The Shanghai Experience Day 1 (090207)

Today marks my journey. Another new country, another set of challenges and another chance at life.

I came of my going away party where some of my closest friends were they to bid me farewell. High school friends, college friends, friends from work and others that I met after my school life.

We partied until the wee hours of the morning. Then I realized how unprepared I was in leaving the country, in facing a new challenge. As my party ended, I have yet to pack my stuff, I don’t know where I am going to stay in Shanghai, I forgot to buy a few necessities, I don’t know where I will go as soon as I land, I don’t know when I will start school and more.

After all of my friends left, I started to pack my stuff. I picked up a few clothes here and there and some things that I think I need to bring. I did not think twice on leaving a few stuff behind. All I know is I have to bring some things that I have to bring like my acceptance letter, the laptop that was lent me, my notebook, and some things that would make me feel at home.

I slept for 2 hours, got ready and then left. Once I got in the airport, I was called by a few people whom did not able to make it in my party. I was touched that these people remembered and cared. I was dropped of by my parents and my girlfriend and turned my back at them sadly yet somewhat looking forward in tackling a new challenge.

Upon waiting for my flight I sat near the gate and met two Filipinos who are based in Shanghai. A Quality Control Manager in a plant in the outskirt of Shanghai and an English Teacher. They gave me a few pointers and offered to help me when we land, and indeed they did.

I was contracted by a Chinese man for my transportation. I brought a sim card and a phone card. Although I know that I paid more than the normal rate, I still said yes. The driver took me to the school campus. He can barely speak English and was pissed since we cannot understand each other. He dropped me off inside the campus as I searched for an answer to my concern of my lodging set up. I talked to a few people. They were clueless. Some had harder times in terms of understanding me.

Finally, a guy from Nepal helped me to the administration office. He told me that he had been in China for 5 years. He can speak Chinese very well. He helped me secure my room. My room is somewhat better than I pictured. I have my privacy. I do not have a roommate. It is air-conditioned, furnished with a television set, has hot water and newly constructed. I even have my own veranda. It is a small room yet I am very happy to stay

Introduction...

你好!

Welcome to Downtown Chinatown...

I've been here for almost 2 months now. I have struggled, met new people, survived and adjusted...

This is a new beginning, a new journey, something that is interesting, challenging and surprising. Initially I had no plans of going to China. I had been working for more than 1 year. 3 measly days after graduation. I worked in a very aggressive company that sent me to places, endured some pain and equipped me with a better knowledge of having a business...

I was sent to Thailand where I became more independent and learned how to live alone. I dealt with big people, people who were twice my age. People who were more experienced. People who can crush you if you are weak.

I earned their respect, their trust, their hearts. I earned a lot from my job. I was on top. I was unbreakable, at least I thought I was. Then it all went down. I have to go back. Some circumstances, people that I never thought would screw me did. But I am man enough to accept my fate. Everything happens for a reason. I continued to work, I did not complain. I moved on...

After a few months, an opportunity came knocking at my door. That opportunity brought me to where I am today. The most developed city in whole of China, Shanghai. I took another risk in my life. Give up my job, leave my comfort zone and go to somewhere where I have zero knowledge about the language, culture and place. I did not even know where to go, how to get there. What weather they had. Sure I asked around but it was never ever enough...

But then, life is always full of surprises. I just have to leave every day as it comes. It will be a hell of a ride! What will happen, I don't know. Nothing is certain...

We will both find out...