Bye bye blog-o-sphere. I'm off to see my BFF.
To tell the truth, I'm TERRIFIED of stepping into this city. The last visit a good 7 years ago took an almost painful 18 days, and many things (infrastructure) have changed in Shanghai. And just as many things wouldn't have changed (people and the shoving culture). It took me a long long while to decide to visit the BFF. When she was in Beijing, I wilfully ignored her with every plausible excuse. Now that she's moved to Shanghai, she has issued me an ultimatum. So I'm going.
I didn't bother writing out a checklist of where to go and what to do. There're 2 museums I want to visit though. I'm not interested in seeing any of the places of interest again; don't want to buy any trinkets or tailor suits, cheongsams or dresses. Definitely NOT interested in the food. I want to understand the BFF's life in Shanghai and the impact of the vibrant economy on the culture, street scenes and the lifestyles of people who have made the city home. Walking through a noisy local wet market and contrast it with another market frequented by expatriates would be such a cool thing to do.
It annoys the hell out of me to check out the English sites for Shanghai. Reading things in hanyu pinyin can be thoroughly confusing. I wish I don't understand Chinese. English sites give a great overview, but I've to compare the information to the Chinese sites which will give the proper details, and the accurately reflected road names. Going to Shanghai scares me alot more than going to Luang Namtha.
If the blog stays stagnant for 2 weeks, you know it's not for a lack of effort. It'll be because my ass would have been royally kicked by The Great Firewall.
18 comments:
safe trip, enjoy yourself and take care! see you back here when you can!
Hey, I'm planning to be there around Easter! My eldest will be there for an immersion programme and so I thought I can visit my Godpa but at the same time be near my kiddo. I'm not that kiasu a mum but the truth is I'm terrified of the medical care there for emergency. Irrational fear?
Enjoy your trip!
Have a good trip and time with the BFF! I'm sure she'll take you to the must-see places! I actually miss Shanghai.
enjoy the time with the BFF :) that is the reason for going after all.
see you back here when you break out of the great firewall.
Stay safe imp! I hope you'll somehow overcome the great firewall of China!
Have a great trip Imp! You can try emailing your entries to the blog instead. :)
I check back on your blog daily. Will miss your updates!
safe travels imp and come back with loads of stories. have fun! :)
tuti + sinlady + joooness: it should be fine! i'll route it through VPN!
supercoati: not irrational. but hey, AT LEAST it's Shanghai. There're 2 top hospitals there. Okay, imho, 1. So not so bad like out in the provinces. When I head to China, I pack Gentian Violet and antibiotics. Worse case scenario, air evac. I REFUSE to go to any sort of Chinese hospital unless it's that particular one in Shanghai, or HK.
corsage: I'll probably skip the 'must-see' places. Heee. I've been to them years ago and don't want to see them again!
hobomobo: i don't want to do it via email. the photos won't work very well and my layout will be screwed. I will try my darnedest best to get around!!
joanne: I will. thanks!
Oops, yes I meant 'must-see' as places you might want to see ;) Hope VPN works for you too! =)
have a great time there and take care!
will be eager to hear all about your trip. I have never been to Shanghai..only to Beijing.
I am sure it will be an amazing trip :)
It has been ages since the last time I set my feet into Shanghai. Hope u will enjoy this trip. Do keep urself warm (it's still winter over there if i rem correctly) :-)
Enjoy Shanghai, imp. and a very belated happy birthday! =P
Enjoy! Take care of yourself.
btw....check with D on a package I mailed over....Singpost site says delivered but need to confirm or after 2 weeks it will become 'untrackable' ;p
corsage: it works!
jomel: thanks!
bookjunkie: will compile stories. :) I'm enjoying your Tet (year of the CAT!) posts!
iceaster: my suitcase contains nothing but 100% wool and cashmere. Heh.
wildgoose: actually, you're right on the dot with the wishes. many thanks!
belinda: i understand the package has arrived!
Glad to hear that ur suitcase is full of clothes that will keep u warm. Enjoy and hv fun then :-)
save trip and enjoy, imp! :)
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