Visitors

My mom, brother and later my girlfriend finally came to visit me in Shanghai! This was a relief because I missed them quite a bit! I managed to wait with visiting the main sights here in Shanghai because I knew I’d have to visit them with my mom, dad, brother and girlfriend. All of them would be picked up my mom and brother were first to visit. What pleased me the most was that I was finally able to show them some of the things I told them about such as; the pushing and pulling to get in the subways, the constant spitting on the street and the little corner shops and street food sellers. Let them experience a slice of my Shanghai that was my goal. I had such a wonderful time with them and was sad to see them go after only 8 days. During their stay I was extremely busy with the University. I had so much homework to do during their stay. I would wake up at 8 to travel around 45 minutes to their hotel which was located in the center of the city, People’s Square. We would then go sightseeing through the city and at the end of the day I would then take one of the last subways home. Arriving home at eleven at night I would study until 3 in the morning then quickly get some sleep and the next day again. It was quite exhausting but the only way to make the most of their stay while not affecting my school work.

Most memorable was also the scooter ride I took with my little brother to and from the university. Being only 15 years of age I let him ride my scooter through the busy streets of Shanghai which was quite a frightening experience, seeing as he had never before ridden a scooter! The other highlight that stands out over the rest was the Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Performance. A friend of mine had managed to get me amazing seats to the jaw dropping performance! I think they both also enjoyed our trip to Hangzhou where we cycled round the lake and got to enjoy the sights of West Lake. For them though, I think, the best were the trips to the various fake markets. Haggling with the shop owners and constantly being amazed by the vast variety of products available for next to nothing prices. They were so keen to make sure they had enough presents and gadgets that even on our way back to the airport we had to make a small detour to get the final things from the market! Thank you both again so much for coming!

With the first group of visitors out the door it was only two days later that finally my girlfriend came to visit me! Those two days were spent being extremely busy with homework because I did not want to do the same as I had done during the previous week. This was made even more difficult because another friend came who also wanted to spend time with me during those two days of rest. We went out every night even the night before my girlfriend would arrive! I came home at 4, it was carnival but it meant I had only two hours of sleep in for I had to be at the airport at 8 to pick her up. Luckily she was worn out from the flight so we had a relaxing first day.

With Joske, my girlfriend, it was pretty much the same routine; the Pudong Boulevard, the skyscrapers, East Nanjing Road, fake market, temples and restaurants, nothing was spared. Luckily she would stay more than two weeks so we had time to spread it out and avoid having such a hectic schedule. I was so pleased that I was able to show her where I lived and showing her what is beyond my living room wall, for this is all she saw when we would Skype. She got to meet my friends, join me in class to the university, and most importantly get a taste of Shanghai Nightlife. I’m sure the Crazy Vodka Party will not soon be forgotten!

To do something special together we decided to take go away for a few days, just the two of us, and visit the capital of China, but more on that in my next blog.