbeer.cn |
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itv1980
Low Seater
Joined: Mar 05, 2004
Posts: 3355
Location: Revalidation centre
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 02:47 PM |
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hah |
_________________
RRRRRRRRGGGGHHH!!! |
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MaomingMaster
Board Legend
Joined: Feb 03, 2004
Posts: 11059
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Feb 01, 2005 - 04:48 PM |
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| serend wrote: |
There has been some improvement in locals' subway behavior. Or so I think. Anyone observes the same?
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BWAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, HAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
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Edgewood
FooSlinger
Joined: Jan 28, 2004
Posts: 3906
Location: Colonial Shanghai
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Feb 01, 2005 - 05:08 PM |
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Snigger. |
_________________
Conlige suspectos semper habitos |
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lucar
Board Royalty
Joined: July 05, 2004
Posts: 6265
Status: Offline
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Feb 01, 2005 - 05:17 PM |
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I've changed by about 7 kilos since living in SH. Eeeeeeeeeek! Time to wire the jaws shut!!! |
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MaomingMaster
Board Legend
Joined: Feb 03, 2004
Posts: 11059
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Feb 01, 2005 - 05:31 PM |
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ShanghaiUnderground
StreetBeater
Joined: July 15, 2004
Posts: 2413
Location: Shanghai
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Feb 01, 2005 - 05:44 PM |
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I've been exiled in Shanghai off and on for 10 plus years going on 100. Except for losing a step or two and a slower right hook, I have not changed one iota. For better or worse, I grew up with a self-imposed philosophy of "take no prisoners." Such a philosophy works here quite nicely. |
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"And this also," said Marlow suddenly, "has been one of the dark places of the earth." |
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