So here’s a vague attempt of a comparison, alongside some
pics from my time out here so far.

As I said, at first glance many things do appear the same. 

Like the supermarkets

…until you wander to the back. Last time I was there, a fish tried to make a run for it and started flipping its way down aisle 3.

And the bicycles. They play a far greater role in everyday life out
here and, whilst structurally they look the same, Chinese bikes (and cyclists) can carry super-human
loads . Here’s a pic that my friend Adrian took:

Bikes are used to transport pretty much anything and everything out here, so it's always fun to see what's strapped on the back. Like this recently-deceased chicken.

The signs out here are almost the same – but it's the little mistakes that make me smile. This is outside the pool at my apartment, (which incidentally is a bit grotty.)

One of the
differences that I love about Shanghai, is the fact that pretty much anything
goes. Like shopping in your pyjamas.

Putting your dog in lace-up boots. This is Harold.

Or dying its ears orange, tail purple and popping it in a
leather corset.

Eating out is also a different experience. First
off, everything’s shared. Which is good, as it means you never get bored with
your dinner. Secondly, you’re not expected to eat everything on the table
(something I discovered a month too late). If it all gets eaten, it means the
host hasn’t looked after his/her guests adequately. And thirdly, apparently it’s
ok for waiters to clip their finger nails onto the restaurant floor. (That could be more a reflection on our choice of eatery.)

Comparing the London-Shanghai offices is a bit easier. 

We both look a bit like art galleries.

We’ve both got ayi's ('aunties'). This is our Shanghai Ayi. She
prepares Chinese breakfast for the agency every morning and keeps the kitchen
spick and span.  In London, we've got the lovely Adam.

We've both got pets. Kind of.

Neither of which should probably be in the office.

We’ve both got great meeting areas. This is the Shanghai ‘green’
– a hilly, carpeted space with a giant stuffed red dragon for reclining during agency meetings. (And the occasional lunch-time snooze.)

And then there are the things that will never change, no
matter what the continent or culture. Like Perkins and his way with the ladies. 

Penni finished with questions, and I've got a couple of my own. 

Why do old men take their caged canaries for walks in the park?

And why do people hang knickers outside their shops?