The unique aroma and energy of Shanghai
Print Edition
NARE Haroyan from Armenia describes Shanghai as a city with its own individual aroma. “There was a smell I had never experienced in my life,” Nare recalls on her first day in Shanghai.
Seven years ago, the Armenian braced Shanghai alone. Without any acquaintances or friends, she arrived with a scholarship and an inquisitive mindset on a new life.
“Maybe moving to Shanghai is the most important decision I have ever made because I did it by myself when I was young,” Haroyan says emotionally.
After several years of study and life in Shanghai, the 30-year-old admits that the city is unique and enjoys a permanent place in her heart.
“I have been to many places in China and I always compare them with Shanghai. But I still love Shanghai the most,” she says.
Haroyan says she has gained a lot of energy from this city full of opportunities. She admits that she has grown up and adjusted herself well to the fast pace of the city.
“Everything in Shanghai is changing so fast; people come and go fast,” She says.
Q: Why did you come to Shanghai and make the city your home for such a long time?
A: Most Armenian people like to go to the United State or European countries. But I prefer something a bit different and unique. And that is what China provided for me. I already knew that I would like it.
I checked out Shanghai and specifically wanted to come here. When there was a scholarship available, I applied for it and that is why I am here.
I got my master’s degree in psychology here, and now I am doing my PhD. During my one-year scholarship, I learned Chinese and then passed HSK 5. (HSK, a Chinese proficiency test, is China’s only standardized test of standard Chinese language proficiency for non-native speakers; with levels from one to six). After that I did my master’s in Chinese for three years. I then passed HSK 6 and started my PhD degree.
Q: Which school are you studying at now?
A: Shanghai Normal University. It is like a home. All of my pasttime is spent here.
Q: Do you have any impressive Shanghai stories?
A: Yes, of course! I can never forget my first day in the city. I came out of the airport. The smell was of humidity. I had a feeling that I arrived in another world, not another country. I have never had that feeling ever since, mybe because I am used to the smell of Shanghai now.
I’ve traveled a lot in my life. I’ve visited many European countries and been to the US, but it is the only time I have experienced this scent.
Q: How do you spend your weekends in Shanghai?
A: I have an internship at a fashion company to improve my cross-cultural communicative skills.
Q: When you meet new people, do you speak Chinese?
A: I can speak Chinese without any problem.
Q: How long did it take you to speak Chinese so well?
A: One year, because I had this intensive year of Chinese. Before I came here, the only Chinese word I spoke was nihao (hello), but after one year, I could communicate with Chinese people fluently.
Q: Which place in Shanghai do you like best and why?
A: Shanghai is so big and many things move fast.
There are always new places to go. I go out every weekend and never repeat what I have done previously. The city is so diverse. But I do have my favorite places in Shanghai.
I love dancing and usually go to UNICO, because they play my favorite music. It is like a dancing club, where you can also dine.
SHAKE on Maoming Road is also one of my favorite places. They have very good live music three times a week. When I am tired, I go there to relax.
For dining, I like Xintiandi, because there are so many things to do. And I really love the newly opened Datong Fang or FOUND 158. Many expats like to go there. It is a great place to do some research because I usually need a lot of participants.
Q: Which roads do you like best?
A: Huaihai Road M. I especially love it in wintertime, when it is all lit up with Christmas decorations.
Q: Which elements of Shanghai do you like?
A: Safety. I have been to many countries, but Shanghai is the safest city I have been to. You come out from your house in the morning and even if you return at 2am or 3am, you will be safe.
Q: Is there anything in Shanghai you dislike? Any suggestions to make it better?
A: The weather. In Armenia, we don’t really need to worry about pollution. Here I always have coughs. And I don’t like the humidity either. But compared with other cities, Shanghai is still good.
Everything in Shanghai is changing so fast; people come and go fast. Sometimes, when you go back home, you think, “Oh my god, what did I miss today?” For many people there is too much pressure, but for me, it’s okay.
Q: Compared with your country, are there any shortages of Shanghai?
A: Shanghai is very comfortable and modern. It is very easy for people to live in and feel safe. The city is huge but it has all the important and necessary facilities. In this element, I would say this city is one of the best in the world, with its infrastructure, technology, architecture and designs.
One of the things annoying me is that sometimes people speak loudly in the public. Public manners is something I would like it to change in China.
Also I hope overseas students are able to work a bit outside campus in China in the future. They can do private tutoring to earn some pocket money, because many students don’t have enough money even if they get a scholarship.
I hope one day Chinese law will allow foreign students to work a few hours as a waitress, teacher or whatever. Some students don’t get scholarships, so a little part-time work would help.
Q: Any impressive memories in your life?
A: This is a tough question. Sometimes the smallest things are memorable. If I get a new job or make someone happy, it will feel memorable.
Actually at first, I didn’t get a scholarship to Shanghai. Then a month later I got a call from my government saying I could go to China. That is probably the most memorable for me.
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