an update

OK, now that I finally have time sitting down to blog, I am two day and a bit away from flying back to Shanghai. Time sure has flown by. And driving in US has reminded me that the drivers here just do not drive with "safety" in mind. And the traffic signs, before criticizing other "developing" countries, they should look at theirs. Things hiding behind big bushes and then you have to turn right away. Or, you are assume to be a local and "should" know all the exits or entrance to freeways. Driving, the roads are not tuned for high speed driving; yet everyone speeds; no wonder there are so many accidents. And then self-inflicted traffic jams on the free ways. There was no reasons. Keep up! On a stretch of road from Seattle to Portland, we were stuck for in a six-mile stretch of road. I thought there was an accident; it wasn't; just people were driving slow because the road went from 3 lanes to 2 lanes; then all of sudden everything slowed. Then, traffic sped up again; there was no bottle neck, nothing! Then, the cars I have been driving; all had so light steering I think it should be mandatory to own a German made vehicle so that one gets better control of a car. The grand am and the Toyota Camry, man.... I felt like I had no control with the steering. I slowed down to less than 60's but people were driving at 70's or 80's in a 55 zone, scary.

And then the TV programming; it's worse than Canada!!!! Except the Golf Chanel, of course. Too bad I'll be back in Shanghai when the Open is on. O well.

My current location is Los Alto, California, just next to Palo Altos. Staying at the Residence Inn by Marriott; not bad; has a kitchenette, free b'fast everyday; free coffee and bear 24-hours a day; guest welcome night every night with food and beer. Tomorrow will leave here early as we have to drive up to Oakland to catch a 8:35am Southwest flight to Seattle. Spending the day there; then next morning early, we go back to Shanghai via Vancouver; will have about 3 1/2 hours layover. You just never know who will be calling ....