Shanghai Summer

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.