Abran Salas - Blog Abroad

Blog #1

My First Impressions of China: A New Chapter Begins

From the moment I arrived in China, I could tell I was entering a place where technology and tradition coexist in such an exciting way. The atmosphere here is vibrant and welcoming, and every day feels like an adventure.

One of the first places that truly blew me away was “The Bund”. The sight of the bright red television tower, standing tall against the skyline, made me smile from ear to ear. It was unlike anything I’d seen in America—tall, illuminated, and bold. Even though I felt like a small speck in the sea of buildings, streets, and people, there was a magic to the place that I couldn’t quite put into words.

At first, I was a little intimidated by the metro system. But with signs in both Chinese and English, it was much easier to navigate than I expected. It’s amazing how you can walk through a mall and suddenly find yourself at a metro station without missing a beat. The trains are quiet, organized, and incredibly efficient, making it a breeze to get around.

One of the best parts of my time here so far has been the food. I got the chance to try a traditional Chinese pastry filled with red bean and egg. It was like a sweet, flaky little bun that blew me away with its flavor. I even took a cooking class where the instructor, despite speaking only Chinese, communicated so clearly through demonstrations. I was amazed by how easy it was to follow along and make these delicious pastries myself.

Another unforgettable experience was attending a light festival to celebrate the Chinese New Year, specifically the Year of the Snake. The festival was full of stunning light displays that created such a beautiful atmosphere. Even though it was crowded, the excitement and energy were contagious, and it felt like being part of something truly special.

During my first week, I also had the chance to visit one of China’s famous water towns. It was picturesque—full of history, old statues, and peaceful canals. The town was even decorated with pink roses for Valentine’s Day, adding to the charm.

China is such a fascinating country, full of rich culture, history, and modern wonders. Although I’ve only begun to explore, I’m excited to see more and learn about everything this country has to offer. My experience here has been incredible so far, and I feel so welcomed by the warmth and kindness of the people.

Blog #2

This month in China has been an eye-opening experience.

My university’s campus is very clean, with plenty of spaces for students to study and socialize. One event I attended was the club fair, where a wide variety of clubs gathered, offering students a chance to explore their social environments. There were many interesting clubs, but one that particularly caught my attention was the kitty-saving club. I see many stray cats on campus daily, and this club has shelters for them, giving each cat its own name. It’s heartwarming to see such care for the animals.

During my time here, I also had the incredible opportunity to explore the Great Wall of China, a historical landmark that I find fascinating. I had three days to discover Beijing, which was a four-hour train ride from Shanghai. When I arrived, the warm sunlight greeted me, reminding me of home. We met our tour guide, who first took us to the Summer Palace, a beautiful landmark near the water with many historical relics. We spent a few hours exploring the area before enjoying the famous Beijing duck, which was delicious and full of flavor.

On the second day, we visited the Forbidden City, home to even more historical relics and rich history. On our final day, we traveled to a village in Linchangucn, where we stayed overnight. The next morning, we woke up at 4 a.m. to go hiking. The Great Wall was immense, and after a 30-minute hike, we reached the top. We hiked further until sunset, which was a breathtaking view from the wall. We continued hiking for a few more hours before finally leaving. It was a truly proud moment in my life to stand at such a historic site—one of the most iconic landmarks in China.