New Balance 8K Run for Fun

My first outdoor race! The 8K Jinqiao run is the beginning of my love of running with a group of people. The race took place this past Sunday. Djorf and I shared a taxi with our friend Shannon because Jinqiao is out in the "suburbs" of Shanghai. We met Team Taco at Cantina Agave and prepared to race to the finish line.

It all began one fateful evening (the same evening Loki was lost) at Cantina Agave in the French Concession after multiple margaritas and shots of tequila quickly downed to dull the pain and celebrate a post Brazilian wax. Shannon and I signed up for the 8K and I signed up Djorf, unbeknownst to him of course. Shortly thereafter the race was forgotten until the week before the event.

Mustached and ready to run

I had done no training, had not run in months, and needed to get fit fast. Normally I prefer to run indoors on a treadmill, at a specific pace, in a controlled air conditioned climate, a fan blowing on me, and my iPod on to drown out the sounds of other humans in the vicinity. If only Apple made something to eliminate the smell. I have been doing Zumba twice a week for the last few months and I am in relatively good shape even without exercise. So I got to work, and ran for half an hour after my Zumba class on Wednesday, I ran for an hour on Thursday and Friday, took Saturday off and was as ready as I'd ever be for the race on Sunday. (Poor Shannon had completely spaced the race until two days before but she still wanted to go.)

The cost was a killer deal for 300 RMB. It included payment for the race, donation to some charity, a t-shirt with Team Taco on it, and a Mexican food buffet after the race with....more margaritas...but of course!

Shannon and Me

When we arrived at Cantina Agave Sunday morning, and donned our snazzy baby blue t-shirts, fake mustaches, and posed for a few photos, we trotted over to the start line. There were 8,000 people running the race and everyone was jammed together, it was a disaster! I despise being squashed by crowds, but the electrifying excitement of the all the people getting together for fun and a good cause quelled my claustrophobic fears.

The crackle of a firework (surprise surprise, we are in China) started the race. The masses surged forward. No one was running yet, just a jerky jaunt. As we filtered out the bottle-neck and made the first right onto the blocked off road which was our racecourse, the crowd thinned slightly and the race was on!

Senor Djorf

ññAs the runners spread out, I had a better idea of what type of people run these types of races. I was originally under the impression that I might be one of the last to crawl across the finish line but I actually did quite well at 53 minutes. There were people of all sorts, ages, cultures, body types, and athletic abilities. Some people were dressed in costumes, some had dogs, one man carried a child on his shoulders the entire time.

As we rounded another bend, the first water station was in sight. If only I was so lucky. Unfortunately instead of the water I needed desperately, they were handing out bottles of sickeningly sweet and syrupy Vitamin Water. Nasty! To make matters worse, people were taking a few sips and throwing the majority of the liquid and bottle onto the grass by the side of the road. A complete waste and tons of trash. It's probably a good thing there was no water, because after the coffee and two bottles of water I drank before the race, I had to pee like a race horse, LOL.

The kilometers went by quickly and it wasn't long before the end was in sight. Thank goodness for songs like Stronger by Kelly Clarkson, Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO and Someone I Used to Know by Gotye which played over and over again kept me going.

Instead of counting off by kilometers, the signs being held up were counting down in meters, 780, 640, 530, 370, and then the finish line. I picked up my speed and made it just as the numbers on the clock switched from 52:99 to 53:00. Success!

And then, off to margaritas and Mexican Buffet!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Jinqiao, Shanghai

TJ also stands for Tianjin

Separation anxiety from the driver

Djorf's old stomping grounds were located in the clean, modern, smaller (only 10 million people) city of Tianjin. We took a fast train, 35 minutes from Beijing and a quick taxi ride to our much improved living quarters, Modena Service Apartments in the heart of Tianjin. The taxi was scary as I felt I was in jail. It was fairly late and I was exhausted after our day in Beijing so I went to bed.
The place we stayed was amazing after the run-down nasty place we stayed in Beijing. The beds had actual mattresses, springy, forgiving, soft, bouncy, fluffy, blissful, I could go on. I slept like a baby.

Patriotic beer on the Train

One of the first things I noticed about the people is that they seem even more angry when they talk then people in Shanghai. Every tone and syllable out of their mouths cuts like a knife. Every word seems to be yelled at you. Djorf assures me they aren't screaming and this is just the way of TJ's inhabitants. I don't know if I believe him because I already bungle the few Mandarin words I do know, and if the situation was reversed, I might also be frustrated with the laowai who continuously butchers every language she tries to speak, even her own. Oh how I wish I was multilingual like my wonderful fiancé.

Our day in TJ was uneventful. We slept in, ate a nice buffet breakfast which was included with our room, and wandered around. Djorf and I spent an hour at the bank trying to close his account and retrieve about $150 but a passport was not considered good enough documentation for the bureaucratic nightmare of banking in China. Djorf needed his "little red book" or his ATM card, neither of which he had and it takes seven days to get those replaced. He could only get all this done at this specific branch of ICBC in Tianjin, nowhere else. All attempts were futile, and we left dejected failures.

Earlier that day, I noticed that some fraudulent activity was taking place with my PayPal account. Payments were being made to people I didn't know without my permission. I called PayPal customer service using Skype to clear everything up. I proceeded to have one of the best conversations with someone who truly cared about my satisfaction. I used to get so frustrated with customer service when I lived in the States but after being on the receiving end of some of the worst customer service in the world, ICBC Bank in Tianjin, I have a whole new appreciation of those lovely people on the other end of the line. They speak to you nicely, they help you, they wish you well, and hope you have a wonderful evening. Many people take these do-gooders for granted. Never again, I say! If only knew how lucky they were to have a number to call.

After the bank we went to the lounge of the Tangla Hotel. It was very nice and I felt brave enough to order a Bloody Mary. This was a mistake, as it usually is in China at any bar that is not owned by an expat. The Chinese just cannot create a Bloody Mary. Mine tasted like nothing I have ever had before. It was similar to salad dressing, sweetish, sourish, slimy. I should know better but I had to try. The Singapore Sling I had next hit the spot. This was the beginning of a long evening bar hopping around TJ.

Special drink offered at Bar Pepper

Helen's is a well-known and popular bar near several universities in China. We met Djorf's friends from his previous school here for some cheap beer and snacks. Afterwards we went to AJO which is a bar owned by a group of expat men who started a fraternity not unlike the men in the movie Old School. In order to get there we followed some interesting directions: make your first left past the police station, turn right at the first intersection, then right again past the 7-11 when you see the rhino. A rhino? We saw two rhinos and almost turned at the wrong rhino. We made it safe and sound and I had a good laugh that some of Djorf's students were in the bar with other kids who could not have been more than 15 years old. Where were their parents?
The next place was a bar named Sitong where Djorf went almost every weekend. It was nicely decorated, full of Chinese people, and a Philippino cover band which serenaded us with local favorites like Waiting for You by Richard Marxx and Hero by Enrique Iglesias. I was having a grand time but the others decided the music and atmosphere were not to their liking.

Djorf asked the taxi driver to take us to another bar, his choice, so we ended up at Bar Pepper and some girlie bar named Jack's Jack's. All played a hilarious selection of music ranging from Leonard Cohen to Celine Dion. Our final stop of the night was Procope where we decided after a beer was accidentally poured on the table and then into our plate of fries, we should probably go home.

Just a hot pocket

The airport was another adventure. We decided to stop for a beer and a snack before our plane ride home. I think I will miss the funny English translations on menus the most. In the photo you will see a menu item "According to Burn Bacon Bag." What in the world is that? We had to order it and find out. See other photo of what ended up just being a boring meat pie. And finally, the waitress warned us it was hot, but hot enough to melt our plastic fork?!?! Help!

Melted fork

I now sit on a plane awaiting takeoff returning to Shanghai. I look forward to seeing my little dog and going out for dinner with him to Piro. Zaijian Beijing and Tianjin.

Beijing Part 2 On Our Own

I am rather upset because my recent blog: Beijing Part 1 The Tour has vanished and I am not in the mood to rewrite it right now. Maybe it can be found somewhere in cyberspace and until I try to locate it, I will continue with the story.

As the title implies, we were on our own to explore Beijing today. I had dutifully questioned Jason, our guide from yesterday, and made copious notes on our map about which metro routes to take, which stops to exit, and in which order we should see the following landmarks: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and Summer Palace. We needed to get up early, which didn't happen, and get an early start because we were literally going from northeast Beijing to central, then northwest, then northeast again to pick up our luggage, and then to the train station in the south. The plan was to take the metro as much as possible. We made two trans-Beijing trips via metro and then spent several hours in a taxi. Beijing is not at all like Shanghai, compact and vertical, it is spread out and it takes forever to get anywhere especially when there's traffic.

Temple of Heaven

First stop, Temple of Heaven. This altar and surrounding buildings is where the emperors of the past prayed to the heavens for a bountiful harvest. The Hall of Prayer is a three tiered round building beautifully painted and carved. It was probably my favorite. The Circular Mound Altar was interesting to visit as well due to the large group of "spring break" Chinese students standing in the middle singing the Party Rock Anthem, obviously a new form of harvest ceremony. Let's keep those traditions alive! Of course, in the past, even the smallest mistake made by the emperor performing the ceremony was a bad omen ensuring disaster for the entire nation in the upcoming year. I guess it wasn't all fun and games to be the Son of Heaven. I also bought a momma and a baby crocheted dragon from some ladies in the park nearby. Very cute!

Me in between the Doors

Second stop, Forbidden City. The only thing I have to say about this place is HUGE! We took a taxi to the north gate near the museum and were not sure if we were even in the city. We got on a tram excitedly hoping it would take us around inside the Imperial City but it only took us back out the gate to the road. Apparently that was the end of the trip and we were pushed off the tram by new passengers boarding. I guess we should have known 1 kuai wouldn't get us very far. So we got back on the tram and went back inside the gate where we walked around a bit. The builds were impressive and for a guided cage it wasn't too bad. I wouldn't have minded living there as long as someone carried me around in a jiao or palanquin (chair carried on the shoulders of other people).

Anna, Mao, Me

Third stop, Summer Palace. By this time we were exhausted and hungry. This royal summer vacation home was on even more extensive grounds and built on and around very steep Longevity Hill. A pristine Kunming Lake sits at the bottom of the mountain and the view of the surrounding hills is breathtaking. This was by far my most favorite place in Beijing. Winding paths snaked up the hillside to palaces, temples, pavilions, halls, bridges, and one very long corridor. We strolled around enjoying the scenery but in reality we were frantically searching for food since we hadn't eaten all day. Some rice cake things and beer made us feel a little better. We were feeling quite accomplished after our outing today and ready to go to Tianjin.

Beautiful Summer Palace

But what will forever be known as the Beijing Incident, put a dark cloud over our final experience in the prestigious capital city. Upon exiting the Summer Palace, we were accosted by people selling tourist trinkets like Mao hats, weird little glasses with noses and mustaches attached that would blow out sideways. They are difficult to describe. I instantly stepped away from the hawkers and tried befriending a stray puppy. While I was petting the pooch, Mike and Anna were bargaining for a Mao hat, army green with a red star on the front. Something shady happened during the transaction and Anna's 100 RMB note was switched for a very obvious fake. She didn't notice right away. Shortly thereafter, I wanted to buy a hotdog for my newfound four legged friend. A man popped out of nowhere to sell me the hotdog. Djorf gave him a 100 RMB note but then I found 10 RMB note to pay with instead. Quick as a flash, Djorf's bill was switched for a fake and he noticed it right away, demanding the original back. Then Djorf asked Anna to see her money, low and behold, another fake. The lady with the hats was long gone of course and the wiener man had also vanished. We tried to cause as much of a scene as possible but it was useless. The whole group of hawkers was probably in on the scam. All the people selling those weird masks just stared at us, looking very clown-like and disturbing. I despise masks. Considering this is the first time in two years anything like this has happened to me, I wasn't upset for too long. We had a good laugh, cursed the group of cheats for the scum of the earth that they were, then hoped the 100 RMB would feed their families, grabbed a cab and were off to the train station and Tianjin.

Our trip to Beijing was short but sweet. We accomplished a lot in just a few days. Now I won't feel foolish for living in China for over a year and never seeing the Great Wall. I have born witness to some of the most important sites in China and am prepared to leave without regret.




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Loki's Triumphant Return

The door slammed shut with a deafening crash. The wind howled through the streets and apartment complex, rattling windows and doors, making the whole building shudder. Lightning flashed and lit up the sky, followed by booming roars of thunder, and torrential rain. Where had the sunny day gone? The weather forecast said nothing about this freak typhoon. Imagine this as the setting for Loki's return.

The night began with an amazing homemade Indian dinner at our friends' apartment in our old complex in Gubei. Sumptuous chicken, delicious vegetables, cheese cake and berries for dessert, and drinks.

Djorf's phone rings. "Ni hao?" The conversation continues and we ascertain that someone has called about Loki. In twenty minutes we are supposed to meet this strange man near our home by the police station. We said our hurried goodbyes to Archena and Andrew, thanking them profusely for the tasty meal, promising to text them if this dog was the real Loki.

In the pouring rain we hailed a taxi and sped off to the meeting place. As Djorf and I stood in the rain, feelings of doubt raced through my mind. Is this some kind of cruel prank? Did someone steal another dog that is just a Loki-look-alike? Will he even show up?

First Contact

After a few eternal minutes in the rain, a car pulls up. A nice-looking Chinese man steps out and waves us over. In the back seat of the car is a little boy, his son, and in the front seat...Loki! I have never felt so much relief and emotion wash over me. I was elated seeing my little dog safely kept and loved by his family of three days. I learned that the man had picked Loki up after seeing him on the street Friday morning. They had kept Loki safe, loved him, and fed him (maybe a little too much food, he has gained several pounds). Then Monday, his wife saw one of the posters so he called us. The man's wife and son were devastated to see Loki go home but knew it was the right thing to do. We told the man's son he could come visit Loki whenever he wanted. I am so thankful to have my baby-dog back.

We gave him the reward money and hopefully he will get his son a dog. I can't believe how lucky I am to have Loki back. I won't ever let him out of sight or off his leash again. I need to remove all the posters and email everyone who helped me. All their hard work and mine paid off. There are some good people out there.

Loki's homecoming is one of the happiest moments of my life.

Beijing Tianamen Square and Afunti Restaurant

In order to experience the countryside and one of my favorite ways to travel, we decided to take the fast train from Shanghai to Beijing at 7:00 am arriving at 12:30 pm. The fast train goes around 300 kilometers per hour and feels like you are gliding on air. The seats lean back comfortably and the prepackaged egg and noodle breakfast was actually quite tasty...or we were just starved. Either way, it was a pleasant journey.

The scenery was not that exciting, mostly just greenhouses, old or being built apartment buildings, and a few factories. I dozed most of the way periodically being jostled by other travelers as they boarded or deboarded the train.

Mike in the Self-Serve Shop

When we arrived in Beijing we took a taxi to our service apartment. The apartment left much to be desired. Obviously it had seen better days or the receptionist hated us and wanted to destroy our souls. It was a dark and evil place. We were four but the two bedroom apartment only slept three. One room had a queen and the other a twin. Our fellow travelers offered to cuddle closely and gave us the bigger room. One bathroom had one of those floors that doesn't seperate the shower from the rest of the bathroom and after our friend took a shower, the entire bathroom was several inches deep under water. Another amenity was the panoramic view of a prospective shanty town or nuclear waste dump. Cracked ceilings, dirty old carpet, and sparse furnishings intensified our need for the cold Coronas I noticed in the little shop downstairs.

The Self-Serve shop

And this is where I am truly amazed at the honesty and trust placed in people in China. The Coronas, Johnny Walker Black, and other snacks were left out in the open for anyone to take. No one was really watching the store. Apparently you were responsible for scanning your own items and dropping the money into a plastic box. So we dutifully paid and relaxed before setting off for Tianamen Square.

Scorpions

The first person to welcome us was the Great Helmsman himself, Chairman Mao. His piggy face smiles down at you as he overlooks the massive square and his immanent domain. After strolling around taking photos, we attempted to escape the square to go to a shopping street nearby. I say attempted because it was very difficult to get out. We went down some stairs then up, then down some more, then up, then down into the metro station then up to get across the street. Had there just been a crosswalk we easily could have crossed. I thought to myself how this really explains a lot about life in China. The long complicated way is often chosen over the direct and easy.

Seahorses, Scorpions, Centipedes...Oh My!

Our next stop was a shopping street offering Rolex watches, Zara clothing, and Chinese knickknacks. At little kiosks down the side streets you could buy snacks ranging from candied crab apples to stinky tofu. One delicacy was the famous fried or barbecued scorpion shop. You could purchase three of these nasties, yellow or black, on a stick along with centipedes, sea horses, and some sort of black insect pod with who knows what dwelling inside. I had originally convinced myself that my life wouldn't be complete unless I had tried one of these leggy treats but upon seeing them skewered and cooked, all my resolve flew out the window. We decided we had had enough and took off in search of beer.

Baijiu...Yum!

That evening we went to a Uigher restaurant named Afunti. For a mere 160 RMB each we had all we could eat sheesh kabobs, side dishes and beer. A variety show of sorts was offered including belly dancing where I was called up on stage to participate (I won a Uigher hat), dance-off contests where Djorf shook his booty (He won another hat), drums and a sitar players, etc. We laughed, ate until we could have exploded, smoked shisha from a hookah, and did shots of the famous but viciously foul Chinese liquor baijiu. A wild night was had by all.

Belly dancer

Finally we went back to our "hotel room" where luckily we were tipsy enough to sleep on the box spring mattress misery which constitutes a typical Chinese bed.

My Babydog is Gone

I don't know how to describe the pain of losing your best friend. My little Loki has been gone since March 30, 2012. How could something like this happen?

Loki's Reward Poster

Loki is a beautiful blond-orange Pomeranian. He is seven years old. We had both been spending more time outside with the weather improving. We went to Piro's for lunch and Cottons several times for dinner.

On the night of his disappearance we went out to Cantina Agave and then to B&C for a late night. Loki was loved by all who met him.

Late that evening Loki and I took a taxi home. We arrived at the apartment complex and Loki followed me inside. I went directly to the elevator but Loki decided to walk right back out the gate and into the night. I noticed he was not in the elevator and went back out to find him. He was no where to be seen.

I could not go to work that day. Instead I searched for my dog. We made posters offering a 5000 RMB reward and put them up around the neighborhood. We watched security cameras at the police station and at our apartments which showed Loki walking in and out of the complex. We put advertisements into Chinese newspapers and contacted animal rescue websites. Our local policeman contacted the residential committee and hopefully put a poster up with them. I have been lurking in the dog park all hours of the day with a poster of Loki next to me. I placed posters on pet shop windows and local animal hospitals. We even contacted a private investigator but they couldn't do anything more than we have already done.

Ad in a Chinese Newspaper

Ad in another paper

So far we have had a few bites. Unfortunately, none of the leads led to Loki. Also, most of our posters were removed because apparently they were against the rules. It is starting to feel hopeless. Obviously someone wanted a perfect dog like him pretty badly and now they do.
I have cried day and night. My baby is all I can think of. I feel like it is all my fault for losing him. Should have, would have, could have....

I blame myself. I hate everyone around me who has their dog in their arms. I hate Chinese people and China in general because they do nothing to help and there are no animal shelters to look for Loki in. And then I realize how terrible I am to think these things so I cry again. I want someone to blame and I feel like lashing out.

I see Loki's face everywhere and everything reminds me of things we would do together. Every time a dog barks, I hear him.

Please can someone bring him back to me. Please can Loki come home. He is my whole world.