Shanghai Days: Perspective

Lately, I have been feeling a little less than enthusiastic about being here in China. It is tough saying good-bye each year to friends who leave Shanghai in pursuit of other adventures. I am getting fed up with the lack of order and general chaos that seems to surround every insignificant endeavour. Although I am getting a slight grasp of the language, it is still frustrating to only identify minute chunks when being talked at. Being photographed every time we set foot out the door is getting really old. I am always wary of being taken advantage of because I am a foreigner. And I am tired of subsisting in this dirty city without escape.

Amidst all these negatives, I do find silver linings which give me renewed interest and show me that my attitude has a lot to do with how much I will enjoy the rest of my time here. I have been challenging myself to build into current relationships, pursue new hobbies and take more risks all in effort of self-enrichment (if that is a real word). Part of this new phase of life includes driving Autumn to school every morning on my scooter. This is mostly an enjoyable time, it proves to be quite entertaining, somewhat dangerous and adds another notch to my level of bravery. Driving in Shanghai is definitely not for the faint of heart. Besides these morning ventures, Lachlan and I will sometimes go off exploring to see if we can find a destination I have previously located on the map. This is very rewarding when successful!! Plus I can always find something I've never seen before: the lady with hair down to her ankles, the dog balancing on the back seat of his owner's motorbike, babies carted in bicycle baskets, the black lamborghini, the old man wearing jewel-encrusted round sunglasses, a massive street market that sets up every morning selling fruits, veg, meat, plants, clothes - you name it - then after a few hours disappears without a trace. I have encouraged myself to try new foods, to say "yes" more than "no", and to slow down and appreciate the present, even if that means not worrying because I am lost (physically or linguistically).

All in all, I have to remind myself to stop and smell the roses throughout the journey here. I really do have a lot going for me. Perspective is what makes all the difference. So, I have decided to include in this post photos that show the better side of my life here in Shanghai.