Week # 1 in China

Work-

Started the week on Monday in my new office. Spent my work week documenting processes and learning. One trip to Hong Kong to look at our warehouse and meet with staff in Hong Kong Office. Caught up with business contacts I had not seen or spoke with since my last trip in August. Work is going very well and the staff in our office is outstanding. Very friendly and act as my translators as needed.

Personal-

Looked at 4 apartments on Monday afternoon and another 16 showings on Saturday. I was very tired Saturday evening. I have narrowed the list to 4 apartments in the Futian District in Shenzhen. I will go back and see them again this week, then see what price is negotiated. I wish to get into an apartment and begin settling down in my own space. All the apartments come furnished and ready to move in. It is a mater of finding the right location and the space in which I can be comfortable. I will put photo's up when I get a place. Looking forward to getting out of a hotel, which is a very nice hotel, but my own space would be great. View from hotel window is attached.

Talked to home a fair amount and used Skype. That software works really well and lets me see my family.

China Problems-

I learned another China mantra to keep in mind; China Problem, China Solution. I had a couple of these this Sunday. First while riding in a taxi alone (driver speaks ZERO English), the cab broke down on the busy expressway. The driver tried to get the car running and did not want me to get out of his cab. I was not about to stay locked in the back seat of a cab in the middle of an expressway traffic lane. After some actions that showed him I am would be making my own door, I stood in traffic and caught a ride with an off duty cab. He got me off the expressway on into a local neighborhood taxi stand. The largest American for miles in a local Louhu neighborhood. End of story, it took 5 cabs later, but I got a taxi and made it back to the hotel safe and sound. IT WAS FUN!

Second problem on Sunday. Headline would read- "Dumb American sticks ATM card in wrong machine". Yes, I lost my only source of cash when I inserted my ATM card into an Chinese Bank passbook machine. It will take about 3-4 days, but I should get my card back.

More Later,

Kevin