Since this is my first entry from SHANGHAI CHINA, woohoo, I guess I should start by introducing myself. My name is Leia Johnson ??? in Mandarin. I am an IAS (International Area Studies) major with a concentration in Business and Economics. I chose to come to Shanghai because 1) It has always been a dream of mine and 2) I have been studying Mandarin for 7 years. I figured after such a long time it was either now or never. :) I have been in Shanghai for about 2 weeks now. I came early with my mom and we spent the first week in Pudong, Shanghai. Pudong is the "Financial District" but I call it the "Expensive District". Well, it is. Pudong reminds me so much of New York. The high rise buildings, roaring night life, and did I mention that everything is expensive? haha It is more than worth it for the experience.

While in Pudong my mom had the bright idea of taking a tour bus ride to see the city. Seeing as neither of us had ever been to China before I thought it was a good idea. Off we were. For 300RMB (RenMinBi = Chinese dollar) about $50 we bought tickets for the bus tour, Shanghai TV tower entry, Jade Buddha Temple entry, and a night cruise on the Huangpu River. Not only that but the tickets lasted for 2 days! It was amazing. My favorite place to see was the Jade Buddha Temple. The architecture was beautiful. There are 2 sections of the temple, there is the outer gate and the inner temple where the Buddhas and other statues are. There are 2 HUGE statues of Buddha. One is of him reclining (as an old man) the other is of him sitting up with his legs crossed (can't take pictures of this one). The tour guide said that the sitting Buddha is made of pure Jade (It looks like gold and porcelain to me, but hey).

Sunday will mark my first week with my host family. I’ve save that story for Sunday. I will say that my ????? Mom and Grandma are amazing and so so soo sweet. They are a joy to see everyday. My mom is really cool and apparently knows everyone in Shanghai hahah. Dinner always brings an interesting conversation and good food, well, sometimes. I just hope she doesn’t make Chicken Feet again tonight (I’ll try anything but when it comes to that, I’m a total chicken).

Until Next Time, Signing out :)