11/13/09
‘Northern Winds’ and torrential downpours have swept through Shanghai the past few days. The temperature has dropped in an extreme way. Under Chinese law, no provinces located under the Yangze River (ie. Shanghai) are allowed central heating (cough it’s too expensive for the government to fund). What I mean is that it’s cold EVERYWHERE. Last night was my first uncomfortable freezing sleep, which resulted in a sore shoulder and a pink nose. {*Sore shoulder: I bought an extra comforter that I usually sleep on top of because my bed is so hard. Now I sleep under it, therefore sleeping on my rock hard bed.} NOTE: Since first starting this entry, we have figured out our “heater” in our apartment. While it does get a bit warmer, it is still pretty chilly (inside) when it’s really cold outside.
The American teachers from last year told us that the cold in Shanghai is inescapable. For all who know me well, know that I LOATHE being cold. I turn into a scary monster when I’m without heat/coat/gloves/hat. {Sidenote: I used to secretly turn on the heat in my Mom’s house without her or Lee knowing. If I felt like being really sneaky, I’d do it in the middle of the night. They’d start sweating while I was de-thawing, feeling perfect.}
There is a temporary cure for my little problem. Enter: Starbucks. Western places can operate in whatever way they please. So after school on Tuesdays at 10:45 AM, I head to Starbucks (about a 15 minute walk) and am greeted with a burst of warm air. I order my 30 Yuan beverage and take it upstairs. I plop down on a big cushiony chair while the few Chinese briefly stare but then go back to previous conversations. I whip out my book, clutch my cup, and read while my hands gain back warm feeling from palm to fingers. I even put my cup up to my nose and cheeks to get the blood flowing again.
Who knew Starbucks could save me all the way across the world? The place that once saved me before in all night cram sessions or gave me a little perk before a night out with friends has come to my rescue. Because of its efforts, Starbucks should be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. It aids to my awareness, kindness towards others and my students, and to my ever-depleting energy level. Thank you Starbucks for keeping me sane while I’m away. I owe you a big one.
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