I'll be back (I hope)

But it wasn’t really over and I spent Friday supporting IT Services and Library Services colleagues adapt to a new and different way of working; also addressing some minor teething issues. In fact, this was still the case at 5.30 when the taxi was due to take me to the airport and I said farewell to Ningbo campus and a tremendous group of colleagues who work there and have a genuine can do attitude.

The 3-hour return trip to Shanghai Pudong was a little more sedate than Sunday's journey in the opposite direction and the driver was more communicative, which was great because I learned a few more interesting (to me anyway) facts. He still demonstrated excellent weaving skills as we moved continually from one lane to another.

As we drove across the coastal plain and approached the 35km long Hangzhou Bridge, he explained that the high rise development towards the coast, across what looked like marshland, was an embryonic  new city. And when you consider how large cities are in China (Ningbo at 14m people is considered to be a medium size city), it’s quite astonishing. Apparently this new city will attract a lot of new factories.

Shortly after crossing the bridge, the driver (I’m sorry but I didn’t get a name) explained that we were entering Shanghai. I thought we must have made exceptional progress until I saw a road sign that read 56km to Shanghai city centre and he explained that it was still a further 88km to the airport. This was compounded by the fact that that the road surface changed quite dramatically to one that, at best, can be described as undulating. I’ll never complain about travelling to work again.

The drop off point at the airport was chaotic with vehicles 3 and sometimes 4 abreast. No problem though as he pulled in and I jumped out. This was followed by the usual check-in, immigration (you have to complete a departure card when you leave and have your visa stamped) and security. It was a close run thing because I only arrived at the departure gate with 2½ hours to spare. Still, it gave me plenty of time to type up most of this drivel.

I’m now sitting by the window looking out at the Airbus A-380 jumbo that will take 9 hours to Dubai followed by another 7 hours to Birmingham and (it seems) rain and 15 degrees – I’ve really appreciated not being cold for almost two weeks.

I think I’ll be convinced after the journey to come that a direct flight would have been better but Birmingham is convenient and I’d prefer to avoid Heathrow. Of course there might not be another opportunity but I hope so because China is a fascinating, energetic and vibrant country. And a visit is a truly stimulating experience.

Thank you for joining me on this journey (it’s starting to sound a bit Alan Whicker for my liking) and putting up with the prattle; also for any comments that you posted, which are always welcome. Apologies for any duplication of last year's blog.

Since preparing this at Shanghai Airport, I've managed to navigate my way home courtesy of two flights, two trains and one bus. I've added a few photos I took during the second flight from Dubai to Birmingham. I've managed to last until 9 pm and really need to catch up on some sleep so it's time to hit 'Publish' and say goodnight.

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