Never in my life I've been thinking about going to my motherland, China.
But, one day..
"Do you have passport? Is it still valid?", my boss suddenly asked.
"Yes, I think so. I just made it but never use it. I haven't got any chance to go abroad", I said.
"You better get ready, the Director told you to enjoy your time in China for 6 days", he replied.
"................................................................. WHAT???", me fainted.
If you're following me on my Instagram, you should've known that I went to China last year from end of October to early November 2016 for a good week. Since it was a gift from my office, I've been arranged to follow a tour from a travel company, named Golden Rama (check out their company profile and their amazing tour packages here). I'll try my best to write about the pros and cons of traveling with or without travel company.
At the first day of my visit to China, we went to Shanghai first. We're greeted by the chill air when we touchdown to Pudong International Airport. Since this is my first time abroad (and obviously this is my first time went to 4-season-country), I can really feel the cold creep up inside the thick jacket I borrow from a friend. It was 14 Celsius degree which is not bad because I used to live with 16 Celsius degree air conditioner at my room (haha!).
Country bumpkin I am (read: dasar katrok), I looked at the airport with awe, and smell the different air from the country I'm raise. I'm so grateful. Camera (full battery) checked, smartphone (full battery) checked, makeup on fleek checked, monopod checked, CNY (China Yuan) withdrawn checked, and I'm ready to explore Shanghai.
We went to Cheng Huang Miao Market first. They say, you're not coming to Shanghai if you didn't get to visit this market. Cheng Huang Miao or The City God Temple or Temple of the City Gods originally used as a temple dedicated to one or more immortal or god as the spirit(s) or protector(s) of the city. But during the cultural revolution the temple was closed down and used for other purposes, and for many years, the main hall was used as a jewellery shop. Today, they sell pretty much everything, from jewellery to snacks, gadgets, decorations, antiques, and many more. Here's 5 things to do at Cheng Huang Miao Market, Shanghai :
