Nihao,

It’s Paula here! Tuomas asked me to write some thoughts about my trip since this is my last evening here at Hangzhou. It’s been quite a trip but to be honest I’m glad to get back home.

China has been a positive surprise for me. Less people than I thought and barely anyone speaks any English so it would’ve been a huge benefit to know at least some words in Chinese. Otherwise one might end up speaking Finnish to a Chinese housekeeper or using sign language to borrow an umbrella like I did.

The atmosphere feels very safe. Even though I’ve been wondering around alone I haven’t felt insecure. The scariest moment was in Shanghai when we visited World Financial Center, 494 meters tall building and I noticed up in the observatory desk that there were glass windows in the floor. First I thought I was going to faint and then I thought I was about to start crying. Yes, if some of you didn’t know I’m afraid of heights. I couldn’t walk alone so Tuomas had to walk me through the observatory desk.

I did know that there are more people living in Hangzhou than whole of Finland but still the amount of buildings and construction sites has been eye opening. Being here makes me appreciate Finland and its fresh air even more because the air quality here is quite dramatic.

After saying that I still think that one should visit China if it’s possible. This is an unbelievable country which everyone has to see for themselves!