Undeterred by the flight hiccup, we ventured to the enchanting Yu Gardens. Amidst the vibrant marketplace, Margaux and I indulged in souvenir shopping. A friendly gentleman named Feng Hu approached us, and mentioned that he was a guide and offered to help us with our shopping. We dubbed him "Frank," and he became our guide for the day, leading us through the city and introducing us to his friends' markets. After what felt like hours of haggling, Margaux bought tubs of traditional tea and I bought some beautiful traditional silk scarves.
A Magical Farewell to Shanghai: A Journey Back in Time
Essay
A Magical Farewell to Shanghai: A Journey Back in Time
O
ur last day in Shanghai dawned with the promise of adventure as we, a trio of explorers - myself, Margaux, and Abigail, set out to make the most of our remaining hours. The day was open in our calendars to finish our journals and to explore the city on our own before we left Shanghai in the evening.
We started our day with a visit to the Shanghai Starbucks Reserve, one of the biggest Starbucks’ in the world, a perfect starting point for the day's escapades.
However, breakfast brought unexpected news – our connecting flight from San Francisco to Dulles Airport had been canceled! The UVA Global Affairs team sprang into action, working tirelessly to rebook our flights and ensuring a smooth journey home.
Yu Gardens in Shanghai
Trying out local street food in Shanghai
After finishing the purchases and with our appetites growing, we decided to navigate Shanghai's metro system. Emil and Abdullah joined us on our quest for food. We tried several local food stalls and savored steamed buns filled with meat, squid on sticks, and refreshing boba – a true culinary adventure!
Metro rides back to the Yu Gardens were filled with laughter and more shopping. As we explored the gardens, adorned with festive decorations in anticipation of the upcoming New Year, the vibrant atmosphere added a touch of magic to our day.
Getting manicures in Shanghai
We ended our day with some manicures. The nail artist insisted on red nails, citing the color's significance as a symbol of luck and preparation for the upcoming New Year.
We arrived at the hotel just in time to check out and head to the airport. The 12-hour flight brought us to San Francisco on the very same day, creating a surreal experience of time travel. Our last day in Shanghai was nothing short of magical, a journey back in time filled with unexpected encounters, culinary delights, and a deep immersion into the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant city.
-- Amani Akkoub
