Week 2: Exploration!

Welcome back! It is now the second week in Shanghai and I could not be having

more fun! Exploring this beautiful city and learning to master its customs,

transportation, and language has been challenging, to say the least. However, once

you grow accustomed to Shanghai’s way of life, each day becomes an adventure.

From ancient gardens to modern high-tech inventions, Shanghai is a world unlike

any other.

 

Mastering the Metro

One of the primary sources of transportation in Shanghai is the Shanghai Metro. It is

a highly efficient, inexpensive, underground subway system that can take you

practically anywhere in the city. However, be forewarned! Riding the metro during

peak hours can be a very stressful experience!

The trains are so full that people nearly spill out of the subway car each time the

doors open. There is a lot of shoving and at times you are tightly packed, rendering

any movement impossible. After a week or two, however, I have become familiar

with the process. The pushing no longer bothers me as I’ve realized that it’s “nothing

personal” as my Chinese friends say. Now, riding the metro has actually become

quite easy.

 

Intensive Mandarin Class

I love taking Mandarin classes! Surprisingly, learning to speak Mandarin is not as

difficult as I have imagined. After about 1 week, we are now able to tell the time, talk

about our families, give directions, and more! As a result of taking this class,

exploring the city has become more enjoyable and I feel much closer to the locals.

 

Yuyuan Garden

We visited the beautiful Yuyuan Garden! This extensive Chinese Garden is near the

City God Temple in the center of Shanghai’s Old City. It is a stark contrast from the

surrounding modern, busy Shanghai life with its peaceful rivers, artistry and

greenery. As I strolled through the garden, I felt transported 400 years in the past to

the Ming Dynasty. I imagined myself walking among ancient poets and musicians,

speaking classical Chinese. If you want to clear your mind, relax, and get away from

daily Shanghai life, the Yuyuan Garden is the place to visit!

 

Riding the Maglev!

This week we decided to ride the Shanghai Maglev Train! The Maglev, short for

magnetic levitation, was designed and patented by German inventors and scientists.

The Maglev can travel at a mind-boggling speed of 430 km/hour (about 267 mi/hr)!

However, you must check the Maglev schedule before visiting as the train only runs

at max speed during certain time intervals.

Since we arrived a bit early, to pass the time we visited the Maglev Museum located

in the basement of the station. We learned how the train works, when it was built,

and all the testing and prototypes required in making the Maglev come to life. The

technology and engineering behind this train is magnificent!

Well, that’s all for this week. Until next time!

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