Wednesday, January 16th, 2007
It’s been almost a month since I’ve been back in the US from my study abroad semester in China. Since then I’ve taken more of a notice of my surroundings and I’m constantly comparing everything to the way I had it in China. Now that I’m back at school, things just seem too different and I don’t seem to like it. It’s still early and I know it takes myself awhile to adjust but I miss everything I had back in China. It was definitely the people I met there that made such the difference. I could relate to them in ways I’ve never been able to before. I seemed to have built a bond with people that I’ve never gotten to do with friends I have here. I’m not bashing any of my friends, but rather relating. It seems that I had built a family in China that I could talk to about anything and they’d understand. It could be of background, location, or experience. I’ve met people that have accomplished so much in their lives and seen so many things. I feel the people I know are more grounded to their surroundings and not ready to experience new things or change. I feel people here at Washington and Jefferson College put too much of their time in the greek life and don’t realize there’s so many opportunities out there. It’s not the end of the world. It’s just the beginning.
It’s just hard adjusting, even now, to the days when I’d ride a bike everyday to class. Now I just walk and it seems to take so much longer. We use to eat out everyday at restaurants of our choice or run to the first floor to grab a snack. Here, I’ve hardly ate any lunches. There just doesn’t seem to be people around that I’d feel comfortable eating with. Well, it’s not even that. I’m not sure how I’d express how I feel in that sense. Or maybe I just miss the jokes that were constantly said when we would be around each other. I don’t really have that close connection I feel with anyone here on campus. And the food is different too. I’d pick Chinese food over any of these foods that they serve any day. But I am thankful for being able to eat.
And around Washington, PA, nothing is convenient. There doesn’t seem to be anything to do. Well I guess where we were located in Fudan, we had to go into the city to do things. But at least I was with people that wanted to explore. Honestly, I haven’t seen anything in Pittsburgh during my 2.5 years here so far. But for the majority, everyone lives in Pittsburgh. I’ll have to explore a little myself though. I know our school is offering The Lion King tickets for Valentine’s Day this year for $10. That’s a pretty good deal. I keep forgetting to buy a ticket. Hopefully I’ll remember tomorrow.
Things just don’t seem to be the same. And they aren’t. It’s just another change. I like change because I get to experience different area’s and see more. But I don’t like change when nothing seems to be good of it. But who knows, maybe if I stayed in China for another semester with the people around me, I wouldn’t have liked it. That’s what happened here. I was suppose to leave my second semester at W+J and transfer to a school in Boston but since I liked my surroundings so much I didn’t. But know look. I hate being here. Maybe if I transferred I’d still be fond of this place. Don’t anyone take offense to my writing here. I’m just expressing my feelings. I’m looking for an internship in a city this summer, other than NYC since I was there last summer. That’ll be another change and another experience and I’m looking into studying abroad in the fall in Europe. Another change and adjustment I’ll be making. These experiences can only lead to a wider knowledge of what’s out there and discovering more of myself. Something I am looking forward to. I suppose this will be my last blog here. But to stay tuned to the event of my life, you can continue reading at http://shartron.blogspot.com/. I’ll probably end up posting one more on here though of my picture album when I get that finished. So long for now!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Back in the United States of America
Saturday, December 22nd, 2007
And how it feels so weird! My plane from Shanghai left on 12/19 at 6:30pm and my flight landed in JFK at 7:30pm on the same day, so I really only lost an hour. The first thing I saw when I came into the US on TV was that Britney Spear’s 16 year old sister was pregnant. How surprising…
I left China in tears. I spent my last night out to dinner with friends at Element Fresh. Afterwards we went clubbing for the last time at Richy’s. As my last meal in China, we went to dim sum for lunch. I couldn’t be more thankful for those that I’ve met in China and the friendships I’ve made. The hardest thing about leaving China was leaving some of the greatest people I’ve ever met behind. Most of them from the US, so I’m hoping we’ll reunite one day. I’ve come to realize during my semester in China that international business might not be for me. From my experience with spending a semester there, speaking and interacting with the locals, and attending and speaking with a representative from Deutche Bank, I don’t know if I could stay in China for long term. It might be different if I got a job there, then I could say if I could really work there or not. We’ll see. I’m currently looking for internships in Asia along with major cities in the US, so China isn’t ruled out yet.
When I got back to the states, it took me about 2.5ish hours to go through customs and get my luggage. My dads friend met me at the airport and then we met my mom in Chinatown. It was weird being back but it was nice I suppose to see they city all lite up and all the snow on the ground. We just had snowfall earlier that day. I drove halfway home in our brand new car, so nice! It was nice finally being able to drive again. It was nice that when I was in a car I wasn’t being jolted everywhere like the taxi’s in China. When I got home I wasn’t tired so I got on skype and got to talk to some of the people in China. It felt nice. I really miss them. Afterwards, I opened up some mail from the last few months. I got my last paycheck from my summer internship! It feels nice nice to have money in my pocket.
The next morning, my brother woke me up when he woke up to go to school. He’s grown so much! The first meal I had since I was back was Chinese noodles from Chinatown for breakfast. I’m not sick of Chinese food and never will be! hah First show I watched after having no TV for the last few months was Saved By the Bell, love that show! But apparently the writers in Hollywood went on strike a few weeks ago and there haven’t been new shows since. Everything on television has been re-runs. I haven’t really done much since I’ve been back. I’m pretty jet lagged so I spent my first day sleeping. Yesterday I went to the dentist and caught up on some e-mails before I fell asleep at 6:30pm. Then I woke up and ate dinner and watched some tv before falling asleep again. Now it’s 2:30am and I’m awake again.
My sister comes home from school tomorrow. I haven’t seen her in so long besides the few days in August before I left. I missed her completely in the summer since she was doing an internship in Singapore. I need to apply to more internships and get some things done around the house. I don’t have a phone yet so I can’t call anyone to say hello, sorry about that! I only have a couple weeks before I have to return to school in January. It’s so close! I can’t believe just a couple days ago I was on the other side of the world and now I’m sitting in my room. As I hit more shocking moments during my return, I’ll be sure to share.
And how it feels so weird! My plane from Shanghai left on 12/19 at 6:30pm and my flight landed in JFK at 7:30pm on the same day, so I really only lost an hour. The first thing I saw when I came into the US on TV was that Britney Spear’s 16 year old sister was pregnant. How surprising…
I left China in tears. I spent my last night out to dinner with friends at Element Fresh. Afterwards we went clubbing for the last time at Richy’s. As my last meal in China, we went to dim sum for lunch. I couldn’t be more thankful for those that I’ve met in China and the friendships I’ve made. The hardest thing about leaving China was leaving some of the greatest people I’ve ever met behind. Most of them from the US, so I’m hoping we’ll reunite one day. I’ve come to realize during my semester in China that international business might not be for me. From my experience with spending a semester there, speaking and interacting with the locals, and attending and speaking with a representative from Deutche Bank, I don’t know if I could stay in China for long term. It might be different if I got a job there, then I could say if I could really work there or not. We’ll see. I’m currently looking for internships in Asia along with major cities in the US, so China isn’t ruled out yet.
When I got back to the states, it took me about 2.5ish hours to go through customs and get my luggage. My dads friend met me at the airport and then we met my mom in Chinatown. It was weird being back but it was nice I suppose to see they city all lite up and all the snow on the ground. We just had snowfall earlier that day. I drove halfway home in our brand new car, so nice! It was nice finally being able to drive again. It was nice that when I was in a car I wasn’t being jolted everywhere like the taxi’s in China. When I got home I wasn’t tired so I got on skype and got to talk to some of the people in China. It felt nice. I really miss them. Afterwards, I opened up some mail from the last few months. I got my last paycheck from my summer internship! It feels nice nice to have money in my pocket.
The next morning, my brother woke me up when he woke up to go to school. He’s grown so much! The first meal I had since I was back was Chinese noodles from Chinatown for breakfast. I’m not sick of Chinese food and never will be! hah First show I watched after having no TV for the last few months was Saved By the Bell, love that show! But apparently the writers in Hollywood went on strike a few weeks ago and there haven’t been new shows since. Everything on television has been re-runs. I haven’t really done much since I’ve been back. I’m pretty jet lagged so I spent my first day sleeping. Yesterday I went to the dentist and caught up on some e-mails before I fell asleep at 6:30pm. Then I woke up and ate dinner and watched some tv before falling asleep again. Now it’s 2:30am and I’m awake again.
My sister comes home from school tomorrow. I haven’t seen her in so long besides the few days in August before I left. I missed her completely in the summer since she was doing an internship in Singapore. I need to apply to more internships and get some things done around the house. I don’t have a phone yet so I can’t call anyone to say hello, sorry about that! I only have a couple weeks before I have to return to school in January. It’s so close! I can’t believe just a couple days ago I was on the other side of the world and now I’m sitting in my room. As I hit more shocking moments during my return, I’ll be sure to share.
If I Could Do China Again
Thursday, December 13th, 2007
If I could do China again, I’d probably…
1. get a Chinese tutor-I took the intermediate Chinese class here and I didn’t learn anything. We had class twice a week and at least one of those days we would be watching a movie. The movies were good, but we didn’t seem to have any structure to our class.
2. hang out with more international and local students-I was pretty diverse with the people I met but for the most part I hung out with students from UC. I’ve met some great people from Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, Korea, Australia and other countries as well that I hope to keep in touch with. But I wish I hung out with them more. Hopefully one day we’ll see each other again!
3. be more involved in student activities-I wanted to join the foreign students volunteer program but our times didn’t seem to match up. The international students here at Fudan went to a migrant worker village and taught the students there English and planned activities with them. I know a lot of people that were in the program and they said they had a great experience, I wish I had that experience as well.
4. Get a job or internship-It would have been a great experience. I’m not sure if it would be legal or not, but it’s worth a try, whether it’s paid or not, it would have been a great experience.
That’s all I can think of right now. Maybe more to come later.
Things I would recommend doing while in Shanghai.
Places to go to and things to do:
1. Yuyuan Gardens-and try the xiaolongbao! Apparently they’re the best in Shanghai.
2. the aquarium-I like water…but I thought it was magnificent! You get to glide through the tunnel and watch all the fishes and sharks and everything go over your head. I loved it!
3. Nanjing lu-went there a million times in the beginning of the semester, it’s pretty nice except for all the people trying to sell you their crap.
4. the Bund-magnificent view of the river
5. KTV-they are all over! We go to the one at wujiaochang a lot. The one next to Wal-mart but there’s a lot. Definitely a lot of fun, singing Chinese and English.
6. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall-it’s actually quite impressive and I believe it’s the third floor where have a model of shanghai that takes up the whole floor, definitely something worth checking out.
7. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum-I went there for a scholarship trip for my program but I liked it. Some say it’s catered for kids, but hey I like learning in that kind of environment and sometimes it’s even more fun!
8. Fabric Market-get suits and jackets tailored to you. If you don’t want to bargain, go to store 383 on the third floor. Tell them you know me, how to tell them? Just describe how I look I guess…glasses…tall…from the US…or just bring a picture. Tell them I’m good friends with them cause I brought them at least 4 guys there to make suits. Or tell them, I brought them the really crazy American there who went crazy in the store and then bought 3 suits and 5 shirts. Whatever they tell you, you should be getting your suits for 400rmb there, no more. The address is No. 399 LuJiaBang Rd
Traveling wise…I’ve traveled China before so I’ve seen a bunch of these places before but I’ll jot them down anyway along with the ones I traveled to this semester…
1. Suzhou
2. Hangzhou
3. Huangshan-never got a chance to go there because our schedules never clashed but I looked at pictures and their magnificent if you like scenery. Climb the mountain and watch the sunrise!
4. Nanjing
5. Sichuan-we flew there and spent 5 days there going to Chengdu, Le Shan, Jiuzhaigou. I think this may be one of my most favorite places in China, it was just too beautiful.
6. Guilin and Yangshuo-we spent about 7 days here for National Week, definitely a great trip
7. Beijing
Places to eat at:
Around Fudan…
1. Muslim Noodles-they are a must! Hand pulled noodles right in front of your eyes! We go there a lot after class. It’s cheap and good. Located on Handan lu right next to the intersection where the Brazilian buffet restaurant is.
2. No. 8-right outside the gate to the right across the street. They’re known for their hot pot but I go there for their friend rice. I really like it.
3. Skewers-down Korean street. If you make a left out the gate and go to the intersection, cross the street and then make a left. Do down til you see Korean street on your right and turn in. The skewer place is on the left. The lamb skewers are delicious!
4. Fat Brothers-it’s in the same plaza as No. 8. When we first came, their service was horrible and so was everything else but after National Week they got a new owner and since then, we’ve really liked it. Eat family style and it’s pretty cheap. Or get their specials which are the menus under the glass tables.
5. Teppanyaki’s-it’s in Wujiaochang. Japanese all you can eat and drink for 150rmb. Enough said.
6. Ciao Café-if you’re looking for American food like pizza, sandwiches and pasta, Ciao is pretty good. I’ve had their tuna sandwich, chicken sandwich, and a few of their pizza’s. They deliver too so when you don’t feel like leaving the dorms.
7. GiGi Wonton’s-I think that’s what it’s called. If you make a right turn right out of the gate and walk down for a little, it’s a little wonton shop. I like their wonton noodles.
8. Street food-comes out about around 10pm every night. It’s literally right outside the gate. I like everything out there for the most part. The fried rice, noodles, Chinese hamburgers, squid, soup, chicken, potatoes, dumplings, dan bing
9. Dim Sum-there’s an all you can eat dim sum place for 30rmb out my crown plaza if you’re heading out towards building 6. if you know where club 173, it’s right in front of there.
10. ING-Korean food, I don’t eat there much, but they deliver til 5am
In Shanghai…
1. Simply Thai-never made it there but I heard it’s a great restaurant to go to, especially on Monday nights when everything is half off. Why would you go any other night?
2. City Diner-it’s American food, so if you’re craving it, they have a pretty good selection
3. Indian Kitchen-it’s in the French Concession
Clubs to Hit
1. Attica-there’s a cover on the weekend but if you know people you can get in free, just ask around in the dorms. From the small hip hop room there’s a great view out. There’s always a lot of people there. Paris Hilton went there when she was here and Next Top Model was filmed there too I believe.
2. Guandii-I like their selection of music, usually no cover
3. Park 97-nice but has a small dance floor, usually no cover
4. Zapata’s-mexican bar, free tequila on ladies night
5. I love Shanghai-never been there but heard it’s decent
6. Muse-pretty good music and plenty of room to dance
I’m not done yet but this is what I have so far. Hope it helps!
If I could do China again, I’d probably…
1. get a Chinese tutor-I took the intermediate Chinese class here and I didn’t learn anything. We had class twice a week and at least one of those days we would be watching a movie. The movies were good, but we didn’t seem to have any structure to our class.
2. hang out with more international and local students-I was pretty diverse with the people I met but for the most part I hung out with students from UC. I’ve met some great people from Mexico, Italy, Mongolia, Korea, Australia and other countries as well that I hope to keep in touch with. But I wish I hung out with them more. Hopefully one day we’ll see each other again!
3. be more involved in student activities-I wanted to join the foreign students volunteer program but our times didn’t seem to match up. The international students here at Fudan went to a migrant worker village and taught the students there English and planned activities with them. I know a lot of people that were in the program and they said they had a great experience, I wish I had that experience as well.
4. Get a job or internship-It would have been a great experience. I’m not sure if it would be legal or not, but it’s worth a try, whether it’s paid or not, it would have been a great experience.
That’s all I can think of right now. Maybe more to come later.
Things I would recommend doing while in Shanghai.
Places to go to and things to do:
1. Yuyuan Gardens-and try the xiaolongbao! Apparently they’re the best in Shanghai.
2. the aquarium-I like water…but I thought it was magnificent! You get to glide through the tunnel and watch all the fishes and sharks and everything go over your head. I loved it!
3. Nanjing lu-went there a million times in the beginning of the semester, it’s pretty nice except for all the people trying to sell you their crap.
4. the Bund-magnificent view of the river
5. KTV-they are all over! We go to the one at wujiaochang a lot. The one next to Wal-mart but there’s a lot. Definitely a lot of fun, singing Chinese and English.
6. Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall-it’s actually quite impressive and I believe it’s the third floor where have a model of shanghai that takes up the whole floor, definitely something worth checking out.
7. Shanghai Science and Technology Museum-I went there for a scholarship trip for my program but I liked it. Some say it’s catered for kids, but hey I like learning in that kind of environment and sometimes it’s even more fun!
8. Fabric Market-get suits and jackets tailored to you. If you don’t want to bargain, go to store 383 on the third floor. Tell them you know me, how to tell them? Just describe how I look I guess…glasses…tall…from the US…or just bring a picture. Tell them I’m good friends with them cause I brought them at least 4 guys there to make suits. Or tell them, I brought them the really crazy American there who went crazy in the store and then bought 3 suits and 5 shirts. Whatever they tell you, you should be getting your suits for 400rmb there, no more. The address is No. 399 LuJiaBang Rd
Traveling wise…I’ve traveled China before so I’ve seen a bunch of these places before but I’ll jot them down anyway along with the ones I traveled to this semester…
1. Suzhou
2. Hangzhou
3. Huangshan-never got a chance to go there because our schedules never clashed but I looked at pictures and their magnificent if you like scenery. Climb the mountain and watch the sunrise!
4. Nanjing
5. Sichuan-we flew there and spent 5 days there going to Chengdu, Le Shan, Jiuzhaigou. I think this may be one of my most favorite places in China, it was just too beautiful.
6. Guilin and Yangshuo-we spent about 7 days here for National Week, definitely a great trip
7. Beijing
Places to eat at:
Around Fudan…
1. Muslim Noodles-they are a must! Hand pulled noodles right in front of your eyes! We go there a lot after class. It’s cheap and good. Located on Handan lu right next to the intersection where the Brazilian buffet restaurant is.
2. No. 8-right outside the gate to the right across the street. They’re known for their hot pot but I go there for their friend rice. I really like it.
3. Skewers-down Korean street. If you make a left out the gate and go to the intersection, cross the street and then make a left. Do down til you see Korean street on your right and turn in. The skewer place is on the left. The lamb skewers are delicious!
4. Fat Brothers-it’s in the same plaza as No. 8. When we first came, their service was horrible and so was everything else but after National Week they got a new owner and since then, we’ve really liked it. Eat family style and it’s pretty cheap. Or get their specials which are the menus under the glass tables.
5. Teppanyaki’s-it’s in Wujiaochang. Japanese all you can eat and drink for 150rmb. Enough said.
6. Ciao Café-if you’re looking for American food like pizza, sandwiches and pasta, Ciao is pretty good. I’ve had their tuna sandwich, chicken sandwich, and a few of their pizza’s. They deliver too so when you don’t feel like leaving the dorms.
7. GiGi Wonton’s-I think that’s what it’s called. If you make a right turn right out of the gate and walk down for a little, it’s a little wonton shop. I like their wonton noodles.
8. Street food-comes out about around 10pm every night. It’s literally right outside the gate. I like everything out there for the most part. The fried rice, noodles, Chinese hamburgers, squid, soup, chicken, potatoes, dumplings, dan bing
9. Dim Sum-there’s an all you can eat dim sum place for 30rmb out my crown plaza if you’re heading out towards building 6. if you know where club 173, it’s right in front of there.
10. ING-Korean food, I don’t eat there much, but they deliver til 5am
In Shanghai…
1. Simply Thai-never made it there but I heard it’s a great restaurant to go to, especially on Monday nights when everything is half off. Why would you go any other night?
2. City Diner-it’s American food, so if you’re craving it, they have a pretty good selection
3. Indian Kitchen-it’s in the French Concession
Clubs to Hit
1. Attica-there’s a cover on the weekend but if you know people you can get in free, just ask around in the dorms. From the small hip hop room there’s a great view out. There’s always a lot of people there. Paris Hilton went there when she was here and Next Top Model was filmed there too I believe.
2. Guandii-I like their selection of music, usually no cover
3. Park 97-nice but has a small dance floor, usually no cover
4. Zapata’s-mexican bar, free tequila on ladies night
5. I love Shanghai-never been there but heard it’s decent
6. Muse-pretty good music and plenty of room to dance
I’m not done yet but this is what I have so far. Hope it helps!
Fire at Fudan
Thursday, December 13th, 2007
As I was going to class on Wednesday, I saw a fire break out on campus. The fire was in the art building which was next to building 5 and 6. I had my international political economy class in building 6. Apparently the fire was on the top floor of the art building and you could see a massive amount of smoke fuming out of the windows. By the time I got there, it looked like the smoke had been coming out for awhile because it looked so heavy. I guess it was also kind of hard to tell since it was also rainy and foggy that day. I couldn’t really do anything. There were already spectators, so I’m sure someone called 911. What would you call in China anyway? It’s probably not 911…something I should have probably looked up. So I just carried on with my business and went to class. I didn’t start hearing the fire trucks come until a little after I got into class. I’m not surprised, it’s China. Throughout our whole entire class I could hear the sirens get louder and louder and then stop. I never saw fires blazing but a local student sitting in front of me told me that her friend inside the art building text her asking to get help, but not to send anyone that wouldn’t be helpful, like students. We didn’t know what to do, nor was there much we could have done anyway. By the time I got out of class, nothing was there. It looked like the fire didn’t exist at all, so I guess it wasn’t that bad. I hope no one was hurt but since we’re in China, I’m sure we’ll never find out that kind of information.
I’m basically done with all my finals except for the one tomorrow afternoon, but it’s going to be a take home final anyway. Our history class doesn’t end until January but since all the Americans are leaving, he’s giving us a take home final that will be due sometime Saturday afternoon. I had a final last Wednesday and then this Monday and Tuesday. They weren’t bad, especially if you studied. Since Tuesday, I’ve just been doing little things. Monday night we had a Secret Santa celebration. It was basically with all the students from University of California (UC). I’ve grown to be very fond of the UC kids. They’re pretty sweet. The event was a great success and everyone had a great time. Tomorrow night the UC students have their graduation dinner. I’ll probably work on my final during that time. Afterwards we’re going out to this place called Creek Art. There’s a Christmas party with swing jazz there so I’m looking forward to it. I’m not too sure what I’m doing Saturday yet. But Sunday night we’re having a birthday dinner for 3 people from UC. Their birthdays are 3 days in a row at the end of the month. Then after that, we’re going to KTV.
I can’t believe I’m leaving Wednesday night. It’s definitely way too soon. I’m really going to miss the people I’ve met here.
As I was going to class on Wednesday, I saw a fire break out on campus. The fire was in the art building which was next to building 5 and 6. I had my international political economy class in building 6. Apparently the fire was on the top floor of the art building and you could see a massive amount of smoke fuming out of the windows. By the time I got there, it looked like the smoke had been coming out for awhile because it looked so heavy. I guess it was also kind of hard to tell since it was also rainy and foggy that day. I couldn’t really do anything. There were already spectators, so I’m sure someone called 911. What would you call in China anyway? It’s probably not 911…something I should have probably looked up. So I just carried on with my business and went to class. I didn’t start hearing the fire trucks come until a little after I got into class. I’m not surprised, it’s China. Throughout our whole entire class I could hear the sirens get louder and louder and then stop. I never saw fires blazing but a local student sitting in front of me told me that her friend inside the art building text her asking to get help, but not to send anyone that wouldn’t be helpful, like students. We didn’t know what to do, nor was there much we could have done anyway. By the time I got out of class, nothing was there. It looked like the fire didn’t exist at all, so I guess it wasn’t that bad. I hope no one was hurt but since we’re in China, I’m sure we’ll never find out that kind of information.
I’m basically done with all my finals except for the one tomorrow afternoon, but it’s going to be a take home final anyway. Our history class doesn’t end until January but since all the Americans are leaving, he’s giving us a take home final that will be due sometime Saturday afternoon. I had a final last Wednesday and then this Monday and Tuesday. They weren’t bad, especially if you studied. Since Tuesday, I’ve just been doing little things. Monday night we had a Secret Santa celebration. It was basically with all the students from University of California (UC). I’ve grown to be very fond of the UC kids. They’re pretty sweet. The event was a great success and everyone had a great time. Tomorrow night the UC students have their graduation dinner. I’ll probably work on my final during that time. Afterwards we’re going out to this place called Creek Art. There’s a Christmas party with swing jazz there so I’m looking forward to it. I’m not too sure what I’m doing Saturday yet. But Sunday night we’re having a birthday dinner for 3 people from UC. Their birthdays are 3 days in a row at the end of the month. Then after that, we’re going to KTV.
I can’t believe I’m leaving Wednesday night. It’s definitely way too soon. I’m really going to miss the people I’ve met here.
Jin Mao Tower
Tuesday, December 11th, 2007
This past weekend a bunch of us went to the Jin Mao Tower in Pudong, the third tallest building in the world, tallest in China. The building was quite impressive and compared to Twin Towers and the Empire State Building, there was hardly a waiting line. We took 3 different elevators to get to the 87th floor where we went to Cloud 9, the bar. The view was magnificent as it always is from the top of a skyscraper. They’re actually building another building next to the Jin Mao that’s taller. It seems to be almost done. Up in Cloud 9, which I thought to quite the creative name for the bar, you have to order at least 120 rmb. It’s a really nice place, just a little stuffy but that could also because there was 9 of us sitting at a booth table made for 6. The evening was quite relaxing. Before we went to the Jin Mao tower we went to a Thai restaurant in the Superbrand Mall called Thai Thai. First time I ever had thai food I think.
Actually! I also just had a tuna sandwich for the first time, thanks to my friend Mike. It actually wasn’t as bad as imagined. My sister use to get tuna all the time as lunch meat and I thought it smelled horrible so I never tried it. And here in China, what do ya know, I actually try tuna and it ain’t all that bad. I’ve tried so many new things in China and learned so many new things. Quite the experience!
A huge group of us did Secret Santa and we had our little exchanging last night. I was really happy to see everyone participate or come down and celebrate. It was so joyous! With about a week left until I head back to the states, I’m getting pretty sad. I’ve had such a wonderful experience with the people here I don’t want to leave.
But studying in China did make me realize that I may not be suited for the international business position, or at least not in China. Just communicating with the locals and traveling around, I don’t know if I could ever live in China for an extended time. I just feel that Chinese people are so rude and inconsiderate among other things, and yes yes, I know I’m Chinese. But it’s different, I was born in the US. There’s a major difference between someone who’s born in the states and someone straight from China. We’ll see though. I just don’t think I’d enjoy it. But who knows what the future brings!
This past weekend a bunch of us went to the Jin Mao Tower in Pudong, the third tallest building in the world, tallest in China. The building was quite impressive and compared to Twin Towers and the Empire State Building, there was hardly a waiting line. We took 3 different elevators to get to the 87th floor where we went to Cloud 9, the bar. The view was magnificent as it always is from the top of a skyscraper. They’re actually building another building next to the Jin Mao that’s taller. It seems to be almost done. Up in Cloud 9, which I thought to quite the creative name for the bar, you have to order at least 120 rmb. It’s a really nice place, just a little stuffy but that could also because there was 9 of us sitting at a booth table made for 6. The evening was quite relaxing. Before we went to the Jin Mao tower we went to a Thai restaurant in the Superbrand Mall called Thai Thai. First time I ever had thai food I think.
Actually! I also just had a tuna sandwich for the first time, thanks to my friend Mike. It actually wasn’t as bad as imagined. My sister use to get tuna all the time as lunch meat and I thought it smelled horrible so I never tried it. And here in China, what do ya know, I actually try tuna and it ain’t all that bad. I’ve tried so many new things in China and learned so many new things. Quite the experience!
A huge group of us did Secret Santa and we had our little exchanging last night. I was really happy to see everyone participate or come down and celebrate. It was so joyous! With about a week left until I head back to the states, I’m getting pretty sad. I’ve had such a wonderful experience with the people here I don’t want to leave.
But studying in China did make me realize that I may not be suited for the international business position, or at least not in China. Just communicating with the locals and traveling around, I don’t know if I could ever live in China for an extended time. I just feel that Chinese people are so rude and inconsiderate among other things, and yes yes, I know I’m Chinese. But it’s different, I was born in the US. There’s a major difference between someone who’s born in the states and someone straight from China. We’ll see though. I just don’t think I’d enjoy it. But who knows what the future brings!
Can't Believe It's Already December!
Sunday, December 2nd, 2007
Can you believe it? 3 months have already passed by! I can’t believe I have less then 20 days here before I have to head back to the states. My semester ends the 14th and my plane leaves the 19th. Turns out I won’t be able to travel around afterwards:( And intersession starts the 3rd? Why would they do such a thing?! I thought it started the 7th, oh well. With the semester winding down, finals are coming up. I have a quiz today, final wednesday, and paper due Friday. That’s only this week. Next week I have a final on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and then I’m done.
I think the one thing I’m going to miss most about being here are the people I’ve met. The one thing I’ll miss about China I guess would be how cheap everything is. I bet when I get back to the states I’ll start comparing everything to rmb. But I’m really going to miss the people. They’re some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known and it won’t be the same without seeing them almost everyday. But we won’t get into it now or I’ll get upset.
Today we’re actually going back to the fabric market to pick up the suit and peacoats we got made for ourselves. They’re a lot cheaper here than the states so I would recommend getting them tailored to fit you and made in China if you’re here! I guess that’s it for now until I think of something new to say:)
Can you believe it? 3 months have already passed by! I can’t believe I have less then 20 days here before I have to head back to the states. My semester ends the 14th and my plane leaves the 19th. Turns out I won’t be able to travel around afterwards:( And intersession starts the 3rd? Why would they do such a thing?! I thought it started the 7th, oh well. With the semester winding down, finals are coming up. I have a quiz today, final wednesday, and paper due Friday. That’s only this week. Next week I have a final on Monday, Tuesday and Friday and then I’m done.
I think the one thing I’m going to miss most about being here are the people I’ve met. The one thing I’ll miss about China I guess would be how cheap everything is. I bet when I get back to the states I’ll start comparing everything to rmb. But I’m really going to miss the people. They’re some of the most wonderful people I’ve ever known and it won’t be the same without seeing them almost everyday. But we won’t get into it now or I’ll get upset.
Today we’re actually going back to the fabric market to pick up the suit and peacoats we got made for ourselves. They’re a lot cheaper here than the states so I would recommend getting them tailored to fit you and made in China if you’re here! I guess that’s it for now until I think of something new to say:)
Quick Note!
Tuesday November 27th, 2007
I thought I’d just mention that Paris Hilton was also in Shanghai this past weekend. And there was also a Jay Chou concert. And my shower water turned cold this morning, not fun. That’s all!
I thought I’d just mention that Paris Hilton was also in Shanghai this past weekend. And there was also a Jay Chou concert. And my shower water turned cold this morning, not fun. That’s all!
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