Perceptions of Shanghai

Upon my arrival in Shanghai, I was ushered into the dodgiest, most broken down taxi I've ever seen. Despite the doors barely closing, my driver insisted on weaving in and out of traffic at 110 miles per hour. After 45 minutes of holding my breath in sheer panic, he did manage to bring me to my hotel in 1 piece, which is more than I can say for his car.
Shanghai is a beautiful, yet disgusting city. The architecture is stunning and the 430 km/h Maglev train is amazing. The manners of it's people are pitiful. While walking down the street (dodging phlegm left and right), an ox bone chess set caught my eye. Wanting to try out my bargaining skills, I asked how much. The lady said 550 yuan. I said 100. She said "ok, for you 400", I said 100. Annoyed that I wasn't working with her, she cried out "final price 300." I retaliated with 100. Trying to explain the concept of bargaining to me, she offered 200. I walked away saying 100. She ran after me agreeing to 100. I handed her 100 yuan feeling like I still got ripped off. My masseuse laughed at me. A very charming girl with the dream of opening a bread store. Next time I visit Shanghai, I expect to see Candy's Bread Shop all over town.
I felt at home when I arrived back in Singapore. The city was familiar and the atmosphere was inviting. I can now add another city on my list of cities that I feel at home in. Another step closer to being a citizen of the world.