Shanghai TV Tower

I'm here.

Landed on time early this morning after a smooth flight. I didn't manage a great amount of sleep but at least it was comfortable not sleeping. Probably as expected the day has felt a little surreal. Insane taxi ride to the hotel, with no seatbelt and me constantly reassuring myself that the driver probably had a family and lots of reasons to live regardless of his concerns about my safety so we would probably be okay. We were.

Joyously my good fortune continued and my room was available for an early check-in, saving me and everyone the ordeal of me hanging around the lobby for 3 hours in my travelling gear.

Time for a quick nap which got me through the rest of the day. Shower, lunch and managed to function enough to make the technology work and attend an online meeting from my hotel room. Followed by an excited early morning call with the lovely munchkins back home.

Then off for dinner with the client and meeting the group I'm going to be working with. The hotel is near the offices which are in the newer area of Shanghai to be developed. Dinner was in the old part of downtown Shanghai on the riverside just underneath this. A fabulous Thai meal with lots of sharing dishes and free flowing wine. Had my first introduction to some different cultural practices…all through the dinner people ate a little and then got up wandered around, chinked glasses and stood around chatting in small groups. Apparently this is completely normal and I really quite liked it. Especially worked well with lots of different dishes coming and going. There are 50+ in the group so I didn't get to meet everyone but I always feel a little more relaxed when I've at least met some people.

Now back in the hotel and joy beyond joy Radio4 iPlayer works. You can take me anywhere in the world but give me a connection to the mothership and I am as happy as Larry. Fingers crossed its dulcet tones will lull me to a good night's sleep.

Lesley x