Shanghai when it is cold

Here are a few things about Shanghai at this time of year.

Shanghai is at the same latitude as Florida. Therefore, winters here are mild. Up until very recently, we have had weather in the 60s and 70s.

This week, however, has dipped into the 30s and 40s. This is particularly rare for Shanghai at this time of year. Temperatures like this are usually only around in January and February. At any rate, it isn't scary cold, just colder than what we are used to. The Californians are basically slitting their wrists in agony. So are the Chinese, though. It is sort of pathetic to see them all in their giant winter coats, scarves, hats, mittens, boots, etc etc etc. But I've already ranted about this, and I am generally not botthered by it any more.

The heating unit in our dorm room is extremely weak and does nothing. This wouldn't be that bad in this kind of weather, except for the fact that the giant window/door that opens onto our balcony does not come close to sealing. Air leaks in in gusts, and we are consigned to doing our homework in hoodies and whatnot. Classic Chinese products: windows that don't seal and heaters that don't heat.

I went out to buy an extra sweatshirt today. I wanted one that says Fudan University on it. They had such things, but the XXL was extraordinarilly small on me. The sleeves barely reached my wrists. In the U.S. I am too skinny for most clothes because Americans are generally too fat. In China, I am too tall for most clothes because Chinese are generally poorly fed and therefore extremely short. I can't win.

At least I don't expect to see snow until I return to the U.S.

Oh, and I realized that these entries have been leaning more and more toward lists of grievances. According to W&J's extremely helpful (or nooot) packet on how to adjust to a foreign country, I am in the phase of resistance to the culture. I plan on making a conscious effort to shift to a more positive outlook on the country. Believe it or not, I'm actually very much enjoying my experience here. I just hate everything about it. If that makes sense. I know it doesn't.

OK BYE