Wow

I had the best time at brunch.  The InterContinental Hotel is top drawer.  So many wonderful choices, champagne and breakfast cocktails.  It was only $30.00 USD, very good price for what you get.  There were about 47 people, co-workers, spouses and their children as well as people from the Embassy.  I also met the GM of the hotel, and I am going to call him to set up a tour to decide if I will move to that hotel in a week or so.  It has many more amenities and a much broader food selection.  There's nothing terribly wrong where I'm currently at, but I've noticed the service declining.  For instance, today I didn't get fresh towels, a bath mat, water and tea/coffee refreshed as I'm supposed to.  I'm currently waiting for the hotel staff to show up.  I will probably have to call again.  Without the bathmat,you're taking your life into your hands...very slippery floors.  As stated before, everything around here is granite or marble...the floors in the bathroom no exception. 

Also, I'm really enjoying my time here thus far.  The people, including my expatriate co-workers are so friendly and have no problem in taking a "stray" as I call myself under their wing.  It's so nice hearing about their stories of travels they've taken as well as their experiences and suggestions.  I also met a travel guide from Istanbul, if I wanted to go there for a weekend she would set me up with a tour and hotel.  I'm seriously considering it.  Based upon my current feelings I would seriously consider taking another ISP assignment, whether long or short.  I'll make further inquiries later on in my assignment.  Most of these expatriates have been on ISP's for over 5 years, one couple has been gone for 10.  They've traveled all over the world.  They loved Shanghi and said if I ever had an opportunity to go I should. 

Anyway, it was  a wonderful way to spend a sunday morning, especially on a rainy day.  We work hard and play hard.