I’ve spent a little past 3 months in Shanghai now and this city is filled with life, people from literally around the world come to Shanghai in search of the luxury lifestyle. I wasn’t sure what to expect from such a booming city but it has surpassed my expectations you can go from the most ethnic neighborhood area to feeling like you’re in France and you’re surrounded by “laowai” (foreigners). Shanghai is very much internationalized and many say its not a correct representation of China so I made sure to get a good idea of what China is really like, just 5 hours on the fast train you arrive in Beijing. Beijing and Shanghai are polar opposites, Beijing brings you the culture aspect of China and of course you can’t leave without trying some strange things, visiting the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, and eating Peking Duck.

Shanghai is unpredictable but that’s what foreigners love about it. The metro has been my best friend here so convenient and cheap i will truly miss it. My language has improved from -2 to enough to get around and talk to people. Before coming here I thought my Chinese was up to par to at least communicate with locals but i couldn’t have been more wrong. Shanghainese is a quite different accent and the pronunciation is a bit different not only that but people just don’t understand you. It’s not like they’re willing to hear you out either so that was a rude awakening, but taking Chinese 3 hours a day for 3 months can change things quickly. I’ve spent a beautiful time here and everyone should go at least once if you feel like experiencing interesting things.

Before heading back to the states I will be making a stop in the Philippines, summer can’t begin without some beautiful beaches.

Monica Campos

World Financial Tower view on Pudong New District and the Huangpu River

Huangshan Mountain

Jinshan Beach–1.5 hours from Shanghai (too bad you couldn’ t get into the water)