City Life

Our life in Shanghai officially began in January, 2007. At that time these were our reflections about the city life.

The older people in Shanghai live life very modestly – in simple, small apartments, usually grouped together – and their daily lives are displayed for all to see. Doing laundry by the street (hand-wash in a tub and hanging out to dry), brushing their teeth, having a pedicure or a haircut or simply congregating with friends. Its fun to see the same people every day doing their everday life things.

Most items one could need are usually located within several blocks surrounding the home. For example you may see a small metal fabrication business next door to the bakery and hair salon. Noodle houses (small restaurants that serve a limited menu and a bowl of noodles) next to a shop that sell sundries. Everything is basic and every price is negotiable.

The younger generation is focused on brands and material possessions. Next to the millions of worn out bicycles that all look the same as they travel the many streets and alleys throughout Shanghai, you’ll see many of BMW’s, Mercedes’, Ferrari’s, and Porsche’s latest models – mostly driven by the children of the middle-aged professionals that have accumulated significant wealth over the past few decades. Rolex stores (the real ones), Hugo Boss stores (real ones) and other popular global brands line the major thoroughfares throughout the bustling city.

Every other intersection looks like Times Square in New York City. Lots of flashing neon lights and super-sized LCD TVs light up the night sky. Street vendors are hawking anything from DVDs to almost real watches to all kinds of food. There are literally thousands of people converging on the large intersections trying to dodge the buses, cars, mopeds, bicycles and each other.

It’s really the true-definition of “organized chaos.” Like in business the bigger you are (higher in rank) the smaller will yield. On the street it’s no different – a pedestrian is the lowest on the food chain. Up from there bicycles, mopeds, cars, buses then trucks. It’s an amazing sight to behold. We’ve often wondered why there are traffic lights and markings on the pavement. Like in the US a yellow light means speed up, but here a red light only suggests that you stop.