SHANGHAI, PRC — These last two days in Shanghai have been unexpected, but I guess I can’t expect any less on days that are labeled as TBA on the class itinerary.
The whole group minus Andrea went bargain shopping at the Xiangyang Market at the Science & Technology Museum Station on Metro Line 2. I bought some more miscellaneous items as gifts, as well as some counterfeit (of course) bags. Zahira and I went into a store where the young lady took us to the back room with the “top-grade” counterfeit bags. I ended up getting two Chanel purses and I was done shopping for the day. We went back to the apartments and began gathering information for our stories while indulging in good old girl talk.
At night, we met with my Miami friend Kolb, who is currently studying at East China Normal University in Shanghai. We ate at Crystal Jade Restaurant in Xintiandi with two of his friends, Mark and Jeremy. It turned out to be a communal Cantonese dinner with lots of good food that reminded me of home, and this Chinese red wine served hot.
Zahira was still hungry after dinner, so we went to Haagen-Dazs to grab some ice cream. I felt my stomach was about to burst after all the food and the specialty drink to top, but luckily I held it in. My goodness, Xintiandi is just as packed on a weeknight as it is during the weekend! We had a good time nonetheless, and I’m sure our taxi drivers thought we were insane.
We stayed in our apartment for the most part today, working on our stories. We intended on going out and doing some last-minute sight-seeing, but it just didn’t happen. Holly came back from classes and the whole group went out for hotpot. It was delicious and enjoyable! I’m glad we decided to go as a last meal in Shanghai. We walked back near the apartment to grab some ice cream, but I ended up getting bubble tea instead.
We’re back at the apartment, packing up our belongings. I’m wondering if I’ll be able to fit all my stuff in my suitcase. I think I should be fine .… But as I’m unpacking and re-packing, I’m actually shocked at the amount of stuff I bought, especially since I have two more cities to visit .…
I am going to miss this place. It’s amazing how places can leave such lasting impressions based on experiences. Until next time, Shanghai .… It’s been real.
Contributed by Yvette Jon
AH! Yvette, I’m glad you went on this trip. I see you’re loving it as much as I did. It does seem to fly by incredibly fast so soak it all in! Have a safe trip to Hong Kong!