If you have me on Facebook, you might have already seen my photo album. For those who haven't, here is my selection of my favourite shots out of the lot to bring you through my 2 weeks stay in Shanghai.
1. Me in Shanghai
What did I carry with me? There were a few 'essentials' I lived by and needed. The public toilets in Shanghai do not provide tissue paper, thus, having a pack handy is essential to keep yourself clean. Although I am short-sighted, I have never worn contacts so I carry my spectacles to help me see clearly at night. My Coach wristlet holds money, cards, a train map and a gloss/balm to prevent my lips from cracking.
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| Blusher to keep me looking healthy and glowly |
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| An outfit that I wore repeatedly |
I am extremely intolerant to cold which makes me a little overdressed most of the time. My cousin lent me her winter boots to provide more warmth.
2. Noticed
I brought my camera out most of the time. Throughout my journey, there were things that amazed me, things that intrigued me, things I lusted over and things that got me thinking. I did my best to shoot them all.
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| Handmade shoes on shop display |
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| A pair of wedges on a stranger that caught my attention |
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| One of my favourite shots - red lanterns hanging out of nowhere |
There is something about old wedding photos that interests me. I love seeing wedding photos of all races and religion and era. They say a woman is most beautiful on her wedding day, I cannot help but agree when a photographer catches her anticipation and full joy, the happiness from within when she's about to marry a person she want to spend the rest of her life with.
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| Old wedding photo of a stranger couple |
This is a bridge I crossed one night in Shanghai. It reminded me of my dad because he has been working in the architecture field all his life. To some, architecture is art; it's a complex, carefully designed creation. It is science against gravity.
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| My favourite shot. |
Would you have thought these were actually keychains if you didn't see the rings attached? I get hungry every time I see this picture.
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| Laundry hanging out of an attic window |
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| A simple kitchen window of a friend's house I visited |
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| Typical Shanghai 'long tang' (usually refers to the common pathway that to a block of resident units) |
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| A badly burnt building, as compared to leaf-less trees |
3. Experienced
What is a holiday in Shanghai without shopping?! There are plenty of shopping districts in Shanghai, my favourites were places that traded wholesale and that was where I purchased most of my stuff from.
I will do a separate entry on my loots, stay tuned!
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| A leopard printed coat I lusted over, but didn't purchase! |
Here is a military jacket that caught my eye in a factory outlet store. I know the military trend has been around for some time but I love military inspired pieces to death! This jacket is of superior quality and fits me perfectly. Stole it for less than SGD$30.
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| Military jacket by Etam |
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| Watermelon Vans sneakers |
Who leaves Shanghai without eating the Xiao Long Bao?
4. People
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| Picture of me 4 months old with my parents |
I met up with some of my classmates as they were on their OIP. It's definitely exciting to see friends overseas and explore together, so much fun!
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| Clockwise from bottom: Leonard, Chloe, Yong En, Sherisa, me |
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| My cousin in her striking yellow shoes |
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| Jasmine! She lives in Shanghai and was so sweet to bring me shopping, try out local food and take neoprints. |
The main purpose to this trip was to visit my family and relatives. Some of them I have not seen for 6 years or so. We had plenty of reunion meals and gathering and it was really an enriching experience to talk to them and find out more about their lives and my past.
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Neoprints with Jasmine
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| Some of my family and relatives |
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| Grandpa |
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| "Generation gap" - my grandpa and brother sharing an umbrella |
5. Explored
Honestly, visiting places were most boring for me. I call those 'tourist' moments where I just take out my camera and snap around like as if I'm amazed by everything. However some of the pictures turned out great so I'm happy anyway.
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| The Oriental Pearl (sadly I missed the tip, urgh! Death mistake!) |
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| A Catholic church |
Another one of my favourite shots! It reflects Shanghai as a vibrant city. I feel that this picture is 'just in moment' - how the bus was driving past and how the ang moh guy seemed to be lost and wandering around for directions.
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| Shanghai the vibrant city |
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| View from the inside of a huge chinese temple |
In conclusion, I had a great time in Shanghai. I learnt a lot from it, some of it really personal.
Through my pictures, I hope they spoke more for themselves than what my words did. After all, there are only those few limited adjectives within my language ability to describe this beautiful place.
