Evening Snapshots of Shanghai
May 17, 2014
The passing of the 26-year-old photojournalist, Camille Lepage, has been on my mind for the past few days. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her work, and what it must be like uncovering the untold stories in conflict-ridden areas of the world. Her life was unfortunately short-lived, but one well-lived. Camille’s inspiring photographs have led me to open…
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Shanghai Wanders
December 2, 2013
Ever since I started my Big Girl job, my waking moments are spent as follows: 70% office, 20% home (both locations are within 30-minute walk of each other), and 10% at some bar/club/restaurant/café in or around the French Concession. Gone are the days where I had ample time to walk around the city and appreciate its vivacity and uniqueness. My…
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Season of Gratitude
November 28, 2013
Yet another Turkey Day abroad! Unlike previous years, this is the first time that I didn’t get the day off. It’s strange to have to work right through the holiday, and went about the day as any other. Fortunately, since I do work for an American company with a good number of expats, the office unofficially organized a Thanksgiving meal…
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Halloweekend in Moganshan
November 3, 2013
Every now and again, a weekend trip is necessary for a Shanghai dweller to get some fresh air, to switch up daily routine, and obtain some fuel for the soul. This weekend, I was invited to a trip to Moganshan (莫干山), a popular getaway destination just 3 hours of drive from Shanghai. A girl whom I met recently invited me,…
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The First Chinaversary
October 27, 2013
Today, I celebrate my first Chinaversary. I am simultaneously amazed at how quickly time has flown by, and how much has happened over the past 12 months. As I look back upon my many, many photos, I decided to narrow down the year to the top 10 most defining moments. Here they are, in chronological order: First Day It was…
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Hello, Late Twenties!
September 28, 2013
A few months ago, I came across a hilarious early vs. late twenties post on Buzzfeed; hilarious, because it is so dead on. A few weeks ago, I officially entered my late-twenties. It was one of those surprisingly good birthdays. 27 is a rather unremarkable milestone. It is also the first year I honestly felt somehow much older. Given a…
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Celebrating America’s Birthday in Foreign Lands
July 5, 2013
4th of July. For 10 years-ish of my life, this day meant pool parties, picnics, BBQ, day-eating/drinking, and then fireworks in the evening. For the past 10 years, however, I have spent most of America’s birthday abroad: France (’05), London (’07 & ’11), Cameroon (’08, ’09 & ’10) and now Shanghai! I am not even an American by birth. I…
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Yoga Retreat with Yejo Circle
July 1, 2013
After stuffing my face for four days in Hong Kong, I came back to Shanghai and went on my first yoga retreat. A friend informed me a few months ago of a great group, Yejo Circle, that organizes city-break events at a low cost. I’ve been eyeing at the yoga retreat for quite a while, but until now, I’ve always…
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Shanghai’s Development Gap: What You See is not What You Get
June 28, 2013
Despite the shiny skyscrapers and Gucci stores on every corner, I find that living in Shanghai is a real tease. The city’s rapid growth unarguably has been a real success story in economic development. A picture comparing Shanghai’s skyline in 1990 vs. 2010 speaks better than words. Yet, the city’s infrastructure development has far outpaced the people. You can give…
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Life of a Halfpat
June 18, 2013
Halfpat Defined The Urban Dictionary describes the term “half-pat” in two different ways:1. Halfpats are people who have relocated to another country, developed a nearly native understanding of the language and culture by themselves. Normally used in regards to China’s halfpat community.” and 2. An expatriate who is not being provided a “package” (salary bump, housing allowance, car allowance, home…
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