Almost Done in Shanghai

I want to first start by apologizing for not posting anything in the last few weeks. I have been super busy and unfortunately, did not prioritize this blog.

My mom and sister were here up until Tuesday, June 18^th. The weekend before they left, we went to Xi’an together and met up with my aunt. While there, we saw the terra cotta warriors, biked around the whole city wall (14 KM), and witnessed several wedding photo shoots. It was a pretty cool city. Unfortunately, I was burdened with lots of school work while we were there, so I wasn’t able to be quite as adventurous as I would usually be.

My mom, sister and I flew back to Shanghai on Monday, the 17^th. That day, we went and visited the Starbucks Roastery, the largest Starbucks in the world, featuring unique coffee drinks not offered at any of their stores. For example, I got an ice cream float made with cold brew coffee that was on tap. After, we walked to a super trendy area called Xintiandi and got beers from a local craft brewery and people watched. After drinks, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for dinner. My girlfriend, Nadia, joined us and we went to an Italian restaurant called Mercato, which was opened by Jean Georges. We got the tasting menu, which was awesome, and spent a few hours having an awesome meal.

I had class the next day and then went and met up with my family before they left. I brought them Yang’s dumplings, steamed pork and red bean buns, and bubble tea to have for lunch before they left. They then headed out to the airport to head home.

The next day, Wednesday the 20^th, I had my first final in International Econ. While it was my first final, it was the last for several of my friends, who then headed home after the exam.

That night, we had a going away dinner with my program. We had a traditional style Chinese meal with about 20 dishes, all served family style. I am not crazy about Chinese food, but it was in an old French style villa, so it was a cool experience.

The next day, Nadia and I had a picnic in a park, along a man-made lake. We got bread, wine, cheese, jam, and fruit. It was a really nice time.

The day after, I went with Nadia to the Natural History Museum. It was recently built and featured a moving T-Rex. Kinda corny but still fun. After that we ended up at an arcade and watched a very intense Dance Dance Revolution battle with some of the best dancers I have ever seen.

On Saturday, we headed out to Hangzhou, a nice city about an hour south of Shanghai. We explored the tea fields and got some Tea. It wasn’t very good, and we got ripped off. Not a great experience, but the tea fields were really pretty, which completely made up for it.

On Sunday night, we headed to Nanjing via an hour and a half train. While in Nanjing, we got delicious Thai food, saw the Sun Yat-Sen museum and mausoleum.

We headed back to Shanghai on Monday night, and I had a final on Tuesday morning. After my final, we went to a second-hand clothing market to see if we could find any gems. I didn’t find much, but it was still fun to look. We then headed to the Yuz Museum to see an art exhibit that featured a “rain” room. Water fell from the ceiling like rain, but it had sensors, so it wouldn’t rain on you. It was a cool concept. After that, we went to an Indian restaurant for dinner, and then went and grabbed a drink and watched the world cup. We then went and saw Toy Story 2. After the movie, we went to a different bar to get a drink. Then we walked and took a taxi to the Bund to watch the sun rise. We finally got home and went to bed around 6 AM.

The next day, we went to the school store and got T-Shirts to show our Fudan Pride. Then I helped Nadia pack, and we went to trivia at the Shanghai Brewery. Our team bet it all at the end and got 0 points. Nadia and I met a very nice couple who bought us a few beers and hung out with us. Then I said goodbye to Nadia, as she left for the airport to fly to Tokyo. I hung out with the couple for a little before heading home.

The next day, I had a final in my Investment Fund Management Class. It was my 2^nd to last final.

The following day, Friday, I started working at a summer camp for teenage students looking to improve their English and business skills. I was a “teacher,” but just guided them to create a business. After work, I met up with friends and got dinner before heading to a bar in People’s park for drinks. First, we went to Barbarossa, then 325. 325 is on the rooftop of a clocktower and ended up being a great establishment. 2 of my roommates were leaving the next day, so it was nice to get to spend their last night with them.

The next day, Saturday, I went to work again. After work, I grabbed dinner with a friend, and then cleaned up my apartment and applied for internships for next summer.

Overall, I have been very busy. On Wednesday morning, I have my last final from 1-3. At 9 PM, I fly to Hong Kong. I am then in Hong Kong until Saturday night, when I fly to Mumbai. Then I move into my apartment on Sunday, go to turn in all my visa documents at the Italian consulate on Monday, and start work on Tuesday.

I have a lot going on this week, but I am just trying to take it one step at a time to get everything done that I need to. My next post will be coming from Mumbai, so look out for my first impressions!