Photographer, ex-expat and mama
All cities in all countries have at least one thing in common… diversity. While China may not be as ethnically diverse as America, the range of socio-economic classes is just as wide. Like any other country in the world, China is a mix of people both wealthy and poor. While food is very cheap in … More Day 59: Finding balance across cultures
Tonight, in line with my recent trip abroad, I went to an International Baseball game! Every year during spring training, St. Pete hosts international minor league teams at Al Lang outdoor field. The weather was nice (75 degrees!) and the company was better. I met up with Megan, her friend, Aaron, and Jim and watched … More Day 69: International baseball
In case you missed it…. Shanghai: Initial Explorations ________________________ After a weekend of shopping, eating, and walking, Peter wanted to take me to a famous tourist destination in Shanghai. So on Monday we bundled up and stepped out to brave the overcast and drizzly day. But first we had to walk 20 minutes to the … More Shanghai: Yuyuan Garden
On Day 57 I posted a photo of a Chinese (French-based) grocery store. I believe that grocery stores are great cultural indicators. Let me explain for the sake of my anthropology degree. Food=Culture Food is something we consume everyday (duh). We have local rituals and traditions surrounding the type of food we eat, how we … More Day 58: Chinese street food
Grapefruit from the day. I ended up not even eating it. Maybe tomorrow. It is pre-sliced! Today was a little rough due to lingering jetlag. I was wide awake at 5:30am and managed to lie in bed with my eyes closed till 7. Frustrated, I finally popped open a magazine and read really intellectual things … More Day 68: Missing walking
Recap of China numero uno. Get excited. ________ After almost 24 hours of travel, I arrived in Shanghai, exhausted from the absurdly long flight. I watched 3 movies, chugged bottles of water, and was inspired by Oprah. Let’s just say it was a “productive” trip. Thankfully I didn’t miss my connecting flight and arrived in … More Shanghai: Initial Explorations
If you thought supermarkets were big in the United States, go to China. Carrefour, known affectionately as a French based “hypermarket”, is like Walmart on steroids. Most people fondly call Shanghai New York City on steroids so it must be a cultural thing. Bigger is well… bigger. Carrefour is 4 stories tall with magnetic escalators … More Day 57: Walmart on steroids
Tonight was family night for the Jantschek clan with some good Hungarian food as the centerpiece. My mom, sisters, and I ventured over to my grandparents house for dinner with my aunt and uncle. It was a half celebration of my grandpa’s 81st birthday and final get-together for my sister’s spring break. We dined on … More Day 67: Can butter cure jetlag?
I am back in the United States! But I am not very happy about it. Ok so finally seeing the sun has been wonderful as has returning to a normal eating routine… but I miss China. Weird right? I miss the hustle and bustle of a big city, I miss walking everywhere, I miss exploring … More Back in the States and Day 56
Greetings from the Tampa airport! I woke up ridiculously early (3:45am) after less than 4 hours of sleep and somehow remembered to bring my passport to the airport. I also managed to bring 4 bags total. Two bags checked, my OGorgeous bag, and new cute purse from target. My shoulders already ache. However I plan on … More Day 55: Shanghai Bound
Kirsten Captures 