Travel perspective on China's metropolises.

My first trip to China was unforgettable. It was a tumultuous time in my life, with the ending of a long-term relationship and studies that had kept me occupied for four years. I had no strings keeping me anywhere, so traveling was a reprieve for my soul as much as it was professionally important.

I was on my way to Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, and any other cities in between. I planned on keeping a diary, which I did just so I could memorialize the experience.

A few selected excerpts are what Id like to share here.

Its been raining in Shang Hai for over a week. There were floods worse than they've seen in 50 years. This place is like most big cities loud, full of traffic, chaotic and extraordinarily overpopulated. The Bund, a 2-mile stretch along the river, offers views to Pu Dong, the modern financial district on the opposite side of the river. There are buildings of various shapes and sizes going up everywhere you look. It reminds me more of Las Vegas than anything else.

I walked for hours this morning and everywhere I go, I stand out like a sore thumb. My light hair and eyes are unusual. Children stare at me and when I smile back, joy shimmers in their eyes and their adorable faces light up that the foreign one smiled and noticed them. People work very hard here and although I cannot fathom the life they lead, it has its order and sense.

I walked through an enormous park in the center of Shang Hai and I was the only Westerner anywhere. There were large swaths of beautiful trees surrounded by winding paths; it was a relief to see some nature.

All over there were people practicing tai chi, qi gong and other forms of exercise. Others took advantage of the facial and head massages offered. There were groups of men sitting around small tables playing traditional games. Some of the women sang. Clusters of people gathered in groups talking; families walked with their children in hand. This was more of the China I imagined.

The antiquity Id hoped to discover is no longer in physical structures, but remains in bits and pieces scattered among the people of China mostly the older generation.

The air is so dirty here that my skin is breaking out and I always feel like I have a layer of grime on my face. I woke up at 5 a.m. today just as it was starting to get light. The sun was trying to push its way through the clouds and smoggy haze. I dont know if the people of Shang Hai know what a truly blue sky is. Being from San Diego, Im so blessed to have days where the sky is so blue you could swim in it.

As I walked I saw people doing their morning exercise, this morning with swords along the Bund. As I continued walking along the Bund, I saw an elderly man, probably 80 or so, with his leg straight up against a signpost. He did a better standing split than I've ever seen, and with no strain on his aged face. I wanted to photograph him, but didnt want to distract him, so I kept walking.

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Travel perspective on China's metropolises.