<p>Speakling of pirates, LFWB just got back from his time on the Russian tallship with many stories to tell. Sunday he leaves on a RORO for Japan.</p>
<p>WTH is a RORO?</p>
<p>This is now my third year of visiting Shanghai. This year I haven’t come so often - haven’t been here since something like February.</p>
<p>I am noticing changes. When I first came the thing that most struck me was the attempt to plant trees in the city. In the rush to add greenery to clean the air, the trees were planted very very close together. And were kind of spindly. They had to put a sort of wooden scaffolding around them, like staking perennials, to get the skinny trunks not to blow down. I would really laugh, seeing this as an example of ignorance. Silly me. Those trees have grown into what amounts to small patches of forests, I imagine mirroring forested areas in the more wild areas of China. Rather beautiful. Reminds me never to assume that I know better.</p>
<p>Also, finally, I am starting to see signs of people getting heavier. While still among affluent young women from the looks of it anorexia is rampant. I kept hearing about a weight issue. Never saw it. This time - some people are chubby. And at the same time, young women diet down to nothing for large Western style weddings with white dresses and photographers in a package. All rented.</p>
<p>The mosquitoes are bad this summer. Worst ever.</p>
<p>There is too much change, too much data, too many people to make any kind of synthesis. China as I experience it does not allow for wise commentary. One can only watch and report as accurately as possible. The phenomenon itself is bigger than my brain.</p>
<p>And the Chinese in China are infinitely more diverse than the stereotype we have of Chinese Americans. Beware extrapolation, that’s all I can say. It is not a nation of quiet, dutiful, studious people. Oh, there is honor and love for the parents, but it’s more romantic than we can imagine.</p>
<p>I am only reporting little points. Little fireflies of information. </p>
<p>You should all travel here at least once. Or not, I guess it’s optional. But at least try to remember that China is here.</p>
<p>I traveled there in 1981 for 3 weeks. I can’t wait to go back again and see that everything I knew is wrong.</p>
<p>(Thanks for the occasional snippets!)</p>
<p>Great snippets, I agree!</p>
<p>I should go now, while my close friend’s grown D is still living there. That way, I’ll get the raucous 20-something-insider’s view. She’s DEFINITELY a girl who will know where to find the Italian soccer players… or their Shanghai equivalents. ;)</p>
<p>SBMom - I understand that for those who seek it out Shanghai is like Burning Man every night - somewhere in the city.</p>
<p>Me I’m in the Hayward or Fremont part of Shanghai. But I can dream, can’t I?</p>
<p>You should go now. It would be an adventure and a sheer set of visuals you would never forget.</p>
<p>Thanks for that Alum. Is it as hot there as Beijing?</p>
<p>I love the Chinese people. I have to pinch myself to remember all the history they have lived through but even with my superficial understanding, I enjoy everything about them–even their cultural snobbery.</p>
<p>
I think it stands for Roll On-Roll Off. It’s a type of ship that carries cargo that’s on trailers, as opposed to a container ship that carries stacked containerized cargo. A RORO ship can lower a ramp and the cargo can be “rolled on” or “rolled off”, whereas a container ship must be loaded/unloaded with a crane.</p>
<p>I only know this because I work at a seaport!</p>
<p>I think it is Jym’s birthday today!!! Not sure, but I recall a post in which she said the numbers do not refer to a Mazda but rather a date, and I noticed the date because June 26 is my mom’s birthday.</p>
<p>So Jym, you mentioned in another thread that your family has experienced a recent loss. So very sorry, and I hope you still get to enjoy yourself in a special way today. We’re all thinking of you!!!</p>
<p>HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! (and if the date is special for some other reason than a birthday, tell us why!)</p>
<p>Renee</p>
<p>ReneeV-
THANK YOU!!! That is so sweet of you to remember all this. You are absolutely correct- today is my b’day. It will be an unusual day, but I will get to have lunch with both my boys at the airport. We (ds 1 and 2) head back to our respective home cities today, while DH stays behind through next weekend to help his sister with their father’s affairs. Yes, unfortunately we lost my fa-in-law, who would have been 99 in 2 weeks! He was sharp as a tack up until the end. I hope my DH has the same genes! We will be heading to religious services shortly, and then to the airport, with a layover in the next city long enough for our lunch. So, I won’t likely be back on the computer til late tonight, but will be thinking of you and your kind wishes. That really made my day!! Thanks to all my CC friends!</p>
<p>ReneeV-
I almost forgot-- happy birthday to your mom as well!!</p>
<p>Jym, Birthday hugs to you! </p>
<p>Renee, WOW. You are hereby appointed to some post of great importance in the alley… whichever one you want. Maybe you’d like to be in charge of marachino cherries?</p>
<p>Happy Birthday to Jym! Many happy returns of the day! :)</p>
<p>Today is also my son’s 19th birthday, tho he had his party Saturday night. Last year of teenagerhood, I told him.</p>
<p>Jym, I’ve been waiting for 6/26 'cause I knew it was your birthday, then totally forgot about it today until ReneeV reminded us! Sorry it had to be tinged with sadness at the loss of your husband’s dad, but it was nice that you could be with your boys.
Happy Birthday!</p>
<p>Thank you patsmom. You got it right.</p>
<p>Here is the ship he will be on until October.</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/green-lake-image1.jpg[/url]”>http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/green-lake-image1.jpg</a></p>
![http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/green-lake-image1.jpg[/url]](http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ship/images/green-lake-image1.jpg%5B/url%5D){kind=link}
<p>Boat Drinks All Around!!!</p>
<p>I think I need another one of those tequila drinks…Astrogirl and I returned from Mexico yesterday, leaving astrodad and astrosister down there for a few more days to enjoy themselves… Astrogirl leaves tomorrow for a month in GERMANY! I look at it as my dry run for her leaving for college at the end of August…although I’ll be able to talk and email her more when she goes to college. I wanna go, too!!! WAHHHHH!!!</p>
<p>HB Jym!</p>
<p>How’s it feel to be 29? :)</p>
<p>Happy Birthday Jym!</p>
<p>A toast to Jym! </p>
<p>Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Jym
Happy Birthday to you!<br>
(I don’t sing well but luckily online you can’t tell)</p>
<p>Wow! Thanks to all for the kind thoughts. It is delightful, uplifting and much appreciated. In fact, I like it so much I think I’ll have another birthday tomorrow! 
Things got a bit snafoo’ed today so older s ended up having to take a different flight on the first leg. So, lunch at the airport was only with younger s. I’ll fil you in when I am more awake. Again, thanks to all for the birthday and condolence wishes. Mucho kind.</p>