Wo ai ni Shanghai...

Wow. I can't believe how fast my last 3 weeks in Shanghai went. Unfortunately I have now left China and missing this incredible city, in fact the country in general, terribly. I apologise for the lack of posts, but it was an intense last 3 weeks trying to make the most of my time left there. But for those who want a quick update on my recent escapades, here's a rundown... (I apologise in advance for the length of this post!).

After Beijing, work powered on full steam ahead for my last 2 weeks at SHEX.  I had events to work on left right and centre, in addition to the regular Wednesday Night Mixers and Sunday Coffee Meetings.  From a Salsa Night, to a Sports Fall Ball, to my company's yearly Thanksgiving Meal, there was only just about enough time to plan the last few details of SHEX's anniversary party. Crayyzeee times.

Shex Salsa Night @ Renaissance Hotel

Me & the girls @ Sports Fall Ball River Cruise

Thanksgiving Meal @ Sinan Mansions

And it wasn't just work where I was non-stop! The last few weeks blurred into continuous nights of sampling the Shanghai Nightlife that we were yet to have tasted. This included entry into the exclusive M1nt where only those on the guest list can enter, a Ministry of Sound event in a deserted warehouse, the cool soundings of JZ jazz Club, a comedy night (tickets were thanks to SHEX!), the infamous Huangpu River Cruise and drinks on the prestigious rooftop terrace of Bar Rouge. Phew. Just listing them all makes me feel tired...

Simi and the shark tank in M1nt...

Ministry of Sound 

Huangpu River Cruise...

Rooftop drinks at Bar Rouge with the CRCC interns...

Of course, the rest of my time spent in Shanghai didn't always revolve around the nightlife. Promise. I went and visited other cultural aspects of the city, including stepping inside the Shanghai Art Museum which housed mostly Chinese paintings, the Science & Technology Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple.

Science & Technology Museum

The Jade Buddha

From all of this it's easy to see how quick the remaining time I had left in Shanghai went. Yet in spite of the never-ending culture shocks and the intense way of city life that I was thrown into, I do not regret a moment of it.  And despite the millions upon millions of people living in this hectic metropolis I never felt lost or homesick. During my day-to-day existence as a Graduate on my very own journey to the East, I learnt and improved upon many skills that were unbeknown to me. Whether it was my acting abilities during my first weekend when trying to look for coat hangers and struggling to find the word in my phrasebook (I am proud to say that I am pretty good at charades now!), or my ability in hiding my true feelings towards some unknown Chinese delicacy that I had to eat out of politeness (there were many dishes whose ingredients were unrecognisable, and perhaps to my relief will continue to remain unknown), or successfully holding my own on the way to work and reaching my desired metro stop without being shoved and pushed off the stop before, Shanghai showed me that I can adapt to any situation.

I will take all these experiences with me and not forget a minute of it! It has been an incredible few months and I really didn't want it to end. This has been because of all the amazing people from all over the world that I have met/worked with/played with during my time in this breathtaking city - a mahusive xie xie to you all!!! I will never forget you, and most of all, I know that this isn't goodbye - I will be coming back!!! See you very soon Shanghai! <3

Zai jian!

Marie xox