I knew my friend Zranwea, or Cafe as he’s known in the Capoeira world, liked to travel and had a sense of adventure, but when he told me he was packing up and shipping off to check out life in Shanghai, China, I was a bit surprised…and curious. What was he going to do? How was he going to get by? Why China? Now that Cafe has been a Shanghai resident for over one year, I decided to check in on him and see how things are going as he adjusts to life in a new country,  

Zranwea (aka Cafe) checking out the Shanghai food options

1. How long have you lived in Shanghai?

I arrived in Shanghai in the middle of Chinese New Year 2012.  Almost 15 months now

2. What was the thing that made you decide to get up and go? 

3. Aside from location, what is the biggest change you’ve noticed in yourself since moving overseas?

4. What kind of travel did you do before you moved? 

I’ve done the 3-7 day basic tourist package in several countries, studied abroad as a student in Spain, and a journey, through Capoeira, in Brazil. Shanghai is the first place that I have stayed for more than one year, and worked as a professional.

5. Have you ever experienced mistreatment as an American? As a Black Man? If so, can you share about that experience?

I’ve only been the recipient of curious stares, and requests for photos. In China’s premier cities, people are accustomed to seeing expatriates, and I feel comfortable. No problems with law enforcement either.

6. What is a typical day like for you in Shanghai?

“I have to work out and train Capoeira, otherwise I’m not mentally sharp”

7. Has it been difficult to meet friends?

Not in the least. The expat community here is outgoing. Shanghai may have over 20 million people, but the expats here are closely connected to each other. Social connections often turn into business referrals. Good people out here.

8. What things will you miss most about life in Shanghai if you eventually leave?

The fast pace of life, and the work opportunities.

9. If you could put anything in a care package from the U.S., what would it be? (This can be truly anything…no boundaries on size, shipping regulations or mailing feasibility)

China’s agricultural industry does not have the best reputation (understatement), and getting some organic produce would be great.

10. Where else in the world could you see yourself living? 

I haven’t identified anywhere yet. I have to experience the place first. More reasons to travel, right?

11. Have you ever had one of those “I can’t take it anymore, I’m heading back to the U.S.” kind of days? If so, what was it that kept you in Shanghai. 

The inevitable “China day”. I haven’t had one yet, but I do need a vacation to refresh myself. I’ve been here 15 months without a vacation to renew my spirit.

12. What has been your most memorable Shanghai experience to date?

Celebrating my birthday with the capoeira students who train with us. They made a lil’ video sharing their birthday wishes and unveiled it for me that night. 

13.   From 1 – 10, how would you rate your language skills when you arrived in China?  What about now? How do you go about improving your skills?

From 1-10. One. Hate to say it, but my language skills have not markedly improved. I do not have a dedicated study schedule, so my Chinese language capabilities make slow and painful progress. I’m simply absorbing what’s around me, picking up speaking and reading skills as needed.

Apparently Chinese language skills are not required to land a spot on Chinese TV

14. If a friend were coming to Shanghai for the first time what parts of the city would you recommend to visit?

15. Shanghai in 1 sentence…what would it be?

“What are you waiting for!”

A huge thanks to Zranwea Deyein (aka Cafe) for taking the time to share some of his expat experiences with us.  He is the first (guinea pig!) in what I hope will be a series of interviews with people experiencing foreign cultures by setting up residence in a new country.  If you live or have lived overseas and would like to be featured in a future post, please leave me a comment below or send me an email at nailah [at] theressomuchtosee [dot] com.