First Impressions

World Financial Center surrounded by smog 

Nico and Anthony in a Shanghai Mall

Dragon Landscape

The Pearl Tower

Busy, busy

"Mind your head"

Watermelon Juice at Haiku

Dried Pork Flavored Donuts

Although my family lives in Shanghai, Jeff works in Chongqing, and comes home only on the weekends, so I did not see him for the first few days of being in China. I was very excited to see Jeff because not only is he my Uncle, but he is also my God Father, and is very special to me. We spent some quality time together getting massages --my very first-- and then went out to dinner at Haiku, an incredible sushi restaurant in downtown Pudong. We walked around downtown, exploring all the nuances of Shanghai, and just enjoying being together.

We come from a very close family; up until Jeff, Jen, Nico and Anthony moved to Shanghai, everyone on my Mom's side of the family was within 45 minutes of each other and we often get together for Sunday dinner. I admire Jeff and Jen's choice to take this opportunity to move to a completely foreign country and create so many new experiences for their family. I have learned a lot from them about courage and taking chances; their example has undoubtedly opened up my mind to the possibilities of where I can go and the things I can learn. Although skyping them in on our family dinners while they are just waking up is not the same as having them with us, I appreciate their sense of adventure and it is all worthwhile when we are reunited again!