So people and food have been two suprisingly positive experiences on this trip. I've been very lucky to work with some very generous and helpful folks. They've taken me to dinner, dragged me through streets and tourist destinations, invited me into their homes (and others' homes), fed me, and pretty much carted me through places and experiences I would have never done on my own.

When it comes to food, they've also been extremely helpful to pick out new and different foods that have been absolutely wonderful. I've tried Northern China cooking (Beijind Roast Duck, salad for breakfast), Southern China cooking (Fresh grouper cooked in soy sauce... fish so fresh it was swimming 15 minutes ago), and Western China cooking (Fried jumbo prawns, spicy tofu & bean paste, strips of beef cooked in oil heated by hot stones). Now I've also had a few western-oriented meals in the hotels, but they're not as different or unique as more traditional fare.

I've made it to Shanghai now, but unfortunately will not be able to experience as much of the city as I hoped. I will be traveling to a customer site that is 5 hours away from Shanghai, so I will leave at 8am and won't be back until after 10pm. I then have Friday morning in the office before heading to the airport to come home. I'll probably have future trips to enjoy Shanghai, but I wish I could have seen more.