After a week in Beijing, we're currently completing a week in Shanghai. I know China, including Shanghai, pretty well and know what to expect. However, I'm overwhelmed by the number of times I've been propositioned by pimps and hookers this week. It must be because I'm a da pan middle-aged gweilo, but every time I go outside the hotel for a cigarette at night, some pimp (frequently the same pimp) offers me, "young Chinese girls." What's worse is they're persistent -- they won't take "bu ya" for an answer.

Last night, I got fed up and, after saying, "No, no, no" several times, I pointed to the doorman and said, "Why don't we ask this guy over here what he thinks?" The pimp took off, and I complained to the manager. This is a 5-star hotel (Lau Jin Jiang) and I told him I don't care what happens on the street, but they shouldn't be coming on hotel property for this. He said he'd notify security. I left him and went to the elevators to go back up to the room (and Mrs. PTravel). A young girl (quite cute, actually) followed me into the elevator, began some small talk (Where are you from?, etc.), followed me off at my floor and said, "You want massage?" I said, "No," and gave her a small lecture.

Aaaarrrrggggh.

I've never had this kind of problem in China before. Is it Shanghai (this is my fourth time to the city)? The Chinese economy? My pathetic bad looks?