Thought I would take the time to say hello to everyone from Tianjin, China. Driving habits (if such a thing exists) of the Chinese are something to behold. Riding with my chauffer to & from work is an ordeal. I never thought aggressive driving would ever un-nerve me, but this is extreme over here. They'll come at one another at 100 KMH and see which car diverts to avoid the impact - game of chicken on public roadways. One hand on the wheel & one on the horn. I just hold onto the grab handle and close my eyes!

 

You have to try the local cuisine, snakes and other such goodies I hear.
I hope your life insurance is paid up. Good luck.

 

:-) I have nothing to say post deleted

 

Too late, the email notifications are out to contributors to this thread.
So two of us know what you said. Nothing to be sorry about in that statement to my mind.
PC has gone too far these days.

 

I spent 6 months there in 1981-1983!

My strongest memory was of bacillary dysentery.

Oh, joy.

 

Actually, where I'm staying (Crowne Plaza Tianjin Jinnan) is more of a resort than a hotel. Golf course out back and all the typical resort-like amenities one would expect. There is a 4-5 star Chinese restaurant off the lobby, if that's what you want. And there is a main restaurant that serves meals everyday (breakfast, lunch, dinner) more akin to what one would expect at a resort within USA/Canada. Rooms are caliber of those seen in a travel magazine at an upscale resort. And the room only costs $65-$70 USD per night with the exchange rate. Cab ride from airport to hotel took nearly 40 minutes and cost less the $20 USD.

I've been on much worse assignments. But looking forward to going home on the 22nd.

 

Yeah - I was fore-warned about drinking water from the faucet. When I had to spend a night in Beijing due to airline issue, there was a small placard behind the bathroom faucet specifically stating "Non-Potable". So I've been drinking bottled water both at hotel & at client's site everyday I've been here. At the hotel, I hide the bottled water left everyday in the small mini-bar fridge and housekeeping leaves me at least 2 bottles (sometimes 3) every day when they service the room. So I've got plenty of water to drink.