After 17 flights, 91 days, 5 classes, over 3000 photos, a 50-minute video and meeting 45 incredible people my trip to Shanghai has come to end. I cannot believe that I am on the plane headed back to Los Angeles right now, where did the time go? I am going to miss being at the Jia and being able to hangout with everyone. I will miss waking up at 7:45 every morning for Chinese with laoshi Linda. The sounds of the middle school next door to me and their wake up every morning as there bells ring for class. The people of Shanghai that are so kind, helpful, humble and just amazing people will be missed as well. The dumplings from the shop down the street where I had made friends with the locals will always be missed. Going out and clubbing in one of the most amazing cities in the world is something that I am really really going to miss and the public transportation that costs close to nothing. West Nanjing where you can buy anything that you have ever desired and the thrilling bike rides in the city where never be forgotten as well.
I am not sure why I ended up in Shanghai. Was it for business? For the culture? For seeing how fulfilling life can be? Or did I come to Shanghai for the experience of a life time? As I reflect back, I came to Shanghai for all these reasons. I have generated a number of business ideas and business contacts in Shanghai that I hope to use in the future. The Chinese Culture is so rare and it was worth every penny seeing people do snot rockets on the street in public or seeing the daily life of a typical Shanghainize. Seeing how the Chinese live made me realize that you do not need a lot to be happy in life and that life’s challenges are just speed bumps nothing more. The experiences that I had in Shanghai are priceless. Learning Chinese and being able to communicate somewhat with the locals and being able to snowboard in Korea. I know that I am so blessed for all that I have been giving and for the experiences that I just had in the past 3 months, and I will never take it for granted. I know that I am suppose to do great things in my life time for my family, friends and the world, I think China help me realize this. China has this presence that just captures you and despite the initial frustration of being in such a foreign culture you start to realize things that you never have before. I know this may seem over the top but China is just that special.
I also would like to dedicate this blog to Chris Van Velzer my program director who made coming to Shanghai possible. Despite his sarcasm and constant need to feel superior to me, he is an awesome guy that taught me a lot. A side from being my professor in my business administration course, he helped me grow outside of the classroom. I am sure that he has no idea that he was playing this role in my life. I believe that the knowledge that I have gained from him in and outside of the class will be invaluable to me in the future both in the business world and my personal life. So thank you Chris for all you did!
Like I said before, I cannot believe that I am on the plane headed back to the states. I now know that in the near future I have to return to China. I may have to take up a summer internship or start my business there or go back and learn more Chinese. China was an incredible gift and one that I will never forget!
Ziajian!
This is my last post for Shanghai. On January 26th I will be starting my Buenos Aires blog! Viva la vida!
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