Treasures in Shanghai
Nia Hoa or Wei, which means "Hello", this was the first word I learned in Mandarin. I was in Shanghai, China last week, and it is time I unpacked my trip. After: a bus, a plane, a layover in Moscow, another flight, many lines, and no sleep I arrived in Shanghai around eleven o'clock (GMT+ 8). So, it was about three in the morning for us Swiss travelers. I felt tired, swollen, yet dehydrated, all types of confusion and gratitude for safely arriving in Shanghai. I vividly remember entering the airport in Shanghai feeling like a single organism navigating a restless body with about 30 percent less of its ordinary consciousness.
My exploration began the next day after a lackluster hotel continental breakfast, and a quick wiggle in the gym. My friend, Carme, who had been to Shanghai four times, invited me to join her in a stroll around Tian Zi Fang, a less commercial shopping center. Quick tip, when traveling try to find people that have been there before, they can tell you the places that are worth seeing. However, if you aren't with people that have been there before, I suggest asking the locals. They know the city and are most likely to point you in the right direction. I find at times, the concierge will have a motive with your wallet in mind, they can often point you to overcrowded and overpriced tourist attractions. However, this depends on what you want out of your travels. Lastly, another great tip for explores out there, utilize the internet with caution. We all know some of the information on the internet can be sketchy, be smart. If it is too good to be true...it is probably false. However, Instagram is a great place to find young and hip (did I just say hip?) people that are happy to give you advice about the area. Searching hashtags on Instagram, and getting a 'meetup' app can help you obtain useful information about the city, and have a more native experience and even make new friends!
Don't be fooled by the name it tasted like boiled detergent.
I found many miraculous treasures in Shanghai, from the food to the culture to the SHOPS, wow the shops! My assumptions were confirmed, when it came to shopping in China. China is the largest manufacture and distributor of goods in the world. The mass consumerism was ever prevalent on every corner. Lots of everything, even food. I challenged myself to try one new food from the Chinese super market everyday... I thought it could broaden my palate . It worked out mostly, everything was delicious until I tried this 'Nourish Nut' milk. The most offensively vial drink I have ever tasted.
Tian Zi Fang
The uniqueness of the Tian Zi Fang would charm any passing pedestrian, the small walking streets, and valleys filled with quaint shops and galleries singular to Shanghai. I think the most welcome culture shock is to enter a foreign space and connect with the humanity of the people and to observe how human beings have illustrated the space as personal to its ground of origin. I think that one of the most exciting things about traveling to places that are very different from our everyday lives is the realization that we are fundamentally all made of the same substance as. The way we decide to navigate and create our surroundings is the difference between us all. Acknowledging these details is how we can learn from each other and respecting that we are all human beings is how we can save each other.
The last day in Shanghai we were granted a day off to explore and rest before the long journey home to Switzerland. Where did I spend my day off? Not in Shanghai, surprisingly, I ended up tagging along with two of my good friends in the company Alanna and Carme to Suzhou. Suzhou, is a small quaint city forty-five minutes outside of Shanghai. I think we wanted to get away from the busy city and in exchange for a more rural or local experience. Suzhou was filled with many blog worthy surprises. The quaint roads and canals made you feel like you were in the "Venice of China".
We had tea at a traditional tea house, where my friend found a bit of happiness, in rose tea. She was virtually blooming after her last sip; she even bought some to take home.
A tea fanatic waits impatiently for her tea.
TEa time !
Rose tea! This stuff is seriously good!
SIP ON HAPPINESS
Map of the Suzhou Jiangsu China Master of Nets Garden
Our last and final treasure was found in a little pocket of Suzhou, called "The Suzhou Jiangsu China Master of Nets Gardens".
When the doors opened to the garden, a mass of about twenty people bulldozed to the entrance to scan their virtual tickets, as western tourist with little internet access we had to pay with cash. It was an enlightening moment realizing how rapidly cash is becoming extinct, as we were the only ones to pay in cash. This was not the only time, almost everywhere I went in China people would use there phone to pay for goods (#thefutureisnowpeople). After a lot of hand gestures and a bit of miscommunication, the tour around "The Suzhou Jiangsu China Master Of Nets Garden" began.
The beautiful Suzhou opera singer
Each room was, explained throughly by our assertive tour guide followed by a live artistic performance. We were granted eight beautiful traditional Suzhou performances consisting of opera, acting, dancing, and musical instruments.
A traditional Suzhou opera performance
Its always inspiring to see other artists at their craft, I have such a profound respect and admiration for each of these artful humans beings. THANK YOU!
We are ever exchanging energy.
The next morning as we are ready to board the flight back to Switzerland. I cupped my steaming rose tea and watched the vapor drift from the edge of the cup, as my lips blew the tea vapor into the air-conditioned airport. I take this time to be ever present in this corner in the world, I feel gratitude hug my spirit for the privilege to explore, exchange, and learn; deepening my perspective on the world we live in.