Back in Shanghai

I've been back in Shanghai for roughly 10 days. It's been interesting to see my family and old time friends. Every one is engaged in a different walk of like and it is only up to oneself to plot up a life plan. I am convinced that people are born to be a lone star, exploring the world in his own way. Ahh.. only love can provide the transient illusion that there is someone else in the world for us. alright enough sentiment. I am going to the U.S. consulate tomorrow for my first H1 visa. Wish me good luck! After that I think I will go to Pu tuo Shan and then Tibet for 1o days.

I wrote the following email to Bob Crandall today. Thought it was interesting at places. So here it is.

Hi Bob,How are you? I just went to visit Gordon Orr at McKinsey's Shanghai office.And he asked me to send you his greetings. He apparently enjoyed working with youin Hong Kong. In his opinion, PCCW was a great investment for Richard Lee.Gordon told me that there is an "eye-popping" list of CEOs visiting Shanghai everyyear and more or less they all come to see him at McKinsey to learn about the opportunities in China.The government is paying to renovate the facade of our house. This way the houseson our block will have a more consistent style. I don't mind the lack of personalityfor each house, but it bothers me to think all the money comes from tax revenues.Indeed, the old, intrusive tax system is wounding up a large sum of money as aresult of the booming economy. Keynes said a government can pay people to diga hole then fill it. I see that happening in front of my house: they've dug up the roads 4 times in the past a few years to put in water pipes, power lines, telephone lines andnow broadband lines. (there's about 20% BB penetration in Shanghai, but FTTH isthe next big thing on Shanghai Telecom's mind.) Well, this is more a sign of poor planningthan economic stimulus.I am going to the U.S. consulate to renew my US visa tomorrow. And after that, I thinkI will travel to Tibet. Every one else has to study or work during the day. I'm the onlyone who doesn't fit.