Shanghai Surprise!

A long flight and a substantial layover in Tokyo have me jet-lagged and so tired as I arrived late in the city of Shanghai.  I'm not much of a big city person but I was pleasantly surprised to awake in this city with song birds chirping loudly outside.  Peering out of my window, there was a beautiful park with a canal and lush gardens full of very bright and colorful flowers.  I decided to forgo unpacking and take a jaunt around the neighborhood.

I hit the street and was astonished that there were gardens everywhere and the streets were shaded by mature trees.  Intrigued by the canal I headed straight for it.  I should have packed my fishing rod!  Two gentlemen were fishing in the canal just a few meters from the entrance of my hotel.  It was a wonderful juxtaposition of an urban metropolis complete with natural settings.

I headed back to my hotel to prepare for my 8:00 am meeting at the East China Normal University (ECNU) campus.  Walking over I had to cross a major intersection that was teaming with about 50% cars and 50% bicycles.  Electric motorcycles are very prevalent here and they are rather dangerous to pedestrians as the sidewalk is also fair game. Since they are electric you can't even hear them approaching making walking a hazardous sport.

The ECNU's campus was bustling with students racing to their classes.  I met my host, Guanjian, and he took me on a tour of the lab.  I was taken aback that students were allowed to smoke cigarettes right in the labs. I was definitely experiencing a little culture shock. 

Reporting from China, EcoHealth Alliance scientist Kurt Vandegrift is working toward monitoring highly pathogenic Avian influenza in wild migratory waterfowl.