3 MONTHS AGO:
I was startled when the plane hit
the ground. I had been too immersed in the movie The Godfather (How had I never
seen this before?!) to even notice that we were landing. For whatever reason,
not a single person had opened their window shades. I heard the familiar bing of the seatbelt sign being turned
off and quietly began to gather my belongings. As I walked through Shanghai
Pudong Airport to the baggage claim there was only one emotion I was feeling:
RELIEF. I made it! The stress and
drama of the past two quarters (oh
you know just multiple break-ins and police reports) was OVER, and I officially
started my summer. I put everything behind me and was not looking back.
There has always been some kind of
gravitational force pulling me back to Asia. I had been to Shanghai only a few
times before, but once I saw the Chinese characters on the signs, I immediately
associated it with home. The
massive futuristic skyscrapers, taxis, crowds, and humidity, are all very
similar to Hong Kong (where I grew up). Amidst all the people and chaos, I feel
very calm here, almost zen-like.
TODAY:
I wrote that during my second night in Shanghai. Sometimes I
feel like I’m on the go so much that I don’t have much time to reflect on
everything I’ve been doing, which is one of the main reasons why I started this blog. Going
to do my best to break that habit…
It has been a crazy summer! Travelling can really put things
into perspective. Here are just
some of the highlights (not in any particular order):
1. Living in 新天地
(Xintiandi)
Xintiandi area was absolutely beautiful, filled with
Sycamore lined streets and restored Shikumen buildings…I am going to miss
living in this neighborhood.
2. 中文课 (Mandarin Lessons)
I took a
month long course at Mandarin House. I had an AMAZING teacher named Wang Lin
(She wouldn’t let me take a picture of her). The hours were long but she always
had such great energy and did her best to keep our small class engaged.
3. Meeting new people & connecting with old friends
Going to miss everyone so much! The people you meet on study abroad programs are always the best (with the exception of a small few) because everyone's always down to experience something different.
4. The Views
5. Lijiang
6. Shangri-La
7. Internship at SimplyBridal
Absolutely loved working here! It was great working in an office with so many girls. Everyone was so nice and laid-back.
View from the Office
Mix of traditional & modern buildings
Overall, my summer in Shanghai was a memorable experience. It all happened so fast I really can't believe the summer has come to an end. I would love to come back and work there full time someday.
