Travel Go Lucky

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Exploring Shanghai was like delving into an absorbing book. It captures your interest and you never know what you will stumble into when you turn the page – ahem, turn the corner. As cities go, it felt New York-like in some ways. You either like the architecture or not. I liked it overall; I appreciated its modern influences and its distinct contrast to Beijing. Shanghai’s deep and sometimes tumultuous history also caught my interest. It’s colorful past with opium made me wonder what other “interests” it held that didn’t quite make it into history books or travel guides.

For me, every city I visit has a special energy – Shanghai pulsated just right. There was green space to wander in the midst of plus giant, vibrant Christmas trees (it was around Christmas when I visited) that made me feel at home, neighborhood markets that brought showcased a more traditional China, a variety of amenities and international cuisines that reminded I was in a world-class city. I don’t read many books twice, but if Shanghai were a book I’d read it again!

The title is a throwback to a TV mini-series from the 80′s titled ‘I’ll Take Manhattan’. I was fortunate to visit these countries earlier this year and it was an incredible, eye-opening experience. I was excited and nervous at the same time since I didn’t know more than a few words in the local language and embarked on the trip as a solo traveler. But everything worked out very well. Of course, there were some minor bumps along the way but in all the trip was a success.

Let me start with China. Although Thailand prompted my interest in visiting the continent for the first time, I just didn’t think a trip to Asia would be complete without a visit to China. So, before you could say “world’s next super power”, I was booking my flight to Shanghai!

Ah, Shanghai…what an amazing confluence of East meets West. I enjoyed hanging out at the Bund downtown, where skyscrapers went on and on. The Shangainese were open, energetic, and as curious about me as I was about them! Overall, they readily made eye contact, smiled, and a father encouraged his young son to practice English with me and Russell – another solo traveler with whom I teamed up to explore the city.

Since this is my very first post, I’d like to dedicate it to my dear friend, who encouraged me to share my passion for travel with others instead of remaining a closet travelphile . Thanks Chakita!