I’m sitting here with an excellent cup of coffee in the lounge on the 38th floor of the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Shanghai looking over the most amazing skyline I’ve ever seen. In fact, that’s the word that has repeatedly come to my lips during my first two days here: amazing!
A view of Shanghai, as photographed by SF Ballet dancer Quinn Wharton
Shanghai is the most energized and ALIVE place I’ve ever experienced. The people are friendly and full of a robust vigor that explains why every street I’ve walked up seemed to be under construction. The clichés about the “teeming” streets of Asia only faintly describe what it’s like here. I walked through Yu Gardens and Bazaar yesterday, and up Nanjing Road to the river today, and I really couldn’t walk more than 10 steps without being buttonholed by someone wanting to sell me a Rolex, iPod, or T-shirt.
Frankly, I love it here. I love the energy, conviviality and ambition of the people. And I love the interaction between Chinese culture and our own. It’s a stimulating, often funny mix that seems to be evolving more rapidly than we can comprehend.
The dancers started rehearsing in the theater today (Sunday) and we give our opening mixed-rep program on Tuesday. I’ll keep you posted as the tour progresses.
Zai Jien!
Matt
One Comment
Why not check out Mao Ming Road, Huai Hai Road or Heng Shan Road, which represents the old Shanghai and be called the “French Concession” area in tourist books? There are not so many people touting rolex to you I believe (sorry for that, as a native shanghainese shame on us) Besides, the old jazz pub, playing by 70-yr-old musicians, in He Ping Hotel (Hotel of Peace) at the bund area is also a good place to enjoy your night of Shanghai. Wish they are to your taste.