Mandarin Immersion (Part 28)

This entry is part 28 of 40 in the series Mandarin Immersion

June 11, 2023

Mandarin Immersion (Part 28)

By Simon J. Lau

I made my great return to Shanghai! Last time I visited in 2010, I came to attend the World Expo. That was just before I left for business school, and so much has changed since then (both for the city, and for me). Specifically, I’ve now gained a level of Chinese language proficiency that has made it possible for me to take in much more of what this city has to offer. Previously, I had no proficiency. Also, now that I’ve had time to explore many of China’s ancient cities, I feel better equipped to connect China’s ancient past with the modern version of itself.

In my opinion, no other Chinese city does a better job of blending Chinese modernity and ancient history than Shanghai. For instance, the Bund (third photo in this section), was formerly a British and American settlement. It’s located north of and a short distance from Shanghai’s ancient walled city. During the 1940s, many of the largest Western banks had offices here. That all changed after the Chinese Communist Revolution. Shortly thereafter, these banks fled China.

It was only after Mao’s death in 1976 and China’s economic reforms of the 1970s and 1980s that these international banks returned. This is just one of countless examples where Shanghai has shown its resilience as both a significant historic center and modern hub.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with my longtime language partner, Zhongbin, and his wife, Wuhui. I’ve known Zhongbin for more than 4 years, but we’ve never met in real life. Until now!

For our first meeting, they brought me to this fantastic Chinese restaurant. Everything was delicious, but these walnut-stuffed glazed tomatoes and roasted pork were particularly good! Afterward, we spent time at the Bund. Besides wonderful food and great company, I was also very impressed with their relationship. It was clear that they were very much in love with each other.

For example, Wuhui was very playful with Zhongbin, and Zhongbin was very supportive of Wuhui. I loved observing their chemistry together. Personally, I think my wife, Jean, and I have a wonderful relationship. I’m very happy with where we are in our relationship. However, seeing other couples like Zhongbin and Wuhui together inspires me to give more of myself in my own relationship. They illustrate the best of what can be gained in a loving relationship. It was very endearing!

Finally, as a nightcap, I visited a popular bar near the Bund. I struck up a conversation with my bartender and two Shanghainese girls. We mainly talked about their lives, foreigners in Shanghai, and their thoughts on living here.

My Mandarin has progressed nicely. In just the few weeks that I’ve been in China, it’s far from perfect, but I now have the proficiency and confidence (although I’ve never lacked social confidence 😅) to speak with anyone in a room whom I may find to be interesting. That’s one thing I enjoy about solo travel. It forces you to crawl out of your (small) comfort zone into wide-open spaces that can (initially) feel frightening. However, after several small road bumps and stutters, I now feel (mostly) comfortable in my own skin here. Onward!