Location

China
  [ ] Shanghai
  [ ] Hangzhou

Travel Dates

2016.04.29 - 2016.05.08

Camera

Contax T2

Film Stocks

FUJI SUPERIA X-TRA 400

Travel Notes

Jumped at the opportunity to meet up with family in Shanghai for a quick look-see.
Besides the family drama that played out I remember finding solace in the delicious food, especially the xiaolongbao. Must have eaten more than a hundred in the week I was there.

I remember getting frustrated trying to find one restaurant I spent 30 minutes walking around in circles trying to find. I gave up my search when I walked past a huge lineup outside the door of what looked like a noodle shop. I sat down and ordered by pointing to what everyone else was eating. Minutes later a huge hot bowl or noodles buried in frogs was placed in front of me. I ate as much as I could before splitting, leaving half the bowl. I try and be sensitive to wasting food but this was an exception.

Everything plays out in the streets. The smells, the historical buildings, people doing what they need to do to get by. I remember baffled at what is considered appropriate public behavior. Wanna hawk a loogie? No problem. Defecting on the street? Go for it! An old dude wearing a cultural revolution outfit catches your eye until a group of scooters with at least 10 huge suitcases strapped to the small passenger seat zoom by. Visiting China is full of these moments, and one of the reasons I keep going back.

I had a couple of days to myself after family left which I spent visiting the UNESCO certified West Lake in Hangzhou. The area was beautiful albeit the weather was not ideal.

Travel challenges your deeply rooted values of character, and China is no exception.