*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

We had two company visits, to Ogilvy & Mather and Peking University.O&M was a great presentation. I did everything I could not to fall asleep during Prof. Zhao’s lecture. He seemed like a nice man.

Lunch was alright, except the tiny tables, and pickled chicken feet in a bowl.

Waiting around outside of the back of the University took quite awhile as well. Making us late to get back before the Kung Fu Show. As for the Kung Fu Show, it was easily my least favorite part of the trip. Where the acrobatics were entertaining and fun, the Kung Fu show was too over rehearsed and just felt forced, not to mention there wasn’t one actual Chinese tourist in the building, leading me to believe that there is nothing genuine about it. The best part of my night was sitting in the lobby have a couple glasses of wine, catching up on emails, and talking to everyone on the trip as they walked through. It was a very pleasant evening.

June 17, 2011

Two presentation for the day: ABB and Airbus. The first was entirely more interesting than an presentation about converters should have been and the second was a sh*t show. Here are my notes from both.

About a week after we got back from the trip there was an article in the Wall Street Journal about how the government in China was gumming up the works of Airbus’s A380. I’d imagine if Mr. Lim had known something about that than his life would have been very difficult and he wouldn’t have been the most pleasant person to be around. His presentation was still a joke, but maybe that explains the attitude.

When we finally got back from presentations and had several hours left before we were getting picked up at 9pm.

So a bunch of us went out and ate scorpion. It tasted very similar to a thick potato chip. I also had some octopus and squid, which was good too. We wandered around for awhile. I did my all of my shopping, which I hadn’t bought a thing up until that point. Lady vendors tried to drag me to the stall with had all the same crap as the woman next to them. It was good though. After awhile we stopped at an outdoor cafe on the concourse and had a couple of beers as we watched Chinese people watching us. It was so nice out. We all agreed we were hungry so Chris M., James, Jose, and myself we to Pizza Hut to have some grease food to coat the stomach before going out for the evening. The bus arrived at 9pm and we were off to the races.

I met a Chinese man name Mike, he promised us Karaoke, but there was no Karaoke. Just three people on stage singing an international variety of hits. The male vocalist in the band had a rat tail.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Caitlin had an idea after our first night in Beijing, seeing as how we couldn’t get a cab to Houhai because the fair wasn’t as large as the cab drivers wanted, we weren’t sure how the rest of the week would go. After a few beers at Molly Malones we decided to ask Isabella about renting out the bus for a night so we wouldn’t have to worry about transportation. We decided on Friday – it only turned out to be ¥300… ¥20 per person… for our own bus. Awesome!

Armed with some recommendations from the woman at O&M we were ready for a night out, Hangover style. I fully expected to be a wounded pup on Saturday morning w/ my delusions of grandeur. I’m anything if not ambitions when it comes to partying.

Our first stop was the Workers Stadium. A bar district built into an old stadium. We were looking for a place called Fubar. Unfortuneately we never found it. It was supposed to be a speak easy, it may have actually been there, but we never got to it. Instead we, well some of us anyways, went to a place called George’s. There were only a few people there, but it was good. Only a few of us stayed there for more than one drink. We finished quickly because the bus was leaving at 10:30 to take us to the next place, a stretch of bars along a single road. I cannot recall the name. Everyone got back to the bus except Lacey and Jakeria. Luckily I spotted them rounding a corner and we stopped the bus to get them.

This street is where we met Mike. He said he could offer us good deals on drinks. “Well alright” we thought. Plue he swore up and down there would be karaoke. Mike lied… about everything. We ordered several round of beer. Some folks got a huka. When the bill came Mike has screwed us, but Caitlin got him to throw another round on the house. We drank those and headed out.

Several folks ran off to pursue this or that, but a bunch of us stuck together. We hit another two or three places before we headed back to the first bar. It was right next to the cab stand. We ordered another round, had a bathroom break and sure enough everyone else started rolling in. Karaoke never came. Pretty soon everyone started to feel a bit tired and we thought we’d call it a night.

We hit the cab line and no one was willing to take us home. When we had been dropped off the bus driver went home because he was picking us back up the next day. The cab drivers started point towards the motorized rickshaws. Seeing has how most of us were thinking through an alcoholic haze, this seemed like a good idea.

Marlon, James, Caitlin, and I took two motorized rickshaws all the way back to the hotel. It might have been the greatest idea we ever had in China. The weather was beautiful and the streets were empty. It was amazing.

We had agreed on ¥50 for the ride, but the poor old guys had busted their asses getting us back  to the Novotel. So Caitlin handed him ¥100. That wasn’t good enough though. He actually started following me back into the hotel. So I reached in an gave him whatever I had loose in my pocket. That seemed to satisfy him. Our driver and he friend pedaled off into the night. Everybody else got back and we headed over to the 24hour McD’s. Jose spilled my drink… Sarah disappeared… we left without her. I crawled into bed and fell into a deep sleep. When I got up the next morning at 7:45am I felt great. I am a freak of nature when I travel.

When we got back to the hotel from wandering around Shanghai the tailor had not yet arrived so Lina said we could all go upstairs and she would call us individually when he got there. So I went upstairs and took a quick shower and by the time I was done she had called. I padded myself dry and headed downstairs. When I went down a bunch of people were already around looking at the fabric swatches. I went through every booklet; we took the samples outside to see the colors in true light. I settled on a modern looking blue pattern and I was the first person to say “Let’s do this!”

I got some money from the ATM in the lobby and put down my deposit. I accidentally left my card in the machine, which I wouldn’t find out until the next morning. I was measured for the suit in the middle of the lobby. The tailor himself did the measurements and his pimple faced apprentice took down the numbers. They asked me some questions about my preferences, the tailor sketched the suit and I was good to go. I had myself a custom fitted suit on the way, to be ready the next night.

…

Twenty four hours later I was back in the lobby with the tailor, Lina, the suits, and everyone who ordered one. I excitedly took mine and went right into the bathroom to change. I got in the stall, took out the suit, it was dark so I couldn’t really see how it looked. I pulled out the pants and went to try them on, I could immediately tell they were too small. Sure enough as I pulled them on the length was right, but they were skin tight around my thighs, crotch, and waist. So I thought, “Okay…” Let’s at least try on the jacket. Just from pulling it off the hanger I could tell that the jacket was made for some the size a thirteen year old. I put on the coat, it was skin tight around the arms and shoulders and sure enough the jacket wouldn’t even close.

So, I walked out of the stall in my tiny suit and showed myself to the world… Marlon was the first person to see me and he laughed his ass off. When I came out all the ladies on the trip who purchased the suits were trying them on, they seemed to have similar issues with their suits. The tailor was standing right there, he didn’t speak a word of English by the way, and his eyes just about bulged out of his head. Lina then asked, “It doesn’t fit?”

“I think that’s pretty obvious.”

“Okay. He say he fix it and bring it back tomorrow night.” She said.

“Alright.”

So I took off the suit, gave it back to the tailor and went on my way. From my understanding the Professor took one look and said no way. He eventually got his money back. Marlon, who got the same suit made as I did, had an issue as well. So we had to wait until the next evening.

…

It was the last night we were going to be in Shanghai so the suit needed to be right. We had gotten back from dinner late, there were tentative plans to go out for the evening, but I needed to deal with the suit first and by the time it was over no one was going out. Sure enough the suit fit. Well the jacket did. It actually fits like a glove. The pants are still a little tight, but they’re manageable. Marlon’s suit seemed to be fixed as well. Pam’s suit was all f’ed up, this really was a sh*t tailor. As I went to pay the rest of what I owed the tailor tried asking for more money. The final price was ¥1200, roughly $184.00. The tailor tried asking for  ¥1400. Really? After all that? F’ that guy. I ran up to the hotel room and grabbed the receipt to show him the accepted price. I was ready for a fight… in another language, but I was ready. My heart was racing and adrenaline going. Bring. It. On.

When I got down to lobby and showed him he said “Okay.” Well that was a letdown. With all this action going on it wasn’t until I got back up to the room with the suit and ¥1200 poorer that I realized that I took the time to consider the fact that the suit was absolute crap. The stitching is terrible, there are loose thread everywhere, and the cloth lining the suit is rough. At least I have a suit I don’t care about ruining. If I ever want to suit up for a night out on the town, I won’t care if someone spills their drink or throws up all over… I won’t care about the suit.

I take this as a learning lesson. I think this is a good metaphor of China. I had assumed that because Lina was working for ISP that this tailor would be part of the network and trustworthy. After the struggle put up about getting people getting their money back I firmly believe that Lina is somehow related to the tailor and was getting a kickback from the sales. If the tailor didn’t make any money, neither would she. Lina was in it for herself, she had an angle, everyone in China has an angle. It’s hard to constantly remember that everyone in China is playing an angle and it must be considered when doing anything. It truly is a country of “Buyer beware.”

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

The next morning I expected to wake up feeling slightly hung-over, but I was good. I felt fine. There was enough time to get some breakfast, pack, and be down in the lobby by the time we needed to leave.

We loaded our luggage on a van bound for the airport. I then ran up to the “to go” counter at the market to get some coffee for the bus ride to the Maglev. Here is what I don’t understand. This counter was specifically made for hotel guests to by coffee and pastries to go. It was called Mojo TO GO. Yet I stood there trying to get the attendants attention for 5 minutes. It wasn’t until a waitress from the restaurant walked all the way over that I was helped. The woman behind the counter, never even looked up, she just stood there shuffling and filling out papers. It’s a GD coffee bar! How much paperwork can there be?! The employees of the Courtyard Marriott Puxi have not yet grasped the concept of “to go.”

On an unrelated note, the Maglev was awesome. I sat backwards most of the trip, which was 7 minutes (the bus ride from the airport to the hotel took about an hour and a half… the maglev did it in 7 minutes… awesome!) At the airport Lina helped us check in and I gave her the rest of the money I had volunteered to collect. I had originally been giving it to her every day, but after day two she laughed and told me to give it to her at the end of our stay in Shanghai. Security was easier in the states, the people were more polite and WAY more efficient. I was expecting something much more invasive.

This was my first flight within another country and obviously the initial language is Chinese. The flight was delayed several times due to the “control tour.” It was interesting though because even though I didn’t know what anyone said I could tell it was bad news because of the reactions of most of the plane.

We got to into Beijing late and the hotel even later. When we arrived at Beijing airport it was pouring down rain, awesome. We were let out onto the tarmac where buses waited to take us to the luggage terminal. Everyone received their luggage quickly, we exited and met Isabella, our new tour guide. There was some confusion about elevators and escalators but we got our luggage to the street where a bus picked us up.

On our itinerary there was a recommendation on where to go that evening, the Houhai Lake Bar Area. So we thought that would be where we were going to headed. Once in the Novotel we quickly got ourselves together and headed over to the mall that was adjacent to hotel. It would be quick and easy food. Some folks did McDonalds, some folks did Pizza Hut, some folks went out for something more “authentic.” I stuck with the Prof and Sarah and we ended up at this great dumplings place in the mall where I stuffed myself on fish, pork, beef, and shrimp dumplings with tofu and fried rice. It was great!

We met everyone back at the hotel to catch cabs to the Lake Bar Area, but we found it increasingly difficult to get cab because the destination was not far enough away. State owned cabbies can reject clients apparently. After 20 some odd minutes we decided to head down to Molly Malone’s, an Irish bar in a hotel down the street.

The place was empty, but it felt familiar, it felt like home. We ordered beers, sat and talked, it was a good evening. Some of the folks did eventually decide to try and find a club instead, the quiet bar just wasn’t blowin’ their skirt up. So all but me, Chris M., James and Caitlin left. The four of sat, had a few more beers, ordered some food, and discussed the ordeal that was trying to get a cab. It was in the conversation that a plan was hatched to see if we could rent our bus for the evening. We decided that Friday night would be the best night out and would ask Isabella the next day if that would at all be possible. Once we were done, we headed back to the hotel. Chris, James and I considered going back out to try and find some trouble, but ultimately decided against it. That was probably for the best.

Now I’m sitting here on the plane, finally in the air after a two hour delay, I was finally able to finish my book about China. It was an interesting read, although I do not think the book is true to form any longer. The book was written several years ago and as the author mentions China is changing so fast that any moment in time is not accurate the next day.

I’m also sitting here to one of the most considerate airplane passengers I have ever met. He doesn’t seem to speak English, but we have an understanding. We communicate through pointing and smiles. We have come to a nice arrangement about elbow room, he has been pleasant.

I am ready to leave Shanghai. I have never seen anything so vast, so engulfing. I noticed that I can suffer from seasonal depression and the last several days of rain were starting to get to me. Although Beijing is going to be hot I welcome the sun and lack of humidity.

I cannot being to express my satisfaction with my trip thus far and excited to start the new section. I am in awe of China and regret that I will never see everything the country has to offer, it is too much in one person’s life time. I think this is a place I will come back to over the years. If given the opportunity I don’t know that I would live here. After last year’s trip to Switzerland I was ready to move, to hold the label “ex-pat,” but I do not feel that sensation thus far from Shanghai.

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

Fudan University: The “Princeton of China.” The Dean, who took a minute to talk to us seemed, was charismatic and seemed very pleasant. Dr. Chen went to the University of MD from 84-88.

At Fudan University today we met several students. For all the differences we’ve seen in American and Chinese culture they were all typical college student, just better informed. Weh-Zhe, a student who will be training at Goldman Sachs in Jersey City this summer, asked us several questions about the US, the economy, and the death of Bin Laden that my sister (who is the same age) would never think to ask. 

Side note 6/14/11: Shanghai – The city never ends. We’ve been on the road for 30 minutes and there hasn’t been a single break in the high rises… and they’re all freaking apartments. 

More Notes about June 14th: A recounting of past events

Yesterday was an early one. Out by 8am, off to Fundan University, and we met with some very pleasant students and faculty. There was a nice group lunch with the students. Who were surprisingly informed and intelligent. My sister is around the same agi and she cannot hold a candle to these kids intellectually; if there is anything America needs to be worried about it, it is this, education. Their students are so better prepared, at least academically. I consider myself to be a fairly intelligent person and there is no way in hell I could ever get into MIT for a masters in finance at 22 years old. We need to step it up.

 Side note: Caitlin posed a question about Chinese financial markets, consumer education, and China to the doctoral student yesterday and it got me thinking.

After a decent lunch we made our way back to the hotel to change and drop off our belongings before heading to a “water village.”The town is built right on the water, like Venice.

During the bus ride back to the hotel the professor asked for volunteers to speak about their thoughts. I rose my hand and walked to the front of the bus. I made my point about how effective the speaker had been. When I finished the professor took the microphone and said, “What can I say? It’s Bill.” Which has now become my official tag line for the trip.

It rained all day, no better time to wander around a town built on the water than when its pouring down rain. I wore flip-flops and I immediately regretted my decision. We walked around for the afternoon, had a couple of beers while the Prof and the girls haggled over pearls. There were stalls everywhere selling the same things as everywhere else. There was a smell throughout much of the village that came from something the Professor called Stinky Tofu. The smell truly was monstrous. Being the adventurous type I tried some, but have regretted it since. I can still feel the smell permeating my body. I can still smell it, in me, on me, coming out of me… The stuff actually turned my stomach, which NEVER happens, just thinking about it gives my stomach a little flip.

During that afternoon we took a boat ride around the canals, which was really nice. It probably would have been incredible had the weather been nicer, but it was fun none the less. The water village was an impromptu activity that several people wanted to go on, but since everyone wanted to go we all gave up our free afternoon. The time was originally supposed to be ours. In the evening there was a planned dinner at the Pearl Tower in a rotating restaurant high above the skyline of Shanghai. Because we originally we supposed to have an easy afternoon many of us planned on actually going out for a night on the town on recommendations from Lina. But because we spent the day at the water village we were forced to head right to dinner, drenched, cold, and covered in water village muck. By the time dinner ended no one had any energy to do much of anything.

Dinner at the Pearl was a western style buffet. As the restaurant rotated diners had access to separate parts of the stations, each one having a different theme. Many of the younger women on the trip were excited to see an Italian station. The food was okay, I was honestly bored and underwhelmed with most of it, but I had a couple glasses of wine, so I was good. Eventually someone found escargot at the European station, served in the shell. It was, without a doubt, some of the best damn escargot I have ever had. I was amazed. At first I thought I must be crazy, but Jose and a couple of other totally agree, it was some of the best.

We did not have to be up early the next day and it seemed like such a waste to just stay in that night, but all I really wanted was a shower. So as soon as I got back I ran upstairs and rinsed off the film of stinky tofu, sweat, water village, and international buffet. When I got done I gathered up some things and headed back downstairs. If nothing else I was going to sit, have a beer, check some email, and read. I sat there at a computer until the bar closed; at some point Lacey came down to Skype and called me an alcoholic… Just as I had resided myself to the fact that I was going to have to call it a night, Olachi and Sarah came down to have a cigarette, so I was saved from having to go to bed. We hung out with Marlon for a bit, drank some Chinese liquor Olachi had bought, which I couldn’t place, and I went to bed feeling pretty good.

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

I woke up easy from the night before, got a shower and dressed myself in my lightest summer suit. As I was getting myself together I realized I was not in the possession of my debit card. So, needless to say, I started freaking out a little bit. To make a long story short I had left my card in the ATM the night before when I pulled out cash for the tailor. The hotel opened up the machine and there it was. No harm, no foul. I was good to go by the time I left for our first company visit.

Our company visits were the U.S. Commercial Services and the Chinese Futures Exchange. I took a few notes that day. During the USCS presentation I was aware of much of what they did because of my pre-trip presentation. As for the Chinese Futures Exchange, I was truly lost most of the time. I was also sweltering in the board room. I don’t usually sweat that much at the gym, but I could not get comfortable. I could move I was so hot. The humidity in Shanghai really got to me. The temperature never really bothered as much as humidity.

In between sessions we had lunch at the Seagull restaurant, which again was pretty good. I was stuffed by the time we left. I was curious about something though, I never understood the drink situation at these restaurants. One drink of soda, water, or beer per person? During that lunch I sat in between Sarah and April. Sarah looked like she had turned a bright grain and April refused to eat much of anything because she did not like the food. Sarah eventually disappeared for most of lunch and seemed to come back feeling a little better.

As good as lunch was, it was after lunch that was something special. Several of us walked along the water trying to find a fabled Starbucks. After a pleasant 15 minute walk we found what we were looking for. I immediately went to the bathroom, which like most places in China wasn’t actually in the building, but was down a very sketchy stairwell and through a dark hallway. The paper towel dispenser was empty, so I had to wipe my hands on my pants, but poor Tyler splashed cold water on his face and was left dripping.

I went back upstairs and ordered a bottle of water, which I drank immediately, and a large iced coffee. Then we sat outside along the water getting our caffeine fix. There were several of us sitting there quietly watching the water and the Bund across the river. In that moment I don’t know that there would anywhere else in the world I would want to be. It was one of those small moments you trudge through life to find. I could have sat there for hours, but time was limited and we had to go. Perhaps that’s what was so special, because it was fleeting. Everyone headed back and as we were walking Chris M., James and I discussed our own thoughts and feelings on China so far. It was a good afternoon.

As  I said earlier, during the Futures Exchange presentation, I was miserably hot. And I unfortunately could not concentrate on anything other than my own discomfort. I did manage to notice one thing. The presenter, Dr. Peng, had mismatching suit jacket and slacks. They were both blue, but one was pinstriped and the other was not. I also noticed that he played with his wedding ring finger, as if something had been there before, and wasn’t any longer. I could be way off base, but it struck me as odd. On another thought, the room with the electronic exchange information on the walls, where we took SO many pictures, looked like something out of a James Bond film.

After the presentation getting back on the bus was an incredible relief. The AC was on and I was feeling considerably better. We got back to the hotel, changed, and several of us went with Lina to get some food. We walked from the hotel down the street to a string of Chinese fast food places and settled on a place with noodles. As we crossed a major intersection a police officer started waiving at us, he yelled “WELCOME TO SHANGHAI! IS INTERESTING PLACE! YOU WANT TO DRIVE LAMBORGINI?” We were going to get some dumplings, but Chris D. threw a fit, because apparently he did NOT like dumplings. Lina helped each of us order, we sat down, and they brought us our food. I originally ordered beef noodles, because I learned very quickly that chicken always, ALWAYS has bones in it. But I got chicken because they were out of beef, damn. And there were bones. I ordered dumplings as well, so I did not go hungry. While I was eating, my hand began to cramp up from clutching the chop sticks too tight. I was having some trouble eating. I sat facing the entrance and several locals walked in. We were wonderful attractions, the western folks sitting in the back. The one watched in amazement as I ate my noodle. He then broke out in laughter. Even 6,200 miles away a cackle at someone’s expense sounds exactly the same. I then heard him talk to some friends through the gasps from laughing so hard, he was explaining what was so funny; they erupted in laughter as well. It was around this time Chris D. made a new friend, or an enemy, we weren’t really sure. As I left the restaurant I turned to Marlon and said, “You know why there are no fat Chinese people? Because you can’t freakin’ eat a damn thing with chopsticks!” Marlon just laughed me and shook his head.

That night we had the Acrobatic Show, which was fun. I think it was almost more fun watching everyone else in the group freak out watching these young performers risk their lives for our entertainment. The eight motorcycles inside the metal ball was intense. I once talked to a stunt who performed that trick in Las Vegas he said they generally don’t put anymore than three people in the ball at once… eight is freaking crazy! Also, in the beginning of the show there was the couple on the boat, they had an awful lot glassware for two people on a boat in Ancient China… it was supposed to be Ancient China right?

Anyway… The show was over and we left to head back to the hotel. While on the bus all I wanted to do was hit the indoor pool and maybe the gym; preferably the gym, then the pool. Part of me was tired, but I had a considerable amount of nervous energy and needed to figure a way to let it out. By the time we got back the pool had closed, but the gym was open for another hour. So I changed quickly and went down. I exercised with for about an hour. The attendant came in and checked on me several times probably hoping I would leave so he could close up early. I wandered out around 10:50pm and went down to lobby bar to by a bottle of cold water. Sure enough I got my water, checked my email, talked to some folks, took a shower and was in bed by 12:30am. I fell asleep quickly and slept really well.

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

I am sitting in a restaurant called Real Flavors with many of the people from the trip. From the pictures on the menu, for our convenience, the food looks delicious. I personally ordered the Duck Spring Rolls and Spicy Sauce Dumplings. The Duck Spring Rolls were good, but could have been anything, The dumplings were really good though. They served us beer in frozen mugs, which tasted delicious. After finishing the waitress brought us our check, which was all in one, so we asked that it be split. The poor girl then spent the next 20 minutes trying to split the bill. Which then we ran late to get to the meeting spot. We should have probably just split the damn bill; it would go a lot quicker.

When the girl handed me my change I accepted with one hand… oops. I have to be better about that.

Even before lunch I had a full day. We started with the Jade Buddha Temple in the heart of Shanghai. As many tourists as there were, I am always self conscious of going into active religious areas. Although I personally do not actively participate in any religious affiliation I greatly respect those that do and always feel like I am intruding when entering something like the temple while there are people there to pray. That said, I enjoyed walking around the temple and the Jade Buddha itself was gorgeous.

I found the buying of candle oil funny. We were not allowed to take photos of the Jade Buddha so that tourists are forced to buy their post cards. Then the devout are able to purchase lamp oil from the worker in the room and then donate it back to the temple to keep the fire lit. What a scam. If the temple already has the oil in their position than they can already afford to buy it. I don’t know it just bugged me (This kind of thing was something I saw time and time again in China). The temple itself was only 150 years old, which I was hoping for something with more age. I live in a building that dates back that to the same time. With such an ancient civilization I was hoping to find something with more history.

On the way out of the temple we were inundated with beggars and merchants. Generally if I ignore them they tend not to bother me too much, but several latched themselves to our group and you could tell that some of our folks were frightened, or at least uncomfortable.

I did see some of the disparity I was waiting for. In Lost on Planet China the author talks about seeing people in bad shape begging in the streets. Sure enough there were people wheeling themselves around on carts with infected stumps of severed limbs begging for change. I still didn’t give them anything. I guess living around Baltimore City has made me cold to their “plight.” There’s only so much a person can take.

The market later in the morning was a good start. I believe the history for the whole thing was that it was originally build as a home for the governor (?) but the Emperor became jealous and the home was then given as a gift. It’s now a market with a Dairy Queen. Dairy Queen! I didn’t the Chinese could handle lactose, but judging by the popularity of Haagen Dazs around here that no longer seems to be an issue.

In all honesty the Gardens we walked through I found unimpressive. Again, I think I was looking for something a little more “ancient” and a reconstructed garden just wasn’t “blowing my skirt up.” It was pretty though and I enjoyed some the intricacies in the details; like the zig-zag bridges to ward off demons and evil spirits. Does that mean that evil spirits and demons are only able to walk in straight lines? I won’t think on this too much.

On our way out of the garden I saw a wonderful little moment. As we walked down the major path on the outskirts of the vegetation I saw people walking through the paths in-between the bamboo. There was an old couple, probably in their 80′s walking in the opposite direction (coming toward us). The husband was walking several feet in front of his wife. He arms were out slapping the leaves on either side of the path which his wife walked behind him starring at him in absolute disgust. The look on her face was “My husband is an idiot.” They have probably been together for 60 years and she still gives him the same look my girlfriend gives me. She was probably thinking, “I should have married the other guy.” It was an honest and quiet moment.

We finished for the morning after seeing the temple, the gardens, and the market with the rest of the day to ourselves before having the welcome dinner at 7pm. People weren’t sure what they were going to do, but Prof. Yu said he would take some time and head over to Nanjing Rd. We were going to have to take the subway. I figured that would be good, because I didn’t know where in the hell I was going in Shanghai. The only exposure to Shanghai I had ever had was what I saw in the film Mission Impossible 3…

We came back to the hotel and quickly left for Nanjing Rd. I was also curious to head over there because I knew the Bund was close, although I didn’t exactly know what the Bund was, I knew I wanted to see it.

Nanjing Rd was an experience. It was crowded. I’m glad we had a Chinese speaker with us at all times in Dr. Yu, it made things a bit easier. On the ride over on the Subway James was accidentally left at the station. Luckily we were able to tell him that we were only going two stops before getting off… he showed back up after 3 minutes. All was well. Walking out of the station there was the largest poster of George Clooney I have ever seen. It was on the side of the building advertising some watch brand I will never be able to afford. Chris M. looked up and just said, “Wow. He really is one good looking bastard, isn’t he?” I can’t disagree. The advert was on the side of European style building which seemed to be the general style of Nanjing Rd. From there we walked the length of the road, which dead ended right into the Bund, which come to find out, is the section of the city that is in the European Style. There is an observation walkway along the shore of the river, where Nanjing Rd. ends, that overlooks the new section of Shanghai. We stood, marveled at the monument to the last 20 years of Chinese Progress that is the other side of the river, took a ton of pictures and turned back to head back up the street.

The Professor went ahead to get a massage, others had already split off before, and the rest of us took our time walking up. Half way up the street there were some outdoor cafe’s offering beer and coffee. Chris M., Chris D., Jose, James, Tyler, and myself all sat and had a few beers. Our meet time was 5 pm near the station and time was about up. The other guys decided to stay and find their way back, but I left. I wanted to get back to the hotel and get a shower before dinner. I walked back up to find Lacey and Tamara sitting, waiting on everyone else. On my way back I started to notice the local’s reactions to me. Through mirrored glasses I watch their eyes scan me up and down, ignore me, chuckle, whatever… At one point a group of women walked by and said “Hello,” an English hello. At first I didn’t think anything of it, but I knew something didn’t seem right. I’m in China, no one should be saying “hello.” I turned to look and sure enough they were walking passed but turned and starring at me. Score one for Bill!

We sat and I noticed a few things. First, if you are not into crowds… Do not visit China. There are too many people for someone who can’t handle large groups of people. Second, generally speaking you have to keep moving in China. Tourists who stand still are perfect prey for shop-less merchants and beggars. The three of us were hounded non-stop while sitting and waiting.

At one point I had to pee while waiting on the Professor to finish his foot massage. There was a Starbucks in the mall directly behind us and so I figured I could find a bathroom in there. I did, but it took awhile. I noticed something about Malls in China, they do not have the same sense of stall space as the States. What I mean is that I walked into Starbucks, which had no bathroom, but was able to immediately enter a makeup store. There was almost no division, that makeup store lead into another store which had an escalator that let you out into another store at the top, which had the bathroom inside. It was very surreal.

Even though I had my eye out for the Professor and the rest of the crew I somehow missed them walking by, so at some point I turned around and saw the professor standing there with everyone else. We then set off back to the hotel. When we got back into the subway I was very confused. NY, DC, anytime I have been on the subway I always have a hard getting my bearings, so I generally leave subway direction to some else more informed. Prof. Yu seemed to know where he was going, but several other folks weren’t so confident.

We navigated the subway alright, but once above ground we wandered around for about 30 minutes trying to find the hotel. At one point we had wandered into a dead end, there was no one else around, there were high concrete walls with barbed wire the entrance to an unmarked (military?) installation blocked with a traffic booth and bar. Even though there wasn’t a single person in sight I felt like we were being watched bb unseen eyes, it felt like we didn’t belong. Eventually we kept walking and found our way back to the hotel… Apparently we should have come out of the other subway exit… who knew?

Side note 6/12/13: I find it interesting that as I sit somewhere a restaurant or bar, whatever. I get comfortable and forget where I am. Then I get up to head to the bathroom and am immediately confronted with fact that I am six thousand miles away. This was a thought I had in Shanghai, “Asian New York.” I did not feel the same way in Beijing.

Part of the reason for heading back at the time was so that we could meet Lina who had brought in a tailor for us to get custom fitted suits. And so begins the saga of the tailor in Shanghai.

So once the fitting was done I went back up stairs to get ready for our “Farewell Dinner.” Earlier that day Lina had accidentally said that the dinner that night was our “Farewell Dinner.” This is what we referred to it as for the rest of the trip.

Dinner at “South Beauty” was excellent, well my table and I thought so, apparently not everyone agreed. I was sitting most of the guys from the trip and we ate just about everything that came to the table. Highlights for me were the prawns on a stick and the beef cooked in the oil. They took away the beef early to make room for the soup. No one wanted to soup, it was too hot. There was chicken, shrimp, and fish, all of which was decent. I know Chris M. and I thoroughly enjoyed dinner. We enjoyed it so much that other tables started sending over dishes they no longer wanted, which was fine by us.

Once dinner was over, we hit the bathroom, which smelled funny, and headed back to the bus. Because we would all be out and dressed up, there was a plan in place to go out for some Shanghai night life. The bus was kind enough to drop us off around Xin Tian Di. Originally almost everyone said they were coming out, but when the time came, only a handful got off the bus. From my understanding there was a considerable amount of jet lag going around. I was later told that the conversation at another table had become pretty heavy and much of the “life of the party” had been sucked from the room, so no one felt like going out. But several of us did, and how interesting it was.

One our way to Xin Tian Di the professor got up to speak to us about the next day. Somehow he shifted his attention to me, essentially calling me out on not having Lina’s tip for the day. “I’ll take care of it… Don’t worry about it!” I had it covered and handed it to Lina on my way out of the bus.

The bus dropped us off several blocks away from the French Concession, which took us a moment to find, but we eventually did. As we wandered around we doubled back once, and eventually found an entrance through a small alley. From the street the sign pointed to, what I assumed, were restaurant names, so I followed it. As we wandered through the brick hallway I could tell some folks were getting a little tense, but we eventually made a turn and wandered into a courtyard with nothing but bars and restaurants around a beautiful water fountain.

We looked around for awhile trying to figure out where we should go, when I darted into the first place I saw that had room at the bar. The place was called TMSK, I have no idea what the letters stood for. The bar was empty, but we got funny looks from the several locals sitting inside as we stormed in. The bartenders didn’t speak much English, but they tried.  After several beers we decided to head out.

The next place we hit was a German beer house called Paulner Munchen. There was a place across the street called Luna-something-or-other, there was a band covering American hits in Chinese. You could barely hear yourself think outside of that place, so we decided on the German beer house. As several of us walked in waitresses tried to stop us, I thought we’d be able to stand at the bar, but apparently everyone inside was seated by the staff. The hostess found an out of the way table upstairs, away from the other customers. Our first waitress took our orders and brought the beers, but then she sent over another woman who spoke English. She was very nice. Half way through our liter beers no one at the table was “feeling any pain.”

When we came in the band had taken a break, so the stage was left empty. I don’t remember the first person to bring it up, but we got on the subject of karaoke. Then the idea of jumping on stage to sing came up. From there Olachi and Tyler agreed that they would sing “All the Single Ladies” by Beyonce. After talking them down from storming the stage in the German beer house, we paid the tab and set out to find ourselves a karaoke bar. The English speaking waitress pointed us in the right direction.

We wandered outside the bar and restaurant area to a dark street in the direction the waitress had told us. We rounded a corner and low and behold there was an enormous karaoke bar. We walked into the lobby to much confusion amoungst the staff and ourselves. We walked up some stairs into an area that had private sound proof rooms that were filled with laughing teens. The staff had followed us up the stairs and were trying, with little luck, to corral us out of the place. On our way out we realized that the place was BYOB and you had to rent the rooms. Oh all that, AND all the music was in Chinese. Olachi and Tyler eventually left China without ever having performing their drunken duet.

We went back to the bar area and eventually settled on a small place called The Rendezvous. There was a four piece band covering American hits in English and the bartenders were western. The place was crowded, the beer was cold, and the atmosphere was fun. I could see myself making that a regular haunt if I ever found myself living in Shanghai.

After several songs and a couple more beers we headed out and decided to call it a night. It was only 12:30am. We call caught cabs back to the hotel. There was a bit of confusion with the cabs. Jose, being in a bit of a stupor, tried getting into our full cab. As he closed the door our driver took off and rounded a corner, so we couldn’t see if Jose made it or not. Obviously he did. In fact he made it home before our cab. Go figure.

Back at the hotel we all waited for everyone to get back. Once we knew everyone was safe and sound I went to bed, while Marlon, Chris M. and Menkara went out to find some food. It was a big night.

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

Most of the day was spent on the plane, in my particular case, sleeping. My intention was to get all my schoolwork done while in the air, I got through about half of it before trying to sleep.

Landing and getting through customs was surprisingly easy. I expected the airport to be a mad house and customs to be difficult. Instead I was welcomed to a large, white, humid room with few people and quick moving lines. My customs officer was a kindly looking woman who smiled at me and processed my paper work quickly. When she handed me back my paper works she pointed to a small device on the counter.   There was a message in Chinese and English that asked to rate my experience. I could choose one of four buttons: in green, in green, in red, and in red. I chose She let me in the country and that’s all that mattered. As a side note there was a lot of use of the word “foreigner” on signs everywhere. In the states we use that as almost a put down, but it doesn’t have the same context, it isn’t supposed to, but I think that’s how they feel about us.

I’m kidding… mostly.

Once through, the journey to the hotel was a quick bus ride. The roads were practically empty. I expected more traffic on a rainy Saturday Night, but apparently not. Our tour guide, Lina, said it will be much busier during the week. We soon arrived at the hotel and were quickly checked in. As a group the Professor has some words for us, mostly about being on time, but eventually he asked for a volunteer to take care of gathering tip money each day for the bus driver and Lina. I took the job… I have a feeling this is going to cause me a great deal of headache on this trip.

I walked into the room around 8:45pm and flopped down my luggage. Several folks were going out to explore the city, but I didn’t really feel like it, all I wanted to was brush my teeth and take a shower, which I did.

That was of course after having to call down to the front desk because I couldn’t figure out how to work the shower. After a very nice woman came in and laughed as she showed me how the whole operation worked I bathed myself.

I got changed and went down to the second floor to get some dinner and a beer. I was unaware that there wasn’t an actual “bar” to sit and order food from so after some confusion and three waiters and hostess I was sat at the breakfast bar with a beer in hand, but no food. Sarah and Chris M. came in shortly after where we got a table and ordered dinner. Caitlin eventually joined us and the rest of the evening was spent talking and drinking, generally enjoying the company and the hotel.

Not a bad first day here in China. Alright, time to sleep. Here’s to no jet lag!

*Throughout the journal comments made in real time, while on the ground in China, are designated in italics. Everything else was written after returning. Side notes are random thoughts I had that do now particularly fit in anywhere.

June 10, 2011

China seemed so far away for so long. I don’t mean literally, because it is half way around the world. I mean that it felt like that day to actually board a plane headed to China always seemed like a point on the horizon; a goal never to be reached or attained. All the meeting and all the preparation were for an experience I would never have, just plan to have. Even in the airport it didn’t feel like anything. I was just sitting in an airport.

There had been so much to do before leaving that I hadn’t had the time to let the fact that I was going to Shanghai and Beijing sink in. it wasn’t until I was on the plane lightly dozing listening to some music that I the reality came into focus.

As I started to drift off a dream started to materialize. I was walking into my hotel room in Shanghai, the city looming below outside the window. At that moment I immediately came out of my nap and it finally felt like I was going somewhere.

I had been saying earlier in the week that all I wanted to do was get on the plane; I was tired of work, of planning, or prep time, I just wanted to get there so I could enjoy it. When I snapped out of the nap I felt it. I felt the week slide off my shoulders, the pressure of home lift and state of excitement started. Now I’m sitting here anxious to get to San Francisco so that I can board a plane that will take me to a place that is totally foreign to me.

If there is one thing I wanted from the trip was to travel somewhere I could find no relation to home. Last summer I was fortunate enough to travel to Switzerland. It was an incredible experience, one that I will remember for the rest of my life, but Lucerne seemed familiar. Everyone spoke English and the city itself was small and inviting. I want to be uncomfortable and perhaps a little uneasy. I want to see places I’ve only seen in movies and read about in books.

This is trip is immense, in both scope and intention. There is a mountain to cover in 7 days on the ground. There will be cultural tours and business meetings, planned outings and absent wanderings. I want to better understand one of the current largest world powers.

It is an interesting time to head to China, especially with America’s current climate of uncertainty. So many people are continuously blaming China for our trouble, but I do not believe that is correct. What is the cause of our trouble? I’m not entirely sure, but it is unwise to blame external sources for internal trouble. I am a firm believer in helping to solve a problem instead of lament about it, but thats what politicians and talking heads do continuously blame the world with no intention of giving an answer. And its always the same thing “…its China’s fault.”

If a student comes to class without having done their homework with an elaborate story for the reason why they had not done is the teacher supposed to reward the student? Or rather, should the student be held accountable for his or her actions no matter how fast or how much homework the neighbor next door is doing theirs?

It will be interesting upon my return home to see if I have a better understanding and knowledge of these modern issues. I have read and heard so much second hand knowledge that I am eager to experience all of it for myself.

This is going to be one hell of a trip!

by Bill Linzey

In the realm of cultural studies there are few players larger than Geert Hofstede and his son, Gert Jan. In the 1970′s Geert Hofstede worked closely with IBM to gather information on the values  of the companies diverse employees from around the world; it was an interesting and enormous amount of data. Although not the initial intent of IBM’s study, Geert was able to find interesting correlations among the answers of the surveys. The IBM employees were similar in every way around the world except in nationality, which Geert hypothesized was the cause of the variance. Several common problems were found in the initial study:

• Social inequality, including the relationship with authority
• The relationship between the individual and the group
• Concepts of masculinity and femininity: the social and emotional implications of having been born as a boy or a girl
• Ways of dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity, which turned out to be related to the control of aggression and the expression of emotions. [1]

From these observations Geert Hofstede created his cultural dimensions which stand a base for cultural understanding. Although critics argue that they are broad generalizations about entire countries, “…Hofstedes’s work should not be dismissed either. It represents a starting point for managers trying to figure out how cultures differ and what that might mean for management practices.”[2]

Hofstede broke down his dimensions into five categories: Power Distance Index (PDI), Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV), Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS), Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI), and Long-Term vs. Short-Term Orientation.

Power Distance Index (PDI)

This is the continuum of equality that exists between bottom and the top of power in a society, measured from the bottom as opposed to the top. “It suggests that a society’s level of inequality is endorsed by the followers as much as the leaders.” [3]

Individualism vs. Collectivism (IDV)

This particular dimension deals with how integrated a person is into a strong cohesive group. In  an individualistic society people have loose ties to one another and are expected to watch out for themselves. A collectivist society, on the other hand, creates strong ties to groups, such as families, that require unquestioning loyalty and protection of its members. It should be noted that collectivism refers to a group and not any particular political stance. [4]

Masculinity vs. Femininity (MAS)

International Management by Helen Dereskey  best describes this dimension:

The [third] value dimension, masculinity, refers to the degree of traditionally “masculine” values – assertiveness, materialism, and lack of concern for others – that prevail in a society. In comparison, femininity emphasizes “feminine” values – a concern for others, for relationships, and for the quality of life. In highly masculine societies (Japan and Austria), women are generally expected to stay at home and raise a family. [5]

Uncertainty Avoidance Index (UAI)

This index deals with each culture’s ability to deal with the unknown. Nations that strive to avoid all uncertainty will often implement strict rules and laws in order to deal with any situation what may arise. The people within these cultures become anxious and nervous when faced with ambiguity. On the other hand countries that are able to handle uncertainty are often contemplative and will strive to have as few rules as possible. This also allows them to be more accepting and understanding of others opinions and practices.[6]

Long-Term vs. Short Term Orientation

This is also known as the “Confucian work dynamism,” because of the dimension’s roots in a study called the Chinese Value Survey conducted by Hofstede and his colleagues. Long-Term orientation is defined as “the extent to which a culture programs its members to accept delayed gratification of their material, social, and emotional needs.”[7] On the other hand, traits that are associated with short-term oriented societies are “respect for tradition, fulfilling social obligations, and protecting one’s ‘face.’”[8]  The values of both short and long term cultures can be found in the teachings of Confucius, hence the original name. This dimension can apply to cultures outside those influenced by the Chinese philosopher.

Graphs provided by www.geert-hofstede.com

 Geert Hofstede analysis for China has Long-term Orientation (LTO) the highest-ranking factor (118), which is true for all Asian cultures. This Dimension indicates a society’s time perspective and an attitude of persevering; that is, overcoming obstacles with time, if not with will and strength.

 The Chinese rank lower than any other Asian country in the Individualism (IDV) ranking, at 20 compared to an average of 24. This may be attributed, in part, to the high level of emphasis on a Collectivist society by the Communist rule, as compared to one of Individualism.

The low Individualism ranking is manifest in a close and committed member ‘group’, be that a family, extended family, or extended relationships. Loyalty in a collectivist culture is paramount. The society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.

Of note is China’s significantly higher Power Distance ranking of  80 compared to the other Far East Asian countries’ average of 60, and the world average of 55. This is indicative of a high level of inequality of power and wealth within the society. This condition is not necessarily forced upon the population, but rather accepted by the society as their cultural heritage.[9]

Hofstede’s cultural dimensions are not without their critics, but as a student and future business professional they provide an excellent gateway into cultural learning in the global economy. Reflecting upon personal experiences within China and the dimension’s scores, there is considerable evidence both supporting and opposing the aforementioned analysis.

As varied as the presentations were between all the companies and universities while in China each came with their own observations and feelings about the country and the culture. Jari Tukia, a Profit Center Director of ABB, had an entire slide devoted to little notes he found important for any foreigner doing business in China, among these were:

• Relationship are key: Guanxi
• The country is hungry to get to the level of living as much as the rest of the world
• “I don’t understand, but I trust.”
• The way of doing things is not linear
• “You don’t know China.” means they disagree
• “New regulations.” means they’re avoiding something
• Everything can change in an instant

From these little notes made by an Finnish ex-pat it becomes clear that some of Hofstede’s scores are correct. The importance of Guanxi, “the network of relationships among various parties that cooperate together and support one another, goes to strengthen the argument that China is a highly collective society.[10] Much of the reason for having strong relationships, especially professionally, comes from the Chinese desire to save “face.” Mr. Tukia also states that the Chinese will avoid saying the word “no,” and instead will say things such as “You don’t know China,” and “There are new regulations.” This hinders the Chinese from actually talking directly and in turn talking behind the other person’s back. “Thus, Chinese tend to believe only their closest friends and relatives.”[11] Tukia’s other note “The way of doing things is not linear,” further supports China’s long-term orientation. One of the main factors of a LTO culture is that people are willing to stave off instant gratification in order to pursue a grander outcome. In linear thinking there would be benchmarks showing progress. Small temporary goals to obtain, satisfying the moment. If the goal is truly long term than the need for small victories and accomplishments are negated.

There is an interesting contradiction within the Chinese society and Hofstede’s analysis. The major defining factor of China on Hofstede’s dimension is their LTO, ranked fourth behind S. Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. After having spent as little as week in China both factors of short term and long term thinking are obvious. The term “face” was used earlier, it specifically, “describes the proper relationship with one’s social environment, which is essential to a person (and the person’s family) as the front part of his or her head.”[12] Face, or more accurately losing face,  is also one of the major factors prevalent within a collective society. To lose face means you bring shame upon yourself, and your family or close knit group in a collectivist culture. China or its citizens never wish to lose face.  Even China’s government has been concerned about losing face for generations, ” The country [China] begins to feel that Government consented to arrangements by which China has lost face; the officials have long been conscious that they are becoming ridiculous in the eyes of the people” wrote Sir Robert Hart about the concerns of face in Chinese society, even as far back as 1876.[13] “Concern with face,” as Hofstede states is a symptom of a short term society, but “having a sense of shame” is the concern of a LTO.[14]

Perhaps this distinction between concerns of face and shame serve as a metaphor for the transition in which China is currently going through. It is no secret that since the late 1970′s China has started opening itself up to economic and social reforms. In modern China 64% of the nations GDP comes from the coast alone, which hold 51% of the population, and the pay four times higher for workers in urban areas; which has only developed over the last 30 years.[15] Usually change within society happens gradually, evolving slowly to become something new, but China’s modernization has happened so quick the social consequences could not be predicted. Perhaps with the shifting times the people of China are no longer worried about shaming the family or group, but rather maintaining face, regardless of what goes on privately.

There is an intriguing chart of the perceived business goal priorities in China:

It should be noted that all of these are all priorities of Chinese business professionals, but the goals on the left were ranked higher in a recent survey. It is interesting that there seems to be little correlation in Chinese perception between “honor, face, and reputation” and “staying within the law. ” This again illustrates China’s own contradiction.  Another example of this contradiction comes in the form of China’s low rating in UAI, with a score of 30, meaning the Chinese do not try to avoid ambiguity. “A low ranking in the UAI dimension is indicative of a society that has fewer rules and does not attempt to control all outcomes and results. It also has a greater tolerance for a variety of ideas, thoughts, and beliefs.”[17] Yet when looking at many of the traits of high ranking UAI countries China seems many similarities that would raise their score.

The People’s Republic of China has been known to quash any protest or uprising; stop any movement against the state. Mr. Chak of O& M stated that in China people are able to criticize, but not mobilize.[18]  This is a defining trait of society what wishes to avoid uncertainty.[19] Another piece of information given to us from Dr. Peng of the Chinese Futures Exchange stated that in order for a person to enter the stock market in China they must have minimum capital of ¥500,000, they must pass an investment test, have previous experience in commodity or mock trading, and a good credit record.[20]  That does not sound like a system that welcomes ambiguity. Perhaps that is the distinction, there is a fundamental difference between how the system and citizens of China operate. Dr. Peng stated that most investors wish to handle their own trading and things such as mutual funds have yet to become popular investment tools. The turnover rate for the Chinese Stock Market was twice as high as the United States in 2008 at 570%.[21] Gambling, in turn, is also very popular among the Chinese because “results are attributed to a person’s own ability,” a trait of  weak UAI. [22]

Is it very easy for an outsider to confuse the traits of the Communist government and the people of China. They most certainly are not one in the same. Although the government may wish to have a highly controlled environment where stability reigns true, the people within its borders live in an entirely different way.

China is an anything but a simple country filled with anything but simple people. They are rooted in tradition while at the same time quickly changing their own society. Take for example China’s high masculine score. In general terms a country with a high PDI and MAS index “stand for a norm of a dominant, tough father and a submissive mother who, although also fairly tough, is at the same time the refuge for consolation and tender feelings.”[23] Currently there is a surplus of 40 million men in the country mostly because of the perception that baring boys is preferable to baring girls in the countryside. From both our female tour guides it was related that this perception is changing quickly within the major cities throughout coastal China. It would be safe to assume that as China develops the MAS index will fall as perceptions change further.

Through China’s quickly growing society Hofstede’s initial finds could eventually start to shift as the perceptions of the population evolve. China’s high scoring PDI is no different; studies have shown that 70% of the countries citizens undoubtedly trust the government.[24] This lends itself to the idea that the power distance index is actually run from the bottom up; this is what people are willing to accept. On the other hand, there is 30% of the population that has become wary of Beijing; this percentage consists of those under the age of 25, the wealthy, urban dwellers, and educated citizens. In essence it is the people who will hold China in the future are those who are most distrustful. “Public demands for more political rights and civil liberty tend to increase rapidly once socioeconomic development reached high levels…. [leading itself to] value changes that result in distrust of government … this effect is starting to manifest itself in China” comments one researcher at the China Policy Institute of Nottingham University.[25]

In the conclusion of Prof. Zhao’s presentation he stated that in order to understand China’s newly founded securities market, their hybrid economic system, or their evolving political system we must first understand its people. He then said, “try to understand why we are who we are, and why we are where we are.”[26] The cultural dimensions exist as a starting point for this exact purpose.

The future of China is yet to be determined, they have developed to so quickly that there is little precedent to set any expectations. What this means for outsiders trying to enter the Chinese market and those already participating is that, as Jari Tukia of ABB said, “Everything can change in an instant.” This is not necessarily a negative; instead it should be seen as opportunity. In an environment where everything can change, “anything can happen!”[27]

Chak, M. (2011, June 16). Chief Planning Officer for O&M China.

Chen, M. (2007). Cultural Dimensions of HR. Retrieved July 2011, from The China Business Review: http://www.chinabusinessreview.com/public/0707/chen.html

Dereskey, H. (2008). International Management: Managing Across Borders and Cultures. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Ford, P. (2010, September 15). China’s Public Opinion Gap: Chinese Youth are Starting to Mistrust Beijing. Retrieved July 2011, from The Christian Science Monitor: http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-South-Central/2010/0915/China-s-public-opinion-gap-Chinese-youth-are-starting-to-mistrust-Beijing

Guanxi, An Important Chinese Business Element. (n.d.). Retrieved from Los Angeles Chinese Learning Center: http://chinese-school.netfirms.com/guanxi.html

Hill, C. W. (2007). International Business: Competeing in the Global Marketplace . New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Hofstede, G. (2010). Geert Hofstede Cultural Dimensions: China. Retrieved July 2011, from Geert-Hofstede.com: http://www.geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_china.shtml

Hofstede, G., Hofstede, G. J., & Minkov, M. (2010). Cultures and Organizations: Software of the Mind. McGraw Hill.

Lim, R. (2011, June 17). Business Challenges in China: Facts and Myths.

Martin, G. (2010). Lose Face – Save Face. Retrieved 2011, from The Phrase Finder: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/lose-face.html

Peng, D. Z. (2011, June 13). Bringing Financial Futures to China.

Zhao, P. L. (2011, June 16). Capital Market in China: History and Development of the Stock Market in China.

“Have you even known someone who is deeply and genuinely happy? A person who truly has the ability to see the world through rose-colored glasses? Someone who appears composed and untroubled even in the face of adversity?”[1]

I have met several people who display these exact qualities; I always figured they were mentally ill. Specifically working in the bar industry I often deal with unhappy people. People who for one reason or another are self medicating. I have heard so often people talk about finding the key to their happiness. There is one person in particular, we’ll call him Frank. Frank and I used to be close, but things have been strained for a number of years. He started as just a customer, became a friend, and is now back to being a customer. Much of the reason for the change is his unwavering unhappiness. He has literally spent years feeling terrible. He refuses to get actual help. He’s changed jobs, switched living arrangements, found (relative) financial stability, and his mood has not changed. This is not uncommon. I know many people like Frank.

The other night I was sitting in the bar having a beer with a regular and we were discussing the nature of happiness. I eventually posed him the question: ” Imagine choosing one of two options: (A) Overnight, you can have a balanced, integrated life in which you will be out-of-the-box most of the time; and you will be able to live from your highest values with ease and grace. (B) You can have a check for $100 million dollars. Which would you choose?” He immediately chose (A). We started discussing the burdens of $100 million dollars. He said that chance are with an integrated life, he would be comfortable, probably successful. If his life was truly integrated chances are he could play golf on a Monday afternoon, which is all he wants. With a large sum, like $100 million, there come burdens, like relative strangers asking for handouts because of the money. “[A] third of those with assets greater than $10 million said that money bought more problems than it solved.”[3]

He continued on about his dream car. My customer lives in the city and does not have a car, but his dream car is a 1979 VW Rabbit. His argument was that it would have good gas mileage, easy enough to repair, and he would care what damage it took. “That’s luxury!” He said. I immediately thought of my 2007 Charger and how I was almost reduced to tears the first time I saw a scratch on her. He’s really onto something.