Landing in Shanghai
During the National Holiday, WE au pair Charlene arrived at the Shanghai airport after a 10-hour flight. At the same time, Charlene's host family was waiting for her at the airport with great anticipation.
When Charlene appeared at the exit, the host family’s mother and she greeted and hugged each other as if they were old friends. Although it was the first time they met each other, the familiarity and warmth was as if they had known each other for a long time.
The child, who was standing by the side, was curious and excited to see this beautiful big sister. She held the bouquet she had prepared for Charlene with both hands and handed it to her with a big smile on her face.
Charlene was pleasantly surprised when she took the bouquet, and the child then took her hand in hers. The bond between them seemed to be established in an instant. Charlene and our host child returned to their new home hand in hand.
Citytour
A week after Charlene landed, WE partners took her on a city tour of Shanghai.
The Shanghai Bund is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, a classic stretch of scenery along the Huangpu River, where history meets modernity, and Charlene and her WE guide took a leisurely stroll along the Bund, soaking up the breathtaking scenery of the Huangpu River and taking a close look at the splendour of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Taking a photo with the Oriental Pearl at the Bund became Charlene's first impression of Shanghai.
Afterwards, WE's guide took Charlene to enjoy a Chinese speciality: hot pot. Known not only for its richness of ingredients and variety of flavours, but also for its social aspect, Charlene was treated to a whole new culinary experience as she sat at the table and watched the aroma of the bubbling base of the pot, with fresh vegetables and meat laid out in front of her.
In her first hotpot experience, she tried the spicy pot and enjoyed it! With the help of her WE guide, she picked out the dipping sauces, dropped different ingredients into the pot and savoured the first hot pot of her life.
It was Charlene's first time to try fondue and after just one try, she was overwhelmed with its deliciousness.
To give Charlene a deeper understanding of China's culture and history, WE guide also took her to visit the China Art Palace. This magnificent building, built for the Shanghai World Expo, has now become an important showcase for Chinese art. Its magnificent exterior is an unforgettable blend of traditional and modern architectural styles.
Charlene was struck by the magnificence of the Palace of Chinese Arts, a building that was built by Chinese designers and architects, and which will make everyone marvel at the beauty of China.
Charlene was also impressed by the rich exhibitions and collections in the Palace of Fine Arts, especially the dynamic version of ‘Qingming Shanghe Tu’, a huge screen that uses modern technology to recreate the daily life of the people in China during the Song Dynasty, standing in front of the exhibition, she felt like she was in a busy marketplace a thousand years ago, and felt the pulse of history beating in front of her eyes. She was deeply impressed by the details of ancient Chinese society and learnt about China's long history and culture as well as the wisdom and creativity behind it.
Spending time with children
During the first week in the au pair home, Charlene quickly integrated into the child's world and mingled with them. In her daily life, Charlene not only accompanies her child to learn English, but also enhances their relationship through various games and activities.
After school, she often chats with our host child and guides her through simple conversations in English, helping her to improve her language skills naturally. And she often takes child for walks around the house, which are not only relaxing moments, but also deepen the trust and emotional bond between the two of them.
Over the weekend, Charlene and host child went to Shanghai Disneyland, where they posed for photos in the fairytale world of Disney, travelled and played in the various projects, experienced the story of Disney, and created exclusive memories that belong to Charlene and child with all their hearts. Together with the child, Charlene had a day full of childishness and glitter!
Throughout the day, Charlene patiently accompanied the child, holding her hand tightly with the child and enjoying being immersed in the fairy tale world as she played with child.
The child was very concerned about her big sister and excitedly pointed out the cute Disney characters and float shows to Charlene when she saw them. The nightly Disney fireworks display was the perfect end to the trip, as Charlene and the child sat together on the front lawn of the castle, gazing up at the starry sky as the fireworks burst into bloom. The night sky was lit up by the fireworks and the castle glowed with colourful light.
Charlene said it was her first trip to Disney and it was an exhausting and fun day at Disney. But Charlene believes that this time will be an important memory for her child as she grows up, and that she, as her child's big sister, will enjoy this meaningful time with her.
Charlene believes that spending time with children is something that brings warmth and happiness. On those lost or emotionally draining days, children always bring unexpected surprises and joy. She often sees the simple joys and innocence of life in children, and these little moments make her feel fulfilled and satisfied. Sometimes she feels that the innocence and kindness of children can be a good teacher for adults.
As an au pair, Charlene deeply enjoys every moment she spends with the children and believes that not only will she be able to accompany the children as they grow up, but she will also be able to learn many valuable lessons about life.
Wanderlust Exchange encourages the exploration of self-awareness and personal development , and fostering of global understanding. We desire to bridge cultural divide and contribute to build the world with more trust, understanding and diversity among all.
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