I have noticed that young Chinese couples cannot leave each other alone. Wherever they are clinging on to each other for dear life, as if they are going to have their loved one snatched away at any time. Even going up escalators, they continue with their full body-embrace making it difficult for anyone to get… Read More »
Shanghai’s lanes are wonderful and I love wandering around them. Last time I went for an evening stroll I took my camera but not my tripod. This time I didn’t make that mistake. It’s cumbersome but it makes it worthwhile when you get some good shots. I went to XinTianTi metro stop on line 10… Read More »
I decided to have an afternoon off and go with my camera somewhere busy. I had always fancied going to the long distance bus station where there is usually a lot of people milling around. However, when I got there the place was like a grave. So I decided to walk around the lanes in… Read More »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »