shanghai subway

When I logged in to blogger, it was all in Chinese. But now I have worked out how to change it to Engerlish so it's all good. Obviously, when I log in it knows where I am and what language to select. Makes me wonder what else big blother knows. When I turn on my mobile, I get messages about being welcomed to China Mobile and this which happens within a few seconds. There has to be a satellite lock on the signal and then those that need to know, know, my exact location. Just in case .... I love China, it is a great country, good luck with the Olympics, you are doing a great job. Sorry if i upset you but thanks for giving my suitcase back after 2 days and not taking anything out.

Where were we? Well July is now over and my self ban on running is lifted. I am doing palates as per my physio's instruction everyday and attempting to get stronger, faster and generally very daft punk. I have subscribed to an online program for the San Antonio marathon which I really think E-Speed should be doing too (the marathon that is, not necessarily the same program). According to the program today is a rest day. My work duties were finished early, so I decided why not venture out into Shanghai and find the Yu Garden and Old City with the extra bonus of unaccompanied subway trip. That way it will be a real adventure.

Ok, I can do this .....

Oh my! It's kinda busy at the ticket machines, I was hoping there wouldn't be such urgency as I tried to figure this out ... such pressure!


I mean ... how complicate can a system like this be? .... right?


Oh, bugger!!!!
.... but I figured it out and had the sudden urge to high five the unimpressed dude behind me ... it is so sad when you cant share the simple joys in life with anyone.


... so with my cleverly obtained ticket, I joined the masses and shuffled along in my little steps toward the turnstiles .... sudden panic overcame me as I realised I had no idea what to do with this magic little ticket ... does it go in a slot? is there a reader to put it under? am I going to jam the system and have 500 hundred Chinese squash me as the whole mob hits the unexpected blockage with me pressed, doubled over the now locked out turnstile arm?

I quickly observed and waved like the others in front and was through ....



now all i have to do is wait expectantly for the right train to come along and whisk me to my destination ... be alert! there is a train coming ....so I was


and i was whisked away to my chosen destination



you know this can't have a happy ending, don't you?

.... so there I was minding my own business and ....

BANG!!!!

what the??? .......

oh great! a thunderstorm ... i got a little wet


I squelched my way back to the hotel and was approached about a dozen times by street vendors offering to sell me an umbrella ... "a bit late for that" I told them, having already become completely saturated .... "How about lacosste? new jeans?" ... you have to admire their persistency.