Our first day in Shanghai

After we went through customs, there were MANY people waiting for their loved ones and associates.  At the end of the long line, we found Wendell and Amy Kauffman.  Wendell graduated from high school with me and we hadn't seen each other in 21 years, other than facebook!  They were kind enough to pick us up from the airport, bring us to our hotel to freshen up, show us their beautiful apartment, take us for a ride on the subway (very clean and modern), walk us around Shanghai, and treat us to a wonderful dinner.  My first impressions:  Shanghai streets are very clean, being a big city-we've seen every possible type of attire-from MC Hammer pants, to fleece pajamas, to high end fashion.  The food:  AMAZING!!  We shared a meal of spicy green beans, cucumbers, pork dumplings, veggie dumplings, sauteed mixed greens, fried rice, and pork.  ALL of it was delicious!  I already know that Chinese in the US will never taste the same!  Wendell and Joe each had a beer-Joe's first Chinese beer!  I tried a Chinese Coke.  Mmmm!  Wendell and Amy have 6 kids and I pictured them living in a cramped apartment.  It was actually very modern and spacious.  It is privately gated (several high rises full of people) and the buildings all surround a beautiful park.  I should have taken more pictures of their apartment!  I've only slept for a couple hours, but I think I'll try again after I post this.  Amy gave me her cell phone and we hope to do a little sight seeing or shopping before they assist us in getting on the train.  We leave for Hangzhou at 12:45.  12 hours!  We haven't been scared for our safety or anything like that.  We have learned to ignore the beggars, just as you would in any big city in the US.  One beggar didn't like to be ignored, so he was tapping my arm while we waited to cross an intersection.  I wasn't sure what to do about that!  SO many bikes, mopeds, and such.  They outnumber the cars, cabs, and buses significantly!  Joe has learned to pave his way across the road, when the walk light is green.  Apparently, you must not look at the car, because if they know you see them, they will keep going and turn while you are trying to cross.  The buses, we've been told, will not stop for pedestrians, so we must not ignore them.  We are having a great time and all is well.  We are looking forward to getting to Hangzhou and being there until next Friday, but this journey has already been unbelievable.  It could sound like a cliche to some, but I have known every step of the way, that God has been leading us to Malia.  With all the people that he has put in our path in the last 2 days, I have never been more certain.  I am blessed. 

Photo taken from Wendell and Amy's balcony/patio.  The buildings surround the park.  Apparently, they wait until it gets warmer, to fill the pool.  It was only 85 yesterday!  It won't be filled until June.  Also, there is the biggest sandbox every-like an urban beach, along with squash courts, and multiple other activities. 

Inside the Kauffman's apartment