We've been slowly figuring out how to communicate and get things accomplished in Shanghai. My Mandarin skills, while improving, are still incredibly poor, so it's helpful to accompany attempts to speak with appropriate non-verbal signals; however, that's easier said than done. Today I learned, after several attempts, that making your hands look like they're skiing down a hill means "subway"; as you can imagine, this has already come in quite handy. Unfortunately using body language here is a skill unto itself. For example pointing to your wrist does not actually seem to indicate that you'd like to know the time, nor does motioning to the door and opening your hands like a book result in learning the hours of operation at a shop. But we've consistently been met with one challenge that is best illustrated with a story from our outing on Friday night.

We went to a funky lounge called Cotton to celebrate Ola's last night in town. It was swanky and cool with a huge patio and trendy looking folks. We had a couple of drinks, but Ola had an early morning, so it was time to go.

I looked at the bartender and drew out a square with my fingers. This was always the sign for bill in Taiwan. He nodded and smiled with a look of full comprehension and promptly presented us with a menu.

Lisa shook her head, "no, no", she said, and made a squiggly movement with her fingers. Once again we were met with an expression of understanding…and were handed a pen.

We looked at each other and debated how to get our point across. Lisa made a check mark in the air with her hand. He muttered a short "hao, hao, hao" and scurried away. "International symbol" she said with a smile.

One minute later, he placed a new glass of wine in front of her. Oh well, I guess we were staying for another drink.

When it came time to try and leave again, we were about to start the whole process anew. Ola quickly slammed Lisa's hand down on the bar and shot her a look that simply said, "NO". She waved her money and said, "We'd like the cheque please."

The bartender smiled at us and replied "Sure, no problem".