From the moment I walked onto the plane, I knew traveling solo to Shanghai is exactly what I need for this current life transition.
There was a woman sitting across from me. We were both absorbed in our respective movies, books, drinks and food so we didn’t speak until landing. She is an ex-pat living in Shanghai. I explained I had been to Shanghai a few times and was interested in unusual suggestions. Noticing I wear glasses she asked if I have been to Shanghai’s ‘international eyeglass market area.” So I am definitely heading to the Zhabei District tomorrow ready to use my bargaining skills.
My luggage was waiting for me and so was the driver so things were going well and then…voila..fireworks were in the distance welcoming me to Shanghai or maybe they were actually meant for the Chinese New Year 2015, (February 19–21, 2015), the Year of the Goat which happens to be my year. Apparently, I am a wood goat so I will be going out tomorrow and getting red undergarments. I guess red underwear is sold at supermarkets and street markets and red is believed to ward off bad luck and misfortune. Right about now, I need all the red undergarments I can find. Tomorrow – glasses and red underwear it is!