Home Sweet Home!

I made it to Shanghai in one piece :)! Shanghai, the largest city of China, is home to over 13 million people, and here I am, ready to join them. Often referred to as the “Paris of the East” or the “New York of China”, it’s a bustling city with modern skyscrapers, but also deeply rooted in traditional Chinese values.

I’m definitely going through a little bit of culture shock. Even though I’ve only been here for less than 1 day, I’m already feeling the difference between adjusting to a new city as a tourist versus a new habitant. Everything is new, different and foreign. The basic tasks that we take for granted at home are suddenly huge challenges for us to overcome. I ventured outside of campus earlier this morning to purchase some basic supplies, and ended up spending two hours trying to decipher various cleaning products that were completely labeled in Chinese. Instead of Mr. Clean, it’s Mr. Muscle (and he has black hair). Instead of purchasing laundry detergent in containers, you purchase them in bags. Want mint flavored Colgate toothpaste? Try honey flavored instead. I have to be honest - it’s a bit overwhelming, and I feel more overwhemled than when I came to China in March. Hopefully, I'll eventually get used to my new environment.

Anyway, here are some pictures of the new abode. My new home is located in the Xuhui district, which is the southwestern part of Shanghai. The apartment is nice – we have Westernized bathroom amenities (phew), a semi-full sized bed, kitchen, and a TV with 3 English channels. I even have a balcony which overlooks the lake located outside the apartment building. I think I'm going to like it here.

Hello Shanghai!

Location: Newark Liberty International Airport

Going back to China! After months of planning, I am finally on my way to Shanghai. The bags are checked, and I am sitting outside the gate, waiting to board. These past 2 weeks have felt like a blur to me – I've had farewell party after farewell party, coupled with drinks at work, extended family dinners, core family dinners, and dinners with friends. In a way, I feel like I’m being a bit dramatic (after all, who throws 10 going away gatherings for a 10-month stint abroad?), but hey, a litle party here and there doesn’t hurt anyone. I certainly feel blessed and lucky to have so many loved ones. I’m going to miss everyone, and no, I’m not going to forget any of you. This is probably the craziest thing I’ve ever done, and there may come a time when I’ll look back and ask you, “What in the world was I thinking?”