Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the ionos-performance domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /homepages/36/d199566830/htdocs/app199566839/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260

Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the ionos-performance domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /homepages/36/d199566830/htdocs/app199566839/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260

Notice: Constant WP_SITEURL already defined in /homepages/36/d199566830/htdocs/app199566839/wp-content/plugins/ionos-sso/inc/DisableUrlChange.php on line 19

Notice: Constant WP_HOME already defined in /homepages/36/d199566830/htdocs/app199566839/wp-content/plugins/ionos-sso/inc/DisableUrlChange.php on line 20
Shanghai Vibes – And Then…

And Then…

Shanghai Vibes

I’ve been in Shanghai for a week now and am having trouble writing this post. This is not because I don’t have anything to say but, quite the opposite, I have to figure out where to start!

The Mandarin lessons are overwhelming. The teachers are good, the teaching method is effective and I’m learning a lot, but there is an incredible amount of information to be absorbed quickly. Every night, I go home, add 30-40 words or phrases to my flashcard application and spend an hour studying them to prepare for the next class.ย  I think that in the two weeks that I’m here, I’ll have covered as much material as those that take a year of the language in community college. Mind you, I’m in class for 20+ hours a week so it’s not that surprising.

Of course, I still don’t know all that much. I can introduce myself and tell people about my brothers, sisters and children, but I can’t order a meal without pointing.

In my previous post, I included a picture of the modern Shanghai skyline. The picture featured the new financial sector of Shanghai built around 25 years ago.ย  In contrast, here’s another picture:

Huxingting Teahouse
Huxingting Teahouse

The teahouse (also known as the “Clinton House” because of a past visit), is a key landmark in Old Town.This part of Shanghai dates back about 500 years and is filled with hundreds of food and craft shops. Given the proximity of Old Town to other high-rent districts, it is not surprising that old buildings are constantly being torn down and replaced by modern ones, chipping away at the old quarter.

Incidentally, there is a Starbucks across the way from the teahouse and a McDonalds around the corner.

Last night, we went on a Huangpu river cruise. The boat sails through the “Bund” – an area full of late 19th and early 20th century French and English architecture.ย  These are remnants of colonial times after the opium war of 1842.

Here’s another shot of the modern skyline, taken from the boat:

Shanghai Skyline at Night
Shanghai Skyline at Night

What you can’t see is that all the buildings are sparkling with light shows. The TV tower’s upper orb pulses with a variety of light effects. The building to its left is, effectively, a large monitor where a variety of video clips are shown.

Shanghai is an exciting place with a long history. There is construction going on everywhere. Crews work through the night, sometimes, especially if they’re building something related to next year’s Expo (in May, I think). The streets are full of business people and shoppers as well as cars, scooters and bicycles. The people are well dressed and everyone has a phone or white iPod buds stuck to their ears. There is a sense that people are happy and excited to be here.

Many of the folk at the school are people learning Mandarin because they need it or expect to need it for professional reasons. I’ve met several people who are working in Shanghai for European firms.ย  If either of my children were interested in going into business, I’d recommend they do the same.

I’m a huge fan of An Empire of Wealth by John Steele Gordon. This book traces the economic history of the United States and points out, repeatedly, how huge fortunes were made by exploiting key transformative events (westward expansion, locomotives, automobiles, etc.). There is no doubt that the Chinese turn towards capitalism is such an event. Many expect the Chinese economy eclipse that of the US within the next 10-20 years.

It is possible that a collapse of the US currency or some other financial catastrophe will forestall the expected. Certainly, the Chinese still need to deal with environmental, workplace and other issues. Their reliance, too, on exports is ultimately a source of weakness. They have no choice but to lend us money as, without their loans, we might not ultimately be able to pay for their imports. With such a large and increasingly prosperous population, however, it would not surprise me to eventually see China with a negative balance of trade.

If I was in my 20’s, single, and just getting started in the business world, I’d spend a year at the Mandarin House (my language school) and I’d try to find a way to capitalize on the opportunities here. Yes, you can make money trying to find the right niche in the US or in Europe, but right now, China is the right place and the right time.

mvellon

417 responses to “Shanghai Vibes”

  2. Thank you for every one of your hard work on this web page. My aunt really likes making time for investigations and it’s really obvious why. Most of us learn all of the lively mode you offer precious suggestions through this web site and even increase participation from some other people on the matter so our favorite girl is now learning a lot of things. Take advantage of the rest of the year. You are always doing a really great job.

  3. I am commenting to let you know of the fine encounter my cousin’s daughter experienced reading your site. She even learned many issues, not to mention what it’s like to have a wonderful giving mindset to have many people quite simply grasp chosen hard to do subject areas. You really exceeded our expectations. Many thanks for giving the insightful, healthy, educational and as well as easy thoughts on the topic to Jane.

  4. A lot of thanks for each of your hard work on this web page. Kim really likes going through investigation and it’s really easy to understand why. Many of us know all of the dynamic method you make powerful strategies on this web blog and as well as improve participation from people on that issue so our girl is in fact learning a lot of things. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. You are conducting a really good job.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *