Day 91
Well it was a long weekend, really long but extremely enjoyable. This past weekend I joined some of my compadres and headed off to Tianjin for a one-day tournament. It is kinda crazy as to how this all came together because it was about 4 weeks ago when Jon asked my friend Phil and I if we wanted to go to a tournament with him the first week of April. We both were excited and agreed and then asked how many people were going. Jon simply said, “well me, Tao and then you two…so 4”. Excellent. So for the last 4 weeks we’ve been “recruiting” players and Jon basically organized our trip and all of the work paid off this past weekend. We took the Friday night train from Shanghai and planned to arrive into Tianjin the next Saturday morning around 6am. We were not going to play until around 11am, so we had a lot of down time.
I have never taken a long trip train ride before and so I was pretty excited to see what that was all about. Excitement quickly turned into blandness. It wasn’t too exciting because I was so tired from another long week that I quickly fell asleep on my hard sleeper and before I knew it we were in Tianjin. Now for those of you that have ever seen pollution before in the states, I can tell you that you then have NEVER seen pollution before. Once I stepped out of the train I felt my lung collapse and I could just feel filthy. Tianjin is a heavily polluted area, to the point where it is just really difficult to see anything. Of course I’m exaggerating, but you get my point. There’s pollution, and we’re going to be playing ultimate with only 2 subs. We’re crazy.
So we had a lot of down time, and we filled some of that by just “exploring” Tianjin a bit. We walked through a square and saw tons of people either playing a version of hackysack with a feathered weight, badminton, tai chi, or just walking. I never understood why Nai Nai and Yei Yei were so active in their dancing and walking until coming to Shanghai; and it just made so much sense. Old people are very active and I have found that they do not give up on life and try to stay healthy in some way. It was cool to hang out and play with these people and I think they enjoyed seeing some foreigners and some of them even joined in throwing the frisbee a bit.
To be continued…I’m tired…give me a break (I have become addicted to Kit Kat bars)
Just copy and paste the links into a browser!
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2231943&id=21414060&l=d7d6bdd095
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2231958&id=21414060&l=8f2ef23e91
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Enjoy!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Taxi
Day 89
Well like in most of the world, Shanghai has taxis! Here in Shanghai there is a special ranking system that allows the passengers to know whether they will be spending 5 minutes or 20 minutes in the taxi for the same destination. It has nothing to do with the driver trying to get more money; it just means that he’s bad. The ranking system uses “stars” to help determine the best from the helpless. 5 stars= The Unicorn. Rarely seen, and are lucky to ride in one, he probably knows a bit of English and can drive through Shanghai with their eyes closed. 4 stars= The All Star. Just like the 5 star, there aren’t that many and they know their way around and very dependable. 3 stars= The B Student. Not yet an all star but still shows flashes of brilliance on the road, reliable but may not be the smoothest driver. 2 stars= The IKEA of taxis. Shows that they can hang with the big dogs sometimes, but lacks in quality sometimes. 1 star= Guy who got moved from the mailroom to the office. He just got promoted and wants to prove himself but still has a lot to learn. No stars= The Temp. He will either do an okay job or just totally mess up. There is a chance that it will be okay, but prepare for the worst.
Well I have seen the unicorn, and it is beautiful. According to my wise friend Geoff, I will have 7 years of bad luck because I did not get in the taxi when I had a chance. I saw the taxi start to roll up to me as my bus was right behind it. I considered taking the taxi just to say that I rode the Unicorn, but I didn’t and I regret it. So stay away from me for the next 7 years, or help me find a Unicorn again. Just today I had the joy of getting into a taxi and seeing that there was in fact zero stars. I told the driver where I wanted to go and when he repeated it I could see his eyes go to the far left and up, clearly he was thinking but had no idea where it was. I had to tell him where to go and even that could not help him from jerking the car back and forth like I was on a carnival ride. So there you go, that should help you in your journey when you’re in Shanghai, look for the Unicorn.
Well like in most of the world, Shanghai has taxis! Here in Shanghai there is a special ranking system that allows the passengers to know whether they will be spending 5 minutes or 20 minutes in the taxi for the same destination. It has nothing to do with the driver trying to get more money; it just means that he’s bad. The ranking system uses “stars” to help determine the best from the helpless. 5 stars= The Unicorn. Rarely seen, and are lucky to ride in one, he probably knows a bit of English and can drive through Shanghai with their eyes closed. 4 stars= The All Star. Just like the 5 star, there aren’t that many and they know their way around and very dependable. 3 stars= The B Student. Not yet an all star but still shows flashes of brilliance on the road, reliable but may not be the smoothest driver. 2 stars= The IKEA of taxis. Shows that they can hang with the big dogs sometimes, but lacks in quality sometimes. 1 star= Guy who got moved from the mailroom to the office. He just got promoted and wants to prove himself but still has a lot to learn. No stars= The Temp. He will either do an okay job or just totally mess up. There is a chance that it will be okay, but prepare for the worst.
Well I have seen the unicorn, and it is beautiful. According to my wise friend Geoff, I will have 7 years of bad luck because I did not get in the taxi when I had a chance. I saw the taxi start to roll up to me as my bus was right behind it. I considered taking the taxi just to say that I rode the Unicorn, but I didn’t and I regret it. So stay away from me for the next 7 years, or help me find a Unicorn again. Just today I had the joy of getting into a taxi and seeing that there was in fact zero stars. I told the driver where I wanted to go and when he repeated it I could see his eyes go to the far left and up, clearly he was thinking but had no idea where it was. I had to tell him where to go and even that could not help him from jerking the car back and forth like I was on a carnival ride. So there you go, that should help you in your journey when you’re in Shanghai, look for the Unicorn.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Ningbo
Day 85
So I just got back from Ningbo, and if you have never heard of Ningbo, it is basically “seaport with sub-provincial administrative status” (according to Wikipedia). To me it felt more like a suburb to Shanghai, located about 3 hours away (Shanghai is quite large). So you are probably asking yourself why I would be going to this place called Ningbo, but I think you know the answer already. Ultimate Frisbee, you get 3 points.
So just like the last two tournaments that I attended, this one was also a Hat tournament. Where the teams are made up based on experience and are usually not fixed. This insures “fairness” and it helps to mix up the more experienced players with the newer ones and it helps them get better. This was the first tournament held in Ningbo and it was just cool to be part of it, and winning the whole thing is nice too. My team was fairly stacked (many good players), and we rolled on a few teams, but I’m just happier with the fact that I got better as well. As a competitor and an athlete, it is just natural to want to improve and to get better. One of the best comments that I got from two of the better players in Shanghai was this; “ We have turned Kevin from a conservative player, into a gunslinger handler”. Now that might not seem like a big thing, but to us in the ultimate community and to me, it means a lot. To those on team Dynomite, I thank you and see you all on the fields!
So I just got back from Ningbo, and if you have never heard of Ningbo, it is basically “seaport with sub-provincial administrative status” (according to Wikipedia). To me it felt more like a suburb to Shanghai, located about 3 hours away (Shanghai is quite large). So you are probably asking yourself why I would be going to this place called Ningbo, but I think you know the answer already. Ultimate Frisbee, you get 3 points.
So just like the last two tournaments that I attended, this one was also a Hat tournament. Where the teams are made up based on experience and are usually not fixed. This insures “fairness” and it helps to mix up the more experienced players with the newer ones and it helps them get better. This was the first tournament held in Ningbo and it was just cool to be part of it, and winning the whole thing is nice too. My team was fairly stacked (many good players), and we rolled on a few teams, but I’m just happier with the fact that I got better as well. As a competitor and an athlete, it is just natural to want to improve and to get better. One of the best comments that I got from two of the better players in Shanghai was this; “ We have turned Kevin from a conservative player, into a gunslinger handler”. Now that might not seem like a big thing, but to us in the ultimate community and to me, it means a lot. To those on team Dynomite, I thank you and see you all on the fields!
Friday, March 20, 2009
I'M A DESIGNER!!!!
Day 76
So remember when I designed that food factory awhile back and I saw my design proposal in the presentation powerpoint? Well it just got even better. The same project was back on track in the office and today we proposed to them our new idea. They accepted our proposal and the best part was that I had a part of it. I designed the lighting, and most importantly…the reception desk. Usually during my time at work, I play solitaire, practice some of my 3d modeling software, and I draw. I’ve gone through 2 pens, 2 sketchbooks and all that work finally paid off. I designed about 40 different types of reception desks, and made my favorite ones in the 3d modeling program, Sketchup. My co-workers came by my desk the other day to see what I was doing and they saw the desks and they all immediately loved it. It was even cooler because the one that they loved was also my favorite. So the next time you’re in Shanghai and wanna go to a food factory, stop by and you can say that you know the person that designed the reception desk that you’re looking at and probably leaning on.
So remember when I designed that food factory awhile back and I saw my design proposal in the presentation powerpoint? Well it just got even better. The same project was back on track in the office and today we proposed to them our new idea. They accepted our proposal and the best part was that I had a part of it. I designed the lighting, and most importantly…the reception desk. Usually during my time at work, I play solitaire, practice some of my 3d modeling software, and I draw. I’ve gone through 2 pens, 2 sketchbooks and all that work finally paid off. I designed about 40 different types of reception desks, and made my favorite ones in the 3d modeling program, Sketchup. My co-workers came by my desk the other day to see what I was doing and they saw the desks and they all immediately loved it. It was even cooler because the one that they loved was also my favorite. So the next time you’re in Shanghai and wanna go to a food factory, stop by and you can say that you know the person that designed the reception desk that you’re looking at and probably leaning on.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tenderized meat
Day 74
After so many years of athletics, injuries, running into walls, knocking people over and getting knocked over, etc. etc, it seemed like a good time to finally get a well deserved massage. And what better place than here in Shanghai. Mainly cuz it costs about ¼ of it probably would in the states. I went with my friends Rob and Eleanore to this massage spa called, “The Golden Resort”. Pretty fancy, eh? The first thing that hits you as you walk in the door is the aroma of fresh something, whatever it was, it was peaceful and just heat. It must do with the buildup of heat from the candles and the relaxed bodies. So we sign up for a 60-minute full body massage and are given some tea to help us relax and so nifty sandals. We are then taken to a room where there are silkish robes and shorts awaiting us and we are told to strip and put them on. I look good in it. I will probably go back and ask if I can keep it next time, who knows when I’ll need a massage robe. So are massage specialists enter and we are told to lie face down into these beds and immediately I almost fall asleep. So my massage master, let’s call her Helga, starts to go at it. I have never been so beat up in my life. I felt like a piece of meat in her hands. Tons of pressure was used by Helga’s hands. Lots of short narrow pain caused by concentrated pressure points over and over and over again. And then Helga took out her favorite weapon, her elbow. I used to dream of being a professional wrestler, now that dream has officially died because I don’t ever want to be elbow dropped. Don’t get me wrong, it felt good… after she finished tenderizing her meat. Helga spent a good 30 minutes on just my shoulders, which was nice, but it was quite painful. She moved down to my lower back and found these pressure points and pains that I have never felt before. I didn’t know that I could feel such nerve pain in my lower back, but I guess she’s a professional. Next were the legs and the neck and the head and that was it! I would go into more detail, but I have no idea of how to express my pain and relief in words. So currently I am sore, but only in the shoulders. My constant lower back pain is gone and I’m hoping that it will be that way tomorrow. It was a good experience and I will definitely go back for a massage somewhere, because it cost about $15. I win.
After so many years of athletics, injuries, running into walls, knocking people over and getting knocked over, etc. etc, it seemed like a good time to finally get a well deserved massage. And what better place than here in Shanghai. Mainly cuz it costs about ¼ of it probably would in the states. I went with my friends Rob and Eleanore to this massage spa called, “The Golden Resort”. Pretty fancy, eh? The first thing that hits you as you walk in the door is the aroma of fresh something, whatever it was, it was peaceful and just heat. It must do with the buildup of heat from the candles and the relaxed bodies. So we sign up for a 60-minute full body massage and are given some tea to help us relax and so nifty sandals. We are then taken to a room where there are silkish robes and shorts awaiting us and we are told to strip and put them on. I look good in it. I will probably go back and ask if I can keep it next time, who knows when I’ll need a massage robe. So are massage specialists enter and we are told to lie face down into these beds and immediately I almost fall asleep. So my massage master, let’s call her Helga, starts to go at it. I have never been so beat up in my life. I felt like a piece of meat in her hands. Tons of pressure was used by Helga’s hands. Lots of short narrow pain caused by concentrated pressure points over and over and over again. And then Helga took out her favorite weapon, her elbow. I used to dream of being a professional wrestler, now that dream has officially died because I don’t ever want to be elbow dropped. Don’t get me wrong, it felt good… after she finished tenderizing her meat. Helga spent a good 30 minutes on just my shoulders, which was nice, but it was quite painful. She moved down to my lower back and found these pressure points and pains that I have never felt before. I didn’t know that I could feel such nerve pain in my lower back, but I guess she’s a professional. Next were the legs and the neck and the head and that was it! I would go into more detail, but I have no idea of how to express my pain and relief in words. So currently I am sore, but only in the shoulders. My constant lower back pain is gone and I’m hoping that it will be that way tomorrow. It was a good experience and I will definitely go back for a massage somewhere, because it cost about $15. I win.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Bored
Day 73
Well today was just a really long day. I finally fell asleep at work. I’m not sure why it was so long and so boring. Usually I have a good 3 hours of work and of awake time, but I just couldn’t get going. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Besides the lack of work, the weather has really been awesome the past few days. The sun has been out and it’s about 18°C, which is a HUGE change from what we’ve been having. I’m basically at the point of the trip where everything is basically routine. It’s harder to get excited for things like work and I have started to really hate Mondays and really love Friday’s. Ultimate is still a blast and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored with that, but there has to be more than work and ultimate. I’m not going to go party, but there has to be something else for me to explore and do, and that’s what I’m going to find out.
Weird thought of the day: What would you do if a stranger just randomly punched you? I know this is a really weird and probably awful question, but it has been on my mind for some time. I love Shanghai. I have learned to enjoy a big city and all of its treasures, but one of the things that I really don’t like is the people. There are a few good apples, but the most are just rotten. Literally. Rude, dirty, and just not nice. So many times on the bus or the metro I feel like pushing back, or just punching someone. Now I know that isn’t the best or the nicest thing I can think of, but after a while here, things really start to bug me. So let’s hope that I don’t start punching people. SERENITY NOW!!!!
Well today was just a really long day. I finally fell asleep at work. I’m not sure why it was so long and so boring. Usually I have a good 3 hours of work and of awake time, but I just couldn’t get going. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. Besides the lack of work, the weather has really been awesome the past few days. The sun has been out and it’s about 18°C, which is a HUGE change from what we’ve been having. I’m basically at the point of the trip where everything is basically routine. It’s harder to get excited for things like work and I have started to really hate Mondays and really love Friday’s. Ultimate is still a blast and I don’t think I’ll ever get bored with that, but there has to be more than work and ultimate. I’m not going to go party, but there has to be something else for me to explore and do, and that’s what I’m going to find out.
Weird thought of the day: What would you do if a stranger just randomly punched you? I know this is a really weird and probably awful question, but it has been on my mind for some time. I love Shanghai. I have learned to enjoy a big city and all of its treasures, but one of the things that I really don’t like is the people. There are a few good apples, but the most are just rotten. Literally. Rude, dirty, and just not nice. So many times on the bus or the metro I feel like pushing back, or just punching someone. Now I know that isn’t the best or the nicest thing I can think of, but after a while here, things really start to bug me. So let’s hope that I don’t start punching people. SERENITY NOW!!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Qian
Day 68
Well it’s been a little over 2 months now here in Shanghai, and things have definitely settled down. Since going to Bangkok my bank has not allowed me to use my debit card or to even use my card online. This caused quite a deal of stress in my life mainly because of my lack of cash, exactly 80 kuai. So I was faced with the dilemna last Monday of either food for the week, or play ultimate Frisbee (fields cost money each week, 50 kuai). Of course I chose frisbee, I wrestled, I know what it’s like to not eat. So I get my lunch and then play ultimate, and so now it’s Tuesday and I’m left with 30 kuai. Luckily for me I scheduled a meeting with my company to get my monthly allowance that Wednesday, which leaves me with just enough money to eat lunch each day. Wednesday rolls around and as I hop on my normal bus I pay with my transportation card, but the driver doesn’t believe that I paid! Jerk. So I end up using 2 kuai to repay for my already paid bus trip. So that leaves me with just 8 kuai for the day. Lunch rolls around next and luckily for me, there’s an 8 kuai meal. Talk about coming in clutch. So besides the whole money debauckle, things have been pretty slow and pretty uneventful. Work hasn’t changed much, except that today I actually got to start designing again. I’ve learned to accept this time and to work on my craft and my skills. So hopefully when you see me next, I’ll be quite the “Hot Pencil”.
Well it’s been a little over 2 months now here in Shanghai, and things have definitely settled down. Since going to Bangkok my bank has not allowed me to use my debit card or to even use my card online. This caused quite a deal of stress in my life mainly because of my lack of cash, exactly 80 kuai. So I was faced with the dilemna last Monday of either food for the week, or play ultimate Frisbee (fields cost money each week, 50 kuai). Of course I chose frisbee, I wrestled, I know what it’s like to not eat. So I get my lunch and then play ultimate, and so now it’s Tuesday and I’m left with 30 kuai. Luckily for me I scheduled a meeting with my company to get my monthly allowance that Wednesday, which leaves me with just enough money to eat lunch each day. Wednesday rolls around and as I hop on my normal bus I pay with my transportation card, but the driver doesn’t believe that I paid! Jerk. So I end up using 2 kuai to repay for my already paid bus trip. So that leaves me with just 8 kuai for the day. Lunch rolls around next and luckily for me, there’s an 8 kuai meal. Talk about coming in clutch. So besides the whole money debauckle, things have been pretty slow and pretty uneventful. Work hasn’t changed much, except that today I actually got to start designing again. I’ve learned to accept this time and to work on my craft and my skills. So hopefully when you see me next, I’ll be quite the “Hot Pencil”.
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