October marked my second month here in Shanghai and I’m increasingly enjoying this city and the impact its having on my life. The vibrancy, the energy, the culture, the atmosphere, and, even, the cultural differences are influencing me greatly. From Beijing to Vietnam, October was an eventful month and I’m ecstatic that I’m a testament to decreeing a dream until you start seeing a dream–traveling the continent of Asia was a goal of mine. Explore some of my highlights from the month of October in Shanghai, below:
1. Beijing & The $300 Tea Excursion
If you’ve had the opportunity to explore my time in Beijing at the beginning of October, you’ll see I had the opportunity to travel around the capital of China visiting the Ming Tombs, the Great Wall, the 2008 Olympic Venues, the National Theatre, Tiananmen Square, and a costly tea excursion. What started off as a seemingly coincidental encounter with someone else who spoke English in China ended as $350 tea “ceremony.” In a crowd of thousands of individuals who flocked to Tiananmen Square for the Chinese National Holiday, I met Jack, an alleged doctor from Hong Kong, who was occasionally in town alone also. After conversation on our families (or a conversation inadvertently positioning my economic capacity), we went to a tea house/parlor to try several teas and consequentially purchase several teas. Although Jack’s hospitality comforted a explorative tourist, this has been reported as an alleged scam throughout Beijing. Some times risks are costly; in this moment, I learned.
2. Chinese Cooking Class
Firstly, I am no chef nor do I enjoy the process of cooking; we all have our calling and a patience associated with our calling–cooking is not my calling. Nevertheless, it was a pleasure being a part of a Chinese cooking class that involved learning about traditional Chinese food and learning all of the ingredients associated with some dishes that became favorites. Now, trying food and eating food presented to me is definitely my calling, therefore, delight and appreciation occurred when I began to indulge in the dishes that I helped “somewhat” prepare–operative word, “somewhat.”
3. Shanghai Fashion Week Mode & Show
During the second week in October, Shanghai Fashion Week descended upon Shanghai in the Xintiandi area; additionally, Mode Shanghai, an accompanying brand showcase, was hosted simultaneously. Going from brand to brand at Mode Shanghai presented an arrangement of styles, creative directions, and trends from emerging brands throughout Asia. Excited to highlight some of those brands here on the site.
Following Mode, Marcy (pictured above) and I had the opportunity to attend the Christophe Terzian showing at Xintiandi’s Shanghai Fashion Week. Terzian utilized impressive leather work and conceptual use of fabrics to detail a narrative driven by triumph and rhythmic movement. This was definitely a testament to determination, confidence, and true triumph; and a lot of pictures with “fans,” or spectators I never knew had.
4. McDonalds Sandwich
Food highlight of the month? Occasionally, fast food is the preferred option for cuisine options. If I choose to get fast food, I prefer to try items that aren’t sold in the states. Holding true to such modus operandi, I had this Chicken Sandwich–oddly looking and oddly tasting. Odd tasting in a delectable type of way, the taste of this sandwich doesn’t necessarily parallel typical American food palettes. Nevertheless, the spicy bun adds a twist to a typical chicken sandwich arrangement, interesting for a one-time try.
5. Mopeds & Navigating Shanghai
When in LA, I prefer my car navigating around the city and get from destination to destination. Nevertheless, here in Shanghai, I adore the ease, accessibility, and functionality of the subway system. I hypothesize that I’m absorbing normal life, before life takes a different trajectory. As I’m committed to exploring different things, I’m thankful for this moment of traveling to dinner on a moped. Seemingly trivial, but shaking things up occasionally creates unforgettable moments.
6. Vietnam & Saigon City
From October 22-October 25, I had the humbling honor to tour around the southern region of Vietnam, traveling Saigon, Mekong Delta, Tay Ninh, and Tay Lohng. Prior to arranging my travels around the world in the coming months, I had the intent of traveling around the continent of Asia, I’m ecstatic that I’m getting the chance to actually travel. When you open your life to traveling, the cultures, the places, and the people will enrich your life. Visit my coverage on my travels, thoughts, and first day in Vietnam: HERE.
7. Laser Tag
The “profound” in this experience isn’t in the actual action of playing laser tag, but the dope thing about this outting is the notion of trying new things and living life. When I was back in the states, I became disconnected from having fun and loving the life you live and the opportunities you may be able to embrace. Although the I lost all three rounds, the triumph in the experience is that I tried something new and regaining the joy of life. Find where you lost your happy and go get it back!
8. People’s Square, The Pursuit of Nike, & Shoe Dilemma
I traveled to Shanghai with the anticipation to purchase more shoes than the three shoes I brought to town. I get to Shanghai and realize that NO SHOE STORE CARRIES A SIZE 14, I have not found a single store. I emphasized this moment as a highlight because it’s a testament to determination and my increasing confidence in determination as a primary factor in achieving what you want. After arriving to the Shanghai labyrinth of a metro stop that is People’s Square, exploration and determination brought me to one of my last hopes–Nike Store People’s Square. Although they didn’t carry what I needed them to carry (a size 14 in ANY shoe), in spilling my heart out, I’m impressed with myself and the development unyielding determination.
An unyielding determination is what I hope you develop in your upcoming situations, circumstances, and experiences in your life!
