Mirrors...everywhere. Mirrors on the streets, on the side of buildings, in the elevators, on the walls...everywhere I turn I see myself. This is not so good since I really want to pretend to be much slimmer. I am constantly reminded I am short and have not lost any weight here in Shanghai. Even with so much walking! So much sweating! And its OK to look in the mirrors. People always stop and check themselves. They are beautiful people and more fashion aware than I expected. Girls are dressed in beautiful, feminine dresses of lace, ruffles and pleats. Men are in dress pants and crisp short sleeved shirts. No hair out of place. Dressed for work, dressed for success. This is juxtaposed with teens dressed in funky outfits with streaks of blue, red, pink and gold in their hair. Big plastic jewelry, colorful, pinned together here and there with fake paint, rips and "chinglish" sayings. Freedom from stress of finding a good job for now. Each stops and checks a tuck, a piece of hair, a fake rip, a button...ready for the day. Ready for the next big thing. Mirrors are a necessary friend. Perfection no matter the age or job.

 

Silver mirrors, gold mirrors. Life in a city under constant reflection. So for now I must face myself and live with what looks back. A short white girl who needs to find a gym!