…its been a while ….

I don’t know where to begin…it has been way too long since my last post and I know so much has happened since then. I had computer issues, and log in issues and I finally got it all taken care of. I was able to save my computer and only pay $23 instead of buying a new one for almost $1,300 (the one I wanted). Im so happy about that fix! Now on to life in Shanghai post – still – during … COVID isn’t over but it feels very post COVID though I know we are still living in a pandemic.

Shanghai has been very good to me during this time. We know that we are still living in a pandemic so there are still safety measures that have to be followed daily. For individuals who have been allowed into the country, the borders were closed for months, they still have to quarantine upon arrival. You have to have a COVID test when landing and the numbers of times after that is different for everyone. I have talked to a few different people who have returned to Shanghai in the past few weeks and they have each had a different experience. You do not get to choose where you will do your quarantine, but from what I have read and heard it is one week at a hotel-designated for you, and one week at your home (for most people). Once you complete your 14 day quarantine you can resume your normal daily living while following safety/health precautions.

We have to wear masks in busy full places, definitely on the metro and to enter places. Once your temperature is taken, and you show your green health QR code- something we use here in China, you enter restaurants, shops, businesses etc, and most times take your mask of. I have felt very safe here with everything that has been put in place. I have been healthy this entire time that the pandemic has been happening and I was even able to travel in the past few months (within China- I don’t plan on leaving the country any time soon- I do not want to quarantine at all).

Traveling was great. In August I took a trip to Yellow Mountain – and hiked to the top of the mountain with a group of friends. It took about six hours to make it to the top. This was one of the most difficult things I have ever done in my life. EVER. I am so glad that I did it – and after doing it – I do not have to EVER CLIMB A MOUNTAIN AGAIN. Even though I don’t ever have to climb a mountain again, I am so glad that I pushed myself and that I did it! It was a challenge, I pushed through, I stopped when I needed to, I took breaks when I needed then kept going. There was a moment when I felt like I couldn’t go one – and I looked and saw a looooong line of people behind me waiting for me to move and I pushed through. What an experience. After making it to the top my friends and I stayed in a lovely hotel at the top of the mountain and still had to hike part of the way down the mountain when we left the next day! That was tough too. I was so sore from the previous days hike … but we have to get down soooo hike- we did.

Zip Lining in the mountains

Exploring an ancient town with friends

In October I took two fun trips – one to Hangzhou (about 45 minutes away from Shanghai by speed train) to see a Cirque Du Soleil Show and one to Hefei (about 2.5 hours away from Shanghai by speed train) to hang with some friends. Both trips were great and you can see a few pictures below!

School started about 8 weeks ago! We have been busy learning and working so hard so that we are confident English speakers, readers, and writers. It was so exciting this week to hear my students read. I am immensely proud of the work they have done so far this year. We are in the first term of school so we still have so much to do and learn, but we are taking our time and doing our very best! Kindergarten life is fun but so exhausting. I am so tired at the end of the day, but I really enjoy what I do! Here’s to a great year with my little people in my Polar Bear class.

I feel like there is so much more I could say and catch you all up on. Life is busy for sure- but productive and good. I will be so happy when we don’t need 24/7 masks, but until then I am following every health and safety protocol given. My friends and I are finding moments to get together, hang out, explore the city and I am finding the joy in exploring the city and having solo experiences.

I hope you all are doing well. I am always thankful for you reading and following my abroad journey. I am in a book club with some friends and we are currently reading Americanah – and its been hard to get through this one. Have you read it? What are your thoughts on this book? I would love to know!

I had to go and check out the Pokemon exhibit!

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What a time to be alive! I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! I sure am.

#FearlessinShanghai #Thankful #joychangeslives #KMarieTakesChina #BlackGirlMagic #KarlaGirlLivingLife #BlackGirlJoy #LivingMyLifeLikeItsGolden #ChinaorBust #ChinaAintReady #BlackInShanghai #BlackInChina #BlackAmericanInChina #LookOutWorldHereComesKarla  #KarlaGirlJoy #BlackGirlInShanghai #eatsleeppartyrepeat #givingisgood #givingisfun #WakandaForever #ShuriAndNakiaAndOkoye #MelaninMagic #Blessed #-FaithfulIsMyGod

“life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all”  – Hellen Keller

*I choose ADVENTURE*