Last Days in Shanghai

This past Wednesday we went to Alibaba. In terms of the talent, it is kinda like the Google of China.

After that, we went to a tea plantation. Below is a picture of a tea leaf. The small leaf is the good stuff. From this plant, green tea (little fermentation), oolong tea (semi-fermentation), and black tea (long fermentation period) are produced. All of the other flavorings we all love, are added during the fermentation process. On Thursday, we visited a company that helps companies from Pennsylvania to export their goods or services to China.

In the afternoon we went to the "knock-off" market. Even though the below picture is a little blurry, you can see how "motivated" (aggressive) the "sales" people are. The technique used here is known as the "Kung-Fu" grip.
Since Friday was our last day in Shanghai, we took this time to walk around.

A scene like hte below is very common in at least the 1st tier and 2nd teir cities in China.Inside the under river tunnel the goes between Shanghai-proper and Podung is a visual smorgasbord of excitement. This picture sort of sums it up. Those prone to seizures are not advised to try this.We then rode the Maglev train that goes from Shanghai to the airport (for fun). It goes 30 km (18.5 miles) in 8 minutes. It reached 431 km/h (268 miles/hour).
After our return to Shanghai, we had a farewell dinner and then we all packed for the flight to Tokyo. My roomate Steve did not allow me to sleep (rather take a nap), until 2 hours before we had to leave for the airport. Alas, all is well.

Tokyo is absolutely astounding. I have no idea how I will be able to study. I am sure my current Tokyo roomate JD (yep, the one from Paris), will keep me in check.