Shanghai

Four of the girls and I decided to take a weekend trip to Shanghai; we left late Friday Sept 21st and came home Sunday the 23rd. I’m really proud of this trip because I planned it all! I don’t think I have ever planned a vacation before and I hardly know China at all; in fact, Nanjing was the first time I’ve ever been on a subway or train. But I booked us a hostel, organized the train tickets, navigated the subway, planned the activities, etc. and it was a success—we were never even lost once (this is actually quite the accomplishment for foreigners in China)! So watch out world—I can get myself around! The trip started with us spending some time in Bengbu on Friday night and then taking a 7 hour night train to Shanghai where we spent the morning and afternoon at Shanghai’s Wild Animal Park. At night we visited East Nanjing road and the famous Bund. In the morning we took a ferry ride across the canal, visited the Yuyuan Gardens then took a five hour train ride home.

The theme for this trip was YOCO. A phrase I jokingly coined meaning You’re Only in China Once (inspired by the popular YOLO—You Only Live Once); which basically means you might never have these opportunities again so experience and take advantage of everything. Whenever we’re faced with a decision—YOCO usually decides for us. Should we hold a baby tiger? YOCO. Should we take a ferry or the subway? YOCO-ferry. Should I eat this sketchy egg? YOCO. It gets us to do a lot of things (and a good excuse for spending more money).

Bus ride to the train station.

Our train didn’t leave till almost midnight but we went into the city early in order to catch the bus. We got some food, walked around, and then discovered huge crowds of people right outside the train station. They were all dancing (moves similar to Zumba) and doing martial arts and showing off their Chinese talents. We watched them for a while and then joined in the dancing! (sorry—these are the best pictures I could manage).

While we were sitting and waiting for the train, a crowd of Chinese people formed around us (this happens quite often) just staring and talking to us in Chinese. Only one of them knew English and he explained that they were just curious as to why we were here so we explained that we were teachers. After a while of us just sitting and all these people just staring, Shayne came up with the idea of singing our favorite children’s song to them—Baby Shark. I was against singing it at first,but somehow I got convinced to do it. The people were probably so confused and thought we were the biggest idiots. Oh well…YOCO!

Sometimes we buy eggs right off the street and they actually turn out to be good!

Our beds on the train.

Our hostel.

Shanghai’s Wild Animal Park (see next post for details).

We get a little excited when we find delicious American food.

East Nanjing Road.

The Bund—which is basically a huge walkway along a canal through Shanghai. One side of the walkway are these beautiful lit-up buildings and on the other side is the canal and Shanghai’s famous skyline.

The ferry the next day.

The Yuyuan Gardens.

Train ride home.