January 31, 2013

On my way to South Korea: New Year in Shanghai!

Greetings everyone!

I am a second year full-time MBA student currently in exchange in the Global MBA program a Yonsei University in Seoul. I have been here for almost a month and it’s been a fantastic experience so far, but let me rewind a bit…

My journey eastward actually started with a three-day stop in Shanghai where I spent the New Year with one of my favorite Sternies, Qingdao native Rita. This was actually my second time in the “Paris of the East,” but, after seven years, I could barely recognize the skyline. This is what it looks like now:


View of Pudong District from the Bund

Shanghai is by any means a modern megalopolis, with the same, predictable Starbucks Cafes and H&M stores that you would see in New York. In search for more authenticity, we therefore decided to venture in the newly renovated French concession, and spent some time in the Tianzifang Arts and Crafts area for a laid-back afternoon.


Two Sternies in Shanghai: The Tianzifang Arts and Crafts Area

The following day, a discussion with a local restaurant owner unexpectedly led us to the old canal town of Qibao, accessible by subway from downtown Shanghai.


The Canal Town of Qibao

Being a big fan of street food, I particularly enjoyed the stroll along the photogenic food market.


Qibao Street Food Market

There was indeed a lot of eating done on this trip to Shanghai and I must have consumed enough soup dumplings to last me a lifetime!

Sampling Chinese goodies: from steamy xiaolongbao (soup dumplings, top) to crispy Peking Duck (lower right)

But all good things must come to an end, and 2013 started at 400km/hr with a Maglev ride to Pudong Airport.


On the Seven-Minute Maglev ride to Pudong Airport

Before I knew it, I was in Seoul, getting ready for classes at Yonsei starting on January 2.

Stay tuned for updates from Korea!