New Job Opportunities

It's been an awakening of the senses living in Shanghai the past week and a bit. From the hit in the face of unbearable humidity at 830 in the morning, to the streams of people navigating the subway, at times it's difficult to switch off and just relax. One thing I've learnt is to throw away any thoughts of personal space, but getting in the swing of things almost resulted in me 'hip and shouldering' an old lady while exiting the train. Yes, there's no notion of: everyone out before everyone in when trains are involved.

Currently I've managed to spend a measly 45 yuan on train fares for about an hour's journey each day - roughly $7AUD - which is the equivalent of a day's travel back home. Yes, I understand the differentials of the costs of living and wages, but somewhere along the lines Melbourne missed the memo about spending on basic infrastructure. I'd be happy to be paying more if I'd seen improvement... enough of a rant. One curious procedure remaining since Expo 2010 is the placement of xray machines at every station prior to swiping your card (which, by the way works a charm). I've seen many monitor operators dozing off, while a polite attendant gives the 'here is your seat madam/sir' gesture to those with large bags. On the first day being naive and stupid, I popped my bag through the machine, as the operator with 'homer simpson' glasses (eyeballs painted on the outside while he/she sleeps) gave no more than a cursory glance at the screen. More often than not, unless the attendant stands in your way, you can ignore them, or alternatively follow closely behind a larger man to obscure their view. The train system is easy to navigate, with the common design of colours and numbers (which I've seen in almost all the Asian countries I've travelled to) to let you know where to go. Seats are at a premium, and if a few are on offer, there's a race for it, (no kidding!) not unlike Kramer in an early episode of Seinfeld.

Looking at this photo now, I think the security lady is looking directly at me. I'm surprised I wasn't taken down! While the guy on the left politely says: 'You shall not pass!' - ok maybe not that, but his left hand gestures you to put you bag through the machine

One has to keep their wits about them on the streets, as the traffic lights are more 'traffic light suggestions' and more than once I've almost had my ugly mug plastered across the front of a bus. Fortunately my apartment is close to a supermarket, and the thought of being an importer/exporter has crossed my mind. Heck, I think it's cheaper for me to bathe in Asahi at just over $1AUD for 640ml.

Just to prove I wasn't bluffing
What's a price comparison without the obligitory banana? (Note: ~6.5:$1AUD)

Anyway, I'm off to bed, like this guy on Taikang Rd. Ahh nothing like a Sunday afternoon nap while the world passes you by.