I was in the airport waiting to fly to Shanghai when I realized that even I was looking at the "foreigners" at the terminal. I was sitting with the locals and the "others" were sitting alone in an area. I was working on my computer, eating my rice, drinking my hot water...then it hit me. Ummm - I'm a foreigner too! I started laughing out loud because of the silliness of it all. I was just choosing to sit with people I work, eat and recreate with everyday. So yup - I have been Shanghai'D by China in a sense.
I choose to use the capital "D" because it stands for Disney. It represents the lens I view most Chinese with. They LOVE Mickey Mouse here and because of that there is Mickey and Pooh paraphernalia everywhere. It is on cars, store windows, bikes, clothes, etc. As a result, my mind can only associate China with Disney. In some strange way, that makes sense of why I am here.
I kind of feel like I am working a political campaign of sorts...LOL. You know, trying to get Mickey elected for king of English or something. Oh I'm not your average political "hack" you might know in the states. I am the one who is like a mix of street vendor trying to sell you something and the one who is always asking you to "sponsor" their candidate (well-my candidate is Mickey). Now spin that with the fact that I look totally different than my "constituents" and there you have it - Andrea's past week in China somewhat resembling a traveling circus. Can't get any better than that.
