Shanghai is an enormous city with so much to do, learn, and explore, viewable in my “20 Things I Did Do in Shanghai” (PART 1) & (PART 2). There’s also so much you may not do while you’re in Shanghai, here are 10 of the things that I did not do while in Shanghai:
1. Notice the Pollution
My oblivion may be to blame for not noticing the difference in air quality. Due to the pollutants released into the air throughout China, the air quality, at times is often some of the worst air in the world. Nevertheless, if air quality isn’t an attribute you pay much attention to in your home country, when you arrive in Shanghai, you won’t necessarily notice the difference–beyond the locals wearing face masks here and there.
2. Find a Size 14 Shoe
Well evidently, average clothing sizes are different cross-nationally between China and America; but I didn’t know that meant I wouldn’t find a size 14 shoe ANYWHERE in the city. If I had one regret, it was honestly not bringing more shoes or at least researching the availability of special sizes throughout the country where you’ll reside.
3. Flush Toilet Paper (Or At Least I Wasn’t Supposed To)
For obvious reasons, adhering to the mandatory recommendation to not flush toilet paper down the toilet was one of the harder practices to become accustomed to. This inability definitely challenges you & adds another level to acculturating to a particular culture.
4. Use Squatty Potties in Dire Times
While discussing restroom practices, another practice that I luckily did not have to endure was the use of a squatty potty. For obvious reasons, during particular times using this bathroom fixture would be easy, while other times difficulty would arise. But, praises for only needing to use this fixture during the easier times.
5. Get Hit by a Car
Traffic in Shanghai was quite the attention grabber. Their order translated into disorder for me, the aggression and courage of Chinese drivers amazed me, luckily I didn’t get hit by a car. Interacting with the cars and drivers builds courage, at times you will command the attention of something more powerful than you and then at other times you submit your power to the bold drivers.
6. Lose My Cool about Personal Space
Granted I’m probably 1.5x the size of the average Chinese citizen and granted there are many crowded areas throughout Shanghai, I learned to not lose my cool about personal space. A professor of mine told me that Chinese care about their family, close friends, and then assert no care for strangers, thus your space is their space because you, as a stranger, are irrelevant. The photo below was outside the entrance for Shanghai Fashion Week in Xintiandi, thus crowds are destined to ensue.
7. Lose My Cool about the Smoking
Now, consistent smoking on the streets and in a variety of public places, was one of the closest things to make me lose my cool, but I held it together. The infatuation with cigarettes and the subsequent smoke can invoke anger, but you have to learn the art of swiftly dodging, swiftly walking and innate patience and the art of of becoming accustom to a culture different from your culture. All about absorbing the culture, literally.
8. Have a Major Allergic Reaction
I’m allergic to fish and I’m allergic to nuts, two ingredients common to Asian dishes. Prior to coming to China, I prepared by getting four EpiPens and then carrying them everywhere throughout Shanghai. Blessedly, I didn’t have to use them a single time. Learn to master how to relay your allergies to the waitresses in the local language or have an image created to tell waitresses what you’re allergic to.
9. Take My Trash to the Garbage at Fast Food Restaurants
Different than in America, at fast food restaurants the waiters and the waitresses come and disperse of your trash. Making your fast food experience that much faster, this is one foreign luxury that I wish I could have brought back to the States.
10. Regret this Experience
One thing I did not do was regret this experience, it was honestly a dream to come to Shanghai. Realizing the manifestation of this dream attests to the power of holding on to the dream, even when you wake up and life starts to get real. There were times when traveling to Shanghai and exploring the fruition of this “Traveling Asia” goal seemed close to impossible.
This experience taught me patience, resilience, openness, and the beauty of exploration, and for that I’m forever grateful. While attending Pepperdine University, the group I traveled with and he relationship we built in Shanghai is definitely one that I’ll continuously remember. 我 上海 家人、我 爱 你 (My Shanghai Family, I love you)！
Photo Credit: Joshua Gray & Jenny Rustad
Want to know more about the good, the bad, and the grayt from what I did and did not do in Shanghai? Post your thoughts, questions, or your experiences in the comments below! Share with your family, friends, and associates!
