I have not been keeping up on my blog and I apologize, many have asked me to keep it up so I will try and do so.
Since the last August blog I have been back and forth to China 4 times. This includes Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
All for printing and my favorite project which is called the VRC. (Virtual Racing Chassis). This is a racing seat on an adjustable frame that allows the user to play racing video games. This is the most real experience, closest to real racing as you can get. And a whole lot cheaper. bobearlracing.com Check it out
Just last week in Shanghai doing final QC on the VRC, getting the container loaded was one of the coldest winters I have encountered. What most, well those who have not been to China in the winter, understand is the lack of heat.
In the factories there is not a lick of warm air. At 30 degrees (F) the windows and doors remain open. Know one every complains. Even in the local restaurants you can see your breath while you drink tea or warm beer, poking at a fish that no one seems to know what it is only that it is local. As you look at the polluted rivers and streams, well you just can't give it much thought.
The other day we had to find a quick way to photo copy 85 additional shipping labels. We drove from Pudong (factory site) to downtown Shanghai to met up with a source of label stock that we could use for photocopies. In Shanghai if you want to buy a musical instrument you always go to the area that sells muscial intruments, might be blocks and blocks, all different merchants. Same with nuts and bolts etc. This time we were in an area that only sold office supplies. Our friend was waiting for us when we drove up, she jumped into our car with a ream of paper. Off we went to the office supply section. Not far away we parked and went into this small store where the sell pens, note books the usual stuff. In the corner they had a small copying machine. The interesting part of this story is outside at now 6pm it must be below freezing. A little snow on the ground piled up on the crubs, enough that when you opened the door in our VW Jetta it would hit the snow bank.
The office supply store has all of its windows and large front door wide open. Open for business, just like in the summer.
All the stores are this way. It is so cold I could see the white vapor from my nose! All the shop people are dressed in layers of wool, but I had never seen a copying maching put out steam. From the heat of the bulbs enough steam rose to fill our little corner of the shop. I honestly think it was colder inside than out. We quickly made our copies, said our thanks and jumped into the warmth of the VW. Meanwhile outside the din of traffic, street food, bikes goes on.
Life in the winter in Shanghai. Just think what it is like in the northern cities.
More later
van
