The Travel List 2015

Hello All and welcome again!  We’re officially in the last days of 2014 and 2015 will be here before you know it. Did you get everything that you wanted this past year? Did you meet, accomplish, or exceed your goals? Well, here’s hoping that the year ends on a positive note for you!

As for me, I had a great year and I’m looking forward to an even better one! While I haven’t figured out my professional or personal goals for the 2-0-1-5, I’ve already got some trips planned and in some cases, paid for (yeah…priorities). So, here is my travel list for 2015:

 1. Harbin, China

In exactly three weeks, I’ll be headed up north to Chinese Siberia for a weekend getaway. Now, extremely cold weather or better yet, cold weather is no friend of my mind; but, for the past three years I’ve wanted to make the very cold trek to Harbin to see this:

Photo Credit: Harbin Snow and Ice Festival Times of India

 That would be the Harbin Snow and Ice Festival, home to hundreds of ice sculptures. This event is held every winter in the capital of Heilongjiang province. People work for weeks in sub zero temperatures to create these magnificent works of ice art. Besides the ice sculptures, I plan on taking in some of the Russian architecture (the city is close to the Russian border and Russian influences can be seen around the city) and then the Tiger Park-an open air free space for Siberian tigers to roam. I also plan on wearing 10 layers of clothes…

Winter Break Plans

The good thing about being a school teacher, especially for a government-run school, is the ample amount of February vacation. For the Chinese Spring Festival, I’ll be off for a total of 25 days (including weekends) which are mostly paid! During my winter break, I plan on seeing three countries in southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

    2. Thailand

Photo Credit: Thailand Crazyfunspot.com

 Thailand has been on my must-see list for over a year now and after some changes and setbacks, I will be officially landing in Bangkok by the end of January! Thailand for me will involve lots of sightseeing, eating, and finally some much needed beach relaxation. I plan on starting my 8 day tour in Bangkok and then heading southward to one of the islands or beach resorts (either Phuket or Ko Samui). Since I love, love, love Thai food, I plan on having four meals a day (with coconut mango sticky rice)! I’ve heard the food there is cheap, delicious and safe (even the street stalls which is the opposite of China)! I also hope to see some elephants since they are my favorite animals!

   3.  Cambodia

PHoto Credit: Wikipedia Cambodia

       After eating my way through Thailand, I plan on going eastward for tranquility and prayer in Cambodia. Now, Cambodia is special to me since my eldest nephew’s father is from there. He managed to escape the Khmer Rouge as a very young boy and found safety in America.

 From the moment that I landed in Asia, I knew that I needed to go to Cambodia; not just for me, but for family ties. I wanted to see this land for myself and then, pass the images, stories and moments along to my family, especially my nephew.

I don’t have a lot of travel plans for Cambodia. I plan on spending just two or three days in the capital city of Phnom Penh where there will be sight-seeing and museum visits. I will then move on to the beautiful city of Ankor Wat for three days to take in the temples and sights of the area. I hope to be up before sunrise during one of those days since the view is said to be magnificent.

      4. Vietnam

Photo Credit: Halong Bay, Vietnam Mr. Wallpaper.com

 After my time in Cambodia I will continue eastward to Vietnam. I’ve heard mixed reviews about Vietnam, but I’m the type of person who likes to see and experience things on my own. I plan on starting things off in the bustling city of Ho Chi Min and then moving northward all the way to the capital of Hanoi, stopping at other small cities and places along the way (including Halong Bay in the picture above). I plan on being in Vietnam for at least 7 days before I head back to the good ol’ P.R.C.

  

 5. Xi'An, China

Photo Credit: Terracotta Warriors Famouswonders.com

Photo credit: Xi'An hostelworld.com

Just like some of the other places mentioned above, Xi’An has been on my must-see list for a long time. Xi’An is home to the famous Terracotta Warriors which are hundreds of stone carved statues, each one made with intricate details of a solider from that time(apparently, no two are the same). The statues were made 2300 years ago and they were demanded by the emperor of that time, Qin Shihuang. The purpose of the statues was to protect the emperor after his death.

I plan on being there for just a weekend in the springtime. Besides the terracotta warriors, I would like to walk around the city and take in a museum or two before heading back late Sunday to Shanghai.

 

 6. America

Grand Central Station, New York City

Just like last year, I plan on going back to the U.S. for at least a month, or longer depending on how things go. I will probably be in my hometown the majority of the time and of course, a few days in good ol’ NYC. I also plan on going to another place or two to visit friends. I’m still weighing out my decision to stay in China for another year, so at this time, I’m not sure if this trip will be a vacation or repatriation. Stay tuned to find out my answer…

Other Tentative Plans

While the list above are places that I will definitely be going to, the following are places I would like to visit, but depending on time, and most importantly money, I may or may not see this year.

  7. Taiwan 

Photo Credit: Taipei 101 Tower taiwanholidays.au

Taiwan is a place that I never gave much thought too until earlier this year. A small island that is or isn’t part of the P.R.C  (A sensitive subject in China; however, the majority of the people I've met from there proudly view themselves as Taiwanese only), I decided to put this place on my travel list after hearing nothing but positive remarks from other travelers (and locals).

According to my sources, Taiwan is clean, efficient and many of the people speak English (I believe it’s a part of their school curriculum). I’ve also heard the food is to die for with loads of cheap, clean and delicious market stalls.

If I’m able to go to Taiwan, I plan on going for a week or maybe 9 days in the Summer (or the Fall if I return to China). Hopefully, I’ll be able to see this island paradise in all it’s glory!

    8.   Indonesia

Photo Credit: Bali, Indonesia Wikipedia

Another place I’ve heard mixed reviews, but mostly positive, Indonesia has been on my travel list for a few years now after reading and seeing “Eat, Pray, Love.” I hope to go for at least a week at the end of Summer, or during the October Holiday (Once again, depends on if I return and funds).

Well, it's time to get going/finish planning! Hope I inspired you to save and plan for a trip for the new year!

Jammin’ At Jiashan Market!

Hello All! I’m back again with another post about life in Shanghai. This time, I will discuss a little spot known as the Jiashan Market….

Jiashan Market!

Background:

The Jiashan market started a couple years ago, as a chill and friendly market to buy foreigner (read western) friendly items. It also gave people a chance to market and sell their (mostly) homemade goods.  Lastly, it's a place where people can congregate and make new friends in a relaxed and peaceful setting. 

I had been to the Jiashan market once before in its early days a few months after I arrived in Shanghai. When I arrived a few weeks ago for a “Women in Shanghai” meet up event, I was surprised just how much it expanded.

Jiashan Market (South Shaanxi Road entrance)

Area:

The area was a bit tricky to find so I wandered around aimlessly for about 40 minutes (Note to Self: Take the metro line 9 to the Jiashan stop). After contacting the head of the meet up group for some directions, I retraced my steps and I arrived at a little unmarked alley off of South Shaanxi Road. I finally saw the sign for the market and I met the other women in a cute café in the market area called: Melange Oasis. Unfortunately, I had already had breakfast so I didn’t eat or drink anything at the café. I will say that it was nice, clean and comfortable and the menu looked really good with lots of foreigner friendly dishes. After chatting with the other women about all sorts of topics, it was time to see what the market had to offer.

Melange Oasis Cafe

 The Market:

The market itself was much bigger than before. There were vendors selling all kinds of things, but mostly food (take away and packaged), drinks and other home goods. I spotted a vendor selling shoes in bigger sizes (yay!), but the prices were a bit high for my taste. I chatted with a vendor who specialized in getting western food to expats in Shanghai at cheaper prices than the options already available. I took her contact information since I’m always in need of quinoa or Greek yogurt (especially if it’s under $10 USD which is the going rate at many other foreigner grocery outlets). I sampled some imported cheeses which were really tasty and; I stopped at a vendor selling homemade, all-natural soap. As much as I love all-natural soap, I refused to buy from this vendor on principal since she wasn’t friendly to me at all (Tip for Aspiring Entrepreneurs #1: Treat your customers well and they will support you!). After that, I stumbled upon the best thing at the market… The British Kitchen!

Shoes, Shoes and Shoes!

The Market in Full Action!

Handmade soaps

 Just as the name states, The British Kitchen is ran by a bloke who hails from the U.K. who serves up homemade British desserts that are authentic tasting and delicious! He sells brownies, shortbread, pies and different cakes. He also shares his recipes through his website (http://thebritishkitchen.co) and each month in the “That’s Shanghai” expat magazine. When I arrived at his table, I learned that many of his desserts had been sold (Tip: go early since his table is very popular), but he still had some brownies and shortbread to spare. 

The British Kitchen Table!

James, the owner of the British Kitchen was very friendly and approachable. He talked gleefully about his products and he gave me a free sample of his shortbread with dark chocolate chips. I’m not the biggest fan of dark chocolate, but mixed with shortbread and “Folks, we have a winner!” The shortbread was not fully soft or hard, but it had a nice bite and the hints of dark chocolate mixed with the shortbread gave it a sweet, distinctive flavor. It is also worth noting that his desserts are reasonably priced. I paid 15RMB ($2.40 USD) for a large piece of shortbread. I heard his other desserts are just as delicious and reasonably priced so; I will make sure to head down early next time!

Amelia's Jams and Spreads: Very Nice!

After James boxed up my goodies, I perused some of the take away food tables. There was a table selling Turkish style hamburgers, another selling sausages, sandwiches, and finally, there was a stall selling meat rolls and a Tex-Mex taco table. I learned that the meat roll table was managed by a family from Madagascar and the meat rolls were food native to their country. I had two beef rolls and they were really, really good. They reminded me of an Indian samosa, just not as oily. The family was also very friendly and spent a lot of time talking to me about their products. I also managed to have a  taco from the taco table which was managed by a local Chinese guy. I was left with pork taco since all of his other products were sold out for the day. Over all, the taco was OK tasting, and the pork tasted very bland. I think the thing that disturbed me the most was the vendor didn’t know or had tasted some of his products (Tip for Aspiring Entrepreneurs #2: Know what you’re selling!). I and another woman I had met earlier decided it was time to leave and we walked together to the metro. Not only had I tried some new foods and rediscovered a great place, I had also made a new friend!

Thanks again for reading and tune in next time!

Jiashan Market Information

Day and Time:

The Jiashan market is open the first and third Saturday of each month from 10:00am-5:00pm

Address:

Jiashan Market

No. 37, Lane 550 Shaanxi Nan Lu, near Shaoxing Lu, Xuhui district

徐汇区陕西南路550弄37号, 近绍兴路

Metro: Jiashan (Line 9), then a ten minute walk to the market.

That one time I had an operation in China….My experiences going under the knife abroad

The battle scars!

Welcome back everybody! It’s been awhile since I wrote a blog post, but this time I have a sorta excuse...I had surgery here in China! I know crazy right?!  I will cut to the chase and tell you that I’m doing just fine and I’m resting at home. I even had physical therapy today and the physical therapist mentioned that I was healing well. Now, I’m going to detail below exactly what happened and how I went under the knife abroad…

What Happened?

I’ve always enjoyed being active with dance and other types of fitness. Almost a year ago, I decided to add yoga to the routine which I really fell in love with (especially since the first time I tried it years ago, I absolutely hated it). Well, I didn’t end up with an injury due to yoga; in fact, it was something rather familiar to my routine. I was doing a low squat and when I came back up I heard a “pop” in my left knee. I know that my knees “pop” sometimes (hey…I’m getting old) so I thought I would just massage it out and keep going. Unfortunately, there would be no immediate recovery and when I noticed the pain that accompanied it, I knew that something was very wrong. I decided to take action and go to the hospital.

Public Hospitals in China:

My journey begins at the People’s Number 6 Hospital (Chinese: 上海交通大学附属第六人民医院) since it’s very close to me and according to the internet, really good for sports medicine.

When it comes to public hospitals in China, there are a few things you need to know. First, they are not for the faint of heart: there are endless lines, long waits, loads of sick people (I’ve seen a few people vomit right in front of me), angry people (there has been a surge of revenge murders against doctors and nurses in China, so much so that some hospitals provide self-defense courses for staff), not very clean conditions, and then, more waiting. It’s best to bring a Chinese speaking friend with you so, I brought along the school nurse to help me navigate the system. 

Secondly, one should subscribe to the hospital and pay a fee (35 RMB/ $5.70 USD) to obtain a card. Then, a patient gets in another line to see a doctor (Also inexpensive, I think mine was 50 RMB/ $8.30 USD). We went straight to the emergency department and luckily, the line was very short. Finally, when it was my turn to be seen, the doctor touched me for five seconds (you know, he didn’t want those black people cooties) and when I didn’t welp in pain, he concluded I needed an MRI and sent me away. I was in the chair for one minute and that was all. I then went in another line to pay for an MRI (At this hospital it was 500RMB/ $80USD, def not too expensive) and the follow up consultation (100RMB/ $17 USD). 

I had the MRI which was on a new looking machine, albeit with the good ol’ Chinese dust/dirt all over it. After I finished, I waited a day for the results. Again, I brought the school nurse with me and we waited in an area with hundreds of people. The nurses at the hospital estimated my wait time to be around 3 hours and they weren’t lying! By the time my number was called, I entered a consultation room to see a doctor who had my results. He said something very quickly, scribbled something on paper and then dismissed me. Since I know very little medical Chinese (and the school nurse isn’t great with medical English), he saw the confusion on my face and blurted out “surgery!" You could have knocked me over with a feather at that point, except the line of people who were waiting behind me would not have allowed it. I held back my tears and I told the school nurse I would seek a second opinion. She said this would be an excellent idea so; I went to the private hospital just down the street…

Private Hospitals in China:

Since I’m staying in Shanghai, the most developed city in China, my review should not be taken as gospel. I will say that private hospitals are much, much better than the public ones. They are impeccably clean, staffed with friendly and helpful employees, and quiet waiting rooms…it’s almost like being back in the west (except for the all Asian staff). Of course you get what you pay for so they are considerably more expensive than the public hospitals, but much cheaper than the U.S.

 I knew of a private hospital named Landseed Hospital (上海禾新医院 为了您的健康,我们用心服务) through a coworker who had previously been a few times. The hospital was from Taiwan and they boasted about their western style medical care, bilingual staff and the large amount of insurance companies they accepted (including mine). 

I went straight to the orthopedics department and I waited a very short time to see a doctor. The doctor was very warm, friendly and knowledgeable and she spent a considerable amount of time with me. She recommended an X-ray and MRI, which I had done that same day. We received the results quickly and the doctor saw from the X-Ray that it wasn’t a bone issue. After looking at my MRI however, she saw the problem, which turned out to be a meniscus tear in my left knee. Apparently the tear was bad enough that I would need surgery. She even brought out a knee model to show me exactly how the knee should work and the problem with mine. She carefully explained in English what to expect from the surgery and the recovery time of the operation. I learned that it would be a minor operation with a short recovery period of 6-8 weeks. I was still bummed to know that I would need surgery, but I felt a bit safer knowing I was in good hands.

 After a month of going back and forth with the insurance company, the doctor personally called me to let me know I would be going under the knife in two days, and my operation would be done by the famous Dr. Shiyi Chen. Apparently, Dr. Chen was a like a rock star in the mainland China sports medicine world. He was credited with getting Liu Xiang, the famous Chinese hurdler back to good health after fixing his troubled Achilles tendon. I was in a daze leading up the surgery and then it was finally surgery day!

The Operation:

My hospital suite...Clean, nice and comfortable

I quickly packed a bag that morning and called my mom to say a prayer. I tried my best to catch a cab, but gave up when I saw a bus. From the bus I hoped onto the metro and finally after a ten minute walk, made it to the hospital. I was trying to take the easiest and least stressful route but, a rainy morning in Shanghai left me no other option but the aforementioned (rainy days in Shanghai=no cabs!). I was escorted to my room which was really nice and comfortable.  I had one of my Shanghai besties' meet me at the hospital and she kept me entertained with small, light talk since she knew how scared I was. Finally the team of doctors, including Dr. Chen came into the room and once again explained the procedure. I also had a Taiwanese-American resident who would be there the whole operation (he was also a cutie : ). After the discussion, it was time for my I.V. which the staff kinda messed up on (in their defense, I have really small and not noticeable veins), which only increased my fear. Finally, I was transferred to a wheeled bed and led to another floor for the operation…

I don’t remember much after that and once I woke up I was crying. The staff was worried until I shouted that “I was alive!” They laughed and wiped away my tears and then I was back in my hospital room. According to my friend, I was gone for quite awhile (two hours I believe).  The Taiwanese-American resident explained the next steps which involved sleeping and no eating. I took a small nap and after a few more hours, I learned that I was able to eat. I was surprised to learn that the hospital didn’t have food, but there was a restaurant and Starbucks on the ground floor. I had some rice and vegetables and then I went back to sleep till the next day. 

The next day I felt much better and happier. I had a nice Starbucks breakfast (A ham sandwich and green tea latte) and I rested comfortably in bed watching online t.v. and grading papers (I couldn’t get too far behind on work). I decided to stay at the hospital until the evening since the insurance covered it and I wanted as much help as possible before being on my own.  I met the physical therapist that would be working with me on my recovery who had an OK level of English however, his personality really made up for it. He was really funny and showed me some exercises to do at home. I will see him two times a week for two months and then hopefully, I will be back to my dancing and squatting self!

I know this was long so thanks for reading! Tune into my next installment on how I get around being disabled in China!