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Post by Fantomette on Oct 30, 2006 10:05:50 GMT 7
I don't know why, I can never figure out where to post stuff. Not used to posting on forums, just reading them randomly. Anyway.
Just wanted to let you friendly Raoul's people know that I'm out of Shanghai, back in freaking-cold Canada. Just got an apartment today, so definitely moving back- until waiguo calls again.
Anyone with questions about either Shanghai or Montreal is more than welcome to ask, and I'll do my best to reply! But I'm sure that, with the speed of change these days, my Shanghai info will be out of date within a couple months. Oh well.
Take care fellow Saloonites, I'll still be reading you! And missing "home", a.k.a. China!
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Post by Raoul Duke on Oct 30, 2006 10:12:17 GMT 7
Fantomette, do come back and see us, and please keep in touch. Yer seat at the bar is good no matter where you are...  |
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Post by cheekygal on Oct 30, 2006 10:25:13 GMT 7
Farewell, Fantomette! Hope you are back in no time  |
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly 
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Oct 30, 2006 19:28:01 GMT 7
Hey Fantomette, glad you found an apartment and are getting settled there.
Questions about Montreal? How are my granddaughters? Oh, not that kind of question?
Okay, how about: Other than the cold of Montreal (any snow yet?), have you experienced any reverse culture shock? I'm always interested to hear those stories.
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Post by kcanuck on Oct 30, 2006 19:31:22 GMT 7
Bonne chance avec ton retour a la vie 'normale' a Montreal, Fantomette.
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Post by Fantomette on Oct 31, 2006 22:43:03 GMT 7
Thanks guys! Raoul, I'll definitely be dropping by for a little pijiu when I get sick of the tasty, strong beer here! ;D
Cheekygal, thanks for the love!
Ruth, I'm sure your granddaughters are fantastic!
kcanuck, merci!
No snow yet, but it's all over, all around us... won't be long till it hits Montreal. I'm NOT looking forward to the cold and snow!!!
Reverse culture schock... I'm waiting! It's sure to come. But as I read this week on the University of Toronto website:
"Enjoy it. Re-entry shock, while should be taken seriously, should also be enjoyed. The fact that you are experiencing it is indicative of the deepness of your exploration into your host culture. Accept re-entry as one more part of the journey."
It will hit hard, I predict... I'll let you know! And I'll come crying here! ;D
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Post by con's fly is open on Nov 19, 2006 19:24:34 GMT 7
Ooo, Montreal! Love that place. Let me know what it's like these days (I never quite believe anything that comes out of Loops' mouth).
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Post by Fantomette on Nov 19, 2006 22:53:12 GMT 7
Um, it's actually been rainy most days since I arrived (3 weeks ago). At least there's no snow - YET. And we've had a few sunny days.
I was surprised by the amount of changes here! Last couple times i came, i had the impression Montreal was frozen in time - maybe because of the CRAZY pace of change in Shanghai! Now there are so many new places, I barely recognize some areas... but that's good!
What I love, so far (Montreal is MY city, but I got so used to Shanghai, in 3 years):
- the smell of roasting coffee, as you pass the shop on the street - I never even realized I missed that!
- the variety (and freshness, or "aged-ness") of cheeses! Yummy!
- foods I missed, such as merguez sausages and my in-laws' home cooking!
- the beer! Strong, flavourful red beer (biere rousse), especially "Boreale", a microbrewery.
- the variety and availability of health food products - every single store seems to have organic products! From veggies to MEAT to bread to cheese to SHAMPOO.... ah! Pure joy!
- the clean air, clean streets, nice cute houses, clean trees, clean cars...
- and... that's about it, so far. I am, of course, happy to have reconnected with friends, but there are many of them I still havent seen, and I haven't even seen my family yet as they don't live in Montreal!
What has kinda horrified me so far:
- watching (and hearing) people blow their noses - ee-eww!
- prices - everything is SOOO expensive!
- @&%#@ taxes and tip! Why can't they include the stupid taxes in the price tag??? And how do you calculate tips, again?
- saying things in a "Chinese" way and people NOT getting the message! You have to say things very clearly and bluntly, here!
- oh, and the fact that the health-food craze has gone so far, now, that they have "Omega3" milk or orange juice, "no trans fats" foods, etc.
Well, that's all I can think of right now.
Gotta go have some more coffee! Ciao!
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Ruth
SuperDuperMegaBarfly
God's provisions are strategically placed along the path of your obedience.
Posts: 3,915
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Post by Ruth on Nov 20, 2006 9:30:55 GMT 7
One thing I really love about China is that the price is the price (except when you get to bargain over it, that is). I'm with you on the taxes and tips, Fantomette. It's a huge brain shift to go back to dealing with those 'hidden' costs that catch up with you at the cash register or when dining out.
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Post by solongtinik on Nov 21, 2006 14:20:35 GMT 7
so when are u comin back?
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