It didn't hit me until we arrived that we were in China. Now that we are here the only world I have is "amazing." At first, jet lag had the best of me but as my realization set in that I was in a different country took hold, my eyes were excited and ready to explore. Our first night out, we went to dinner at a really nice restaurant called Ye Shanghai.
This was an amazing way to get acquainted with the food because we were able to to try a little bit of everything. At first I was a bit skeptical to try the food but I remembered in the workshop when Katrina Flores told us to remain open and to be willing to try food that we may not get in the U.S. With that thought lingering, I took a deep breath and tried what was given to me and it was wonderful! There were spices, smells and consistencies that I have never experienced before!
The best part of it all was getting to use the little bit of mandarin that we learned such as "hello" and "thank you." After dinner we took a trip to Xin Tian Di. This area was basically the "Times square" of Shanghai. Big buildings, tons of lights, and many people walking around buying and selling things. IT was interesting to see this part of the city because on our way into Shanghai, on the bus, we passed very poor neighborhoods then there was a very abrupt shift to a more upper class area. As we walked around and experienced the streets and shops of the city, the feeling was a mix of excitement.
It was a bit too soon to take it all in. That night we slept like babies and as we woke, the journey had its doors wide open and we all stepped through. I can't wait to see where it takes us.
-Krystal Gartley
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