Shanghai'd

Happy New Year, Part II.

The Chinese New Year is coming, and its like the week before Christmas here. Red knot decorations are everywhere, fireworks go off every 10 minutes - and get more and more frequent as the day nears - , and the year-end company parties are in full swing. Last night was AMD's company-wide party, complete with MCs, dancers, a fashion show, lucky draw and banquet style dinner for all 300 employees at a classic hotel on the bund. It was OK, but I didn't win anything :-(

Tonight (Monday), I was heading home via shuttle bus when I inadvertently invited myself to another company's new year's celebration. I asked for a door to door drop off from the driver after he had left everyone at the subway stop. I was on his way home, after all. However, after the stop, I was left on the bus with the driver, receptionist, maintenance man and office ayi. They said they were planning to go to dinner and I asked if I could come along, since Tim would be playing badminton all night anyway. They hesitated, and I shamefully mistook this for a "zhongguoren only" attitude. But they made a call and took me along. I did not see it coming that my companions all worked for the same janitorial company Beijing HanYang. I mean, what janitorial company provides a receptionist? It turned out to be really cool. 12 people in a private room, with a case of beers (even ayi was drinking!) and great Ningbo food. The bill was probably 300RMB. It was so welcoming and warm. Its times like these that I love China.