After a couple of weeks in Holland, I am back in Shanghai again. The first couple of days in the Netherlands felt weird and uncomfortable. I really had to acclimatize myself; the jetlag, the people, the surrounding. I guess China has gotten in to me. China and Holland are just 2 total different countries. I was walking to the bus to get to work this morning and I was looking at the way people where dressed. I couldn't find one person who was dressed very outstanding or colorful; no trend, no different styles in the crowd. Why is this?
One explanation is that China as a country didn't really stimulate differences. To be different was something "bad". China wasn't really in favor of that, so people where not exposed to different styles and thinking. But you can see the changes in China nowadays. More and more Chinese has their own opinion, styles and thinking. Shanghai is developing new trendy neighborhoods with nice and interesting stores. That's one thing I like about Shanghai; every time I come back I can find some new changes.
October holidays are near. This year, we have a holiday break of 8 days!! The celebration of the national day and the mid-autumn day falls in the same period. This holiday is the longest holiday. If you can choose, do NOT come to Shanghai-since the city will be packed with tourist. Everywhere you go in China, it will be busy busy. My plan was to escape China, but I was too late to book the tickets. Now my plan is at least to escape Shanghai for a couple of days. Try to catch some breath near Hangzhou, between the bamboo forest and the different lakes and natural reservoirs. Still making a plan ;)