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
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
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
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
Earlier this year Peter and I were invited to spend New Years in Savannah, Georgia by our good friend Drew. Since Drew moved from Florida to Pennsylvania in the 6th grade, I’ve been fortunate enough to spend every Thanksgiving with him and his family. However, Peter had not seen Drew for more than 10 years. … More New Years in Savannah
If you missed my last China post, Peter and I spent our final day in Xiamen swimming at the beach, getting sunburnt, singing karaoke, and eating horse ankle. Quite the trip! Click below to check it out. China: End of Xiamen _______________________________ Day 10- After arriving getting back to Shanghai in the wee hours of the … More China: Final Days in Shanghai
Whew, I think this will be my second to last recap of my China adventure! Honestly, I could have pushed these recaps much more quickly, but I have truly relished savoring each day of my trip and remembering it all as slowly as possible. After this post you will probably hear of nothing truly remarkable … More China: End of Xiamen
In case you missed my previous China adventures: Neon and Night Lights Stewing and Shopping in Shanghai Shanghai at Last Adventures in Suzhou First Impressions ____________________________________ Day 7- At 7am, I abruptly wake to the sound of a jackhammer threatening to break through the wall above my head. Seriously disoriented in the pitch black, windowless room, … More China: Gulangyu Island
Kirsten Captures 