Shanghai mom and dad!

I survived the typhoon and arrived successfully in Shanghai. Great hotel, amazing buffet, and the like. Shanghai has been extra great so far, tho, b/c we've had our days free to chill out or go about and the like. Yesterday we went to this immense 8-story mall that our hotel connects to. I found a Dairy Queen and emitted an audible gasp of glee (i get really excited when i get ice cream on tour).

Today we ventured to this giant market where all the "designer" goods are. it was unbelievable how much stuff they had. just shop after shop after shop...all essentially the same things but stretching on forever. at first i really wanted this belt, and decided i would not pay over $8 for it. but the guy kept giving me his sob story and he seemed so sad so i settled for $10 (all of this in RNB, the local currency, mind you so it was much more confusing). I told myself that i am just too nice of a person and that haggling for goods is not a skill i possess. cut to 10 minutes later when i'm shouting at this guy that his prices are ridiculous and storming out only to have him run after me. "you got jaded really quick" wally tells me.
but it was worth it b/c my prize purchase was: the ENTIRE series of six feet under for $28. that's less than a dollar a disk (31 disks). i was pleased AND they work on my computer (get ready for 6FEETUNDER parties in Quincy 615. Alison will be thrilled, I know.)

as if that wasnt enough, we're all on a post-spending high from the chris's tailor. this lady came to our hotel room 2 nights ago and takes our measurements and lets us describe what we want and 2 days later VOILA! custom-tailored suits. being a slim person, it is so hard to find clothes that fits so the idea that they made them for my body is amazing. in all, i got 2 suits, a new jacket, and 7 dress shirts, made FOR ME for under $360! so exciting. i'm just going to wear my suits every day next year for no other reason than i can.

tomorrow we have another free day (i think i'm going bak to haggle for more goods. anyone want anything? cheap watch? tie? purse? wallet? chinese good? sunglasses? def email me and let me know what you want and i can get it supacheap!) and then chris's mom got us tickets to the SHANGHAI CIRCUS!!! apparently like cirque d'soleil (sp) but better. so i'm excited. and then off to australia. where they speak my language, amen.

i feel this was a really dull post. but it was about me getting new things, so i'm really excited about them. and you all will be next fall when you see how good i look.

speaking of which, traveling with the same 11 guys for 3 weeks, most of whom are younger (in more ways than one) is starting to wear on me. so in an effort to preserve my sanity i have resumed my running routine from last summer. dont be surprised if i'm wildly attractive the next time you see me. i just want to prepare you.

going to watch SIX FEET UNDER!!!!

keep me updated with what you're doing!