Big City, Bright Lights

Shanghai is one big ass city. It is like Manhattan on steroids. It’s noisy and busy and I love it.

I didn’t know what to expect in coming here. Maybe because during my early childhood Communism was considered the unseen yet constant threat to all that we as Americans consider true and right in the world I was a little apprehensive about coming here.

When I was younger we lived in Asia. Less than an hour by plane to China but worlds apart from the life we lived. China was the place where people were suppressed and where tanks drove through the streets to show their might. China was Chairman Mao. China was, in my mind, filled with millions and millions of gray, soulless, downtrodden people standing in line for ours for a meager portion of rice.

Boy was I wrong. Shanghai is colorful and vibrant. Her people are friendly and helpful. This place is exploding with growth.

And let me tell you, communism doesn’t look so bad when it’s dressed up in Prada and Gucci.

There is an interesting juxtaposition between the old and the new, the rich and the poor, the uber-hip and the traditional. Shanghai has a tawdry past and a brilliant future and I look forward to getting to know her.