Same Same, But Different

My initial excitement returned with gusto, so I decided to venture out into the rain and arrive at some predetermined destination in the city, beyond walking distance of the hotel.  The first step was decide on a location and then figure out how to get there.  Mission accomplished – desination: IKEA, via Metro Line 1, stopping at Shanghai Stadium Station. 

I dare say, the Metro in Shanghai is almost easier than in Hong Kong.  There are giant brightly-colored sticker arrows on the ground, literally pointing you which way to go.  There are maps and labels everywhere, in English and Chinese.  Again, it probably helped that I was out and about at 11:00 in the morning, completely avoiding rush hour, making it a truly enjoyable public transit experience.

As I meandered from another Metro station toward Xiantiandi I had time to ponder my transition from Hanoi to Shanghai, and even begin comparing the two cities.  I was astounding at how much they really had in common, but with slight twists that make all the difference in the world.

Like Hanoi, Shanghai has many small lakes and ponds; BUT in Shanghai the water is clear and there is not a speck of trash anywhere to be seen. 

As in Hanoi, people in Shanghai spit in public; BUT in Shanghai they go the extra mile to rub the spit wad into the train floor so no one will be further disgusted or even worse, slip on the saliva. 

Just like Hanoi, Shanghai has every kind of vehicle on the road; BUT in Shanghai motorbikes and bicycles have their own lane, preventing them from clogging up traffic and still allowing them to zip through intersections illegally.

Like Hanoi, Shanghai streets can be lined with the most random and disturbing shops and restaurants; BUT in Shanghai pedestrians can casually stroll past these places on the sidewalk without being flattened by a motorbike.

Like in Hanoi, people in Shanghai love to relax outside with a cup of coffee or light snack; BUT in Shanghai people sit in real chairs made for grown adults.

And finally, just like Hanoi, Shanghai is filled with people who might look at you strangely, pester you for a copy of this or that, or even invite you to taste their special treat; BUT in Shanghai those people speak Chinese!