those who are wondering..
07 Oct 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: ghana
So I got accepted into the Destination Ghana study abroad program but I’m going to have to decline it because it’s a 3 credit course that I don’t need. After this semester I only need one class to graduate and I would have to pay out of pocket for this ‘course’. So I won’t be going to Ghana anytime soon…
Hopefully when I start my career and start saving money, I can go to Africa and explore on my own.
Home Sweet Home
13 Sep 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: ghana, hong kong, ny, philly, summer 2011
I’m finally back in Philadelphia, PA and I’m settled in with school and so forth. The program ended August 15th but I left the SUFE campus on the 13th. That day, I started an 8 day excursion with my parents and cousin, touring cities surrounding Shanghai. After that, I went to Hong Kong and stayed with family for another week. After that, I flew home to New York for only 2 days before I had to move into my new apartment in Philly. It’s been one hell of a summer and I enjoyed every living moment of it. I’ll be slowly organizing photos and accumulating posts about the rest of my journey.
Also, I’m applying to study abroad in Accra, Ghana for two weeks. Hopefully it works out! If so, I’ll definitely be keeping you up to date on that situation. Wish me luck!
MIA
24 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Uncategorized Tags: mia
I’ve been extremely missing in action. Update soon to come!
Grateful
10 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Life, Uncategorized
I want to take the time out to dedicate this post to my parents who have not only provided for me, but have also gave me the wonderful opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. Studying abroad in China has been an amazing learning experience as well as the best summer of my 21 years. It all wouldn’t have been possible without them helping me with the application, editing essays, and their undeniable support. This entry is dedicated to thanking my mom and dad for everything. Maybe if I’m not pushing the envelope, I’d like to go to Singapore next!
Typhoon Plum
06 Aug 2011 Leave a Comment
in Life Tags: meihua, plum, typhoon, weather
Typhoon ‘Plum’ (梅花-MeiHua) should hit Shanghai either tonight or tomorrow morning with winds expected to exceed 100 miles an hour. There’s currently no typhoon activity at the moment but I will keep you up to date on the status of the it.
Update:
The storm came in at full blast last night and left a misty rain this morning. It consisted of a lot of heavy winds and heavy rain. It was definitely not pleasant weather to travel in but it wasn’t very terrible, especially being inside. It was very interesting to have experienced and be prevented from going out on my last Saturday night with my group. I can say that I survived Typhoon Plum in Shanghai.
I Made it this Long Until Now
27 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in Life Tags: clubs, pearl tower, sick
I’m currently sick with a sore throat. It’s from a combination of going in and out of air conditioned rooms and the blazing hot Shanghai weather and running around with little sleep. On Friday I had class and then went to Park 97/Muse at night with my Shanghainese friend Eddie from home (NY). That was a lot of fun and seeing a familiar face from home is always a good feeling. There was a fake Black Eyed Peas group singing all of their popular hit songs.
Eddie and I at Park 97/ Muse
The following day, all the ladies in my group woke up early to go grape picking and a beach-like area.
Me with my big bundle of grapes || Native Chinese children and I
Later than night we went to club Phebe where the guys bought a table and spent a lot of money on alcohol.
The next morning we ordered in food and went to the Pearl Tower to eat dinner and see the beautiful view of the magnificent city of Shanghai.
Pearl Tower at night || View from the Pearl tower looking down at the city of Shanghai
Monday, went to class and then went to work. After work, homework cram session until 2AM.
I’m pretty much drained. I took the day off from work today to recover from being sick. I should be better in no time. With rest, good food, and good company, I’m sure to be up and about in no time.
I’m also really excited for my parents and cousin, Sam to come to China!
Beijing in Short
24 Jul 2011 Leave a Comment
Beijing was amazing because there was so many historical landmarks to see. We took the high speed bullet train from Shanghai to Beijing in less than 5 hours. On the first day we toured Jingshan Park, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Of course we had Beijing duck for dinner but I honestly don’t think it was as good as the ones I’ve had in the states. At night a friend and I explored the back street of our hotel (Nanluogu Xiang). It was an amazing, exciting street of shopping and small bars. The following day we went to the Ming Tombs and the Great Wall. I’ll have to stay that the Ming Tombs was my favorite sight of the entire trip. It was serene and I loved the symbolism behind the animal statues protecting the tombs. That night we went to a street along the water where there were small bars and clubs. We couldn’t decide on a place that we could all agree with so we ended up on the ‘backstreet’ where we had a lot of fun at a small intimate bar. The next morning we went to the Old Summer Palace which was a lot of fun as well. There was ruins and maze where we took lots of pictures. Then we went to the ‘new’ Summer Palace where we took a dragon boat after walking the entire area. We took a quick stop to visit the Bird Nest and the Water Cube. That night we were on our own to find a place to eat for dinner before going to a bar called Smugglers. We went to a restaurant called The Den where I was challenged to eat a huge burger with a fried egg, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon. I was successful in completing the challenge and was owed two drinks and a shot. The final day we toured the Temple of Heaven and were able to get a lot of shopping done at a cheap market. On our way to the airport, we stopped by 789 which is an art district, and got caught in heavy rain. Our flight back to Shanghai got delayed only by a little because of the weather. I enjoyed this trip very much because I feel like it brought the entire group a lot closer together. On a daily basis, I’m so busy studying, and going to work that this trip was exactly what I needed.
A lot of the other students preferred Shanghai over Beijing. They weren’t partial to the night life and the air polluting was too much for them to handle. I on the other hand really enjoyed Beijing and could see myself living their temporarily. But I am glad to be back in Shanghai! The journey only continues and get more enjoyable and interesting.
Kite flying at the Bird’s Nest
Me at the top of the Great Wall
My SUFE crew; how I love them so at the Temple of Heaven
