Wǒ ài Shànghǎi

Shanghai.

We had the opportunity this weekend to attend the district conference for church, held in Shanghai. Because there's so few mormons in China, people from way up north (Beijing area), and some from way down south attended the conference in Shanghai, and it was still only the size of a normal ward back at home. It's amazing to see how dedicated people are to church here. 

We arrived Friday night after taking a K-train for 4 hours. We missed the metro by 5 minutes, and had to take a taxi because everything was closed! Our hostel wasn't awful. They gave us toast in the morning for 20 cents so that was nice. haha. 

Saturday morning the church organized a tour of Shanghai for us, and we spent all morning and afternoon wandering around Shanghai! 

The Shanghai Museum, in the center of the city.

This was just outside the museum- It is a center point for the 4 different highways that travel North, South, East, and West. It's like standing on the 4 Corners almost! 

This was an entire park filled with people showing ads... for their children. Parents come to this park on the weekends and literally advertise their children who are marriage-age. They have their age, occupation, income, job title, and some even come with a picture. If you find someone that you're "interested" in for your own child, you exchange numbers and set them up on a date. Can you imagine!? 

Nanjing Road felt just like home. It was like walking the Vegas Strip- just shops and shops and shops lining the road. Me and Ashley got so excited when we saw M&M world- we had to take a photo. We were back at home!!! 

YuYuan Garden

Saturday afternoon was a session of conference, and after was a YSA dance. Me, McKayla, and Jordy, being not so fond of dancing, bought tickets for the Shanghai Circus World. And oh my goodness. They advertise that "You miss this, you miss Shanghai!" and boy were they right. It was spectacular. It's a must see for anyone visiting China. 

After the circus we decided to go see the Bund again, because it was night time and it looks cooler! Except it was foggy out, so the pearl tower wasn't lit up... good thing we'll be going back to Shanghai! 

Sunday was another session of conference, and it was amazing. Especially the refreshments. Because we all know that's what we actually go for. Just kidding. 

After the conference me and McKayla rushed with our friends Maddie and Lindsay to the underground shopping mall, and got some killer deals. I bought two shirts, a Chinese dress, and a pair of Uggs for 40$USD. That's right. FORTY DOLLARS. I don't know how I'll ever be able to spend money in America again. 

I love this place, so incredibly much. I'm definitely a "city-girl".  I can't wait to go back soon!