Back to Shanghai

Just back from a weekend in Shanghai. It certaintly confirmed my original idea that if I studied their my productivity would be much lower than in Xiamen! Managed to read about 1/2 a page during the course of the (3 and a bit day) weekend. A little different from 10-16 hours that I would have done over a typical Sat/Sun in Xiamen. That said, excellent to see Wan Ling, to hang out in the market again and catch up with friends.

Market was good, met the owner of the new jade shop opposite Wan Ling's. Nice guy who seems to get a little closer to the source (Xin Jiang) of the jade than some of the others. Surpised though that so much of the crafting/carving still happens on the east coast. I am sure there must be some good opportunities for people to move up the value chain out West. It also highlighted the markup on jade which would explain why some of the people in the market have so much money! Had some good customers in the shop. Interesting brothers from States and a young lady musician with a good business sence + a well versed British tea drinker from London.

Invited out on Friday night for a meal. Met lots of Taiwanese business people in the jewellery trade. Plenty of Huang jiu though my brain was completely numb from studying so was not very conversational. After dinner back to Wu Lao Shi's shop for wine & tea.

BBQ on Saturday was interesting. Quiet (early) start, only to be completely surounded by people. Typcial China. Ate too much meat and as ever disturbed by the amount of rubish that people can produce in such a sort space of time - people complain about over packaging in the UK; that is nothing. It is also the slightly worrying, but true, belief that someone else will clean up. That is true in the immediate environment but unfortunately not if you look at the broader nationwide view. Make my head throb just thinking about it.

Got to the bar finally on Sunday to see Jimmy. Impressive man & musician. Must tap him up for some tunes. Hope our paths cross again, would love to hear him perform. Bar looked good just needed to sometime invested in marketing. Had a good meal in the Xin Jiang restaurant that opened just round the corner from Wan Ling's. Not the same atmosphere as the other - but that is hard to beat.

Flight was easy and for the time & cost I will be flying Spring, Autumn airlines again!