Hong Kong Young Writers Anthologies Fiction 12 | Page 547

Old Shanghai - Wanderlust
Yew Chung International School, Ahuja, Harsh – 10
H
urrah!!! The most awaited time on my calendar had arrived. I had been lately burying myself into reading a
lot about Shanghai. The Electric city - Shanghai would be my next Sojourn. I decided to dedicate my
Christmas holidays to exploring the lively lanes of Shanghai.
The moment I landed in “Hu”-short for Shanghai, I did not want to waste my time enjoying the comfort
of the plush hotel pillows. So I set out on an expedition, to visit
the archetypal tourist destinations to verify my
impressions from my research. I was awestruck with the illustrious architecture of the city.
The famous “bird’s
eye view” of the Chinese Metropolis from the World Financial Center justified my decision to visit the “Shen”.
Even though Shanghai’s tall and beguiling landmarks were simply stupendous, there was still a tiny voice
inside me telling me to go and uncover the mysteries of Old Shanghai.
I soon caught a cab, which took me to my desired destination- Old Shanghai!!! I was excited and jumping
with delight. In an hour’s time, I was knocking on one of the many gates of Old Shanghai. Once inside the city
gates, the cabbie dropped me off.
I was
flabbergasted by the beauty of the town. The weathered brick
pedestrian walks, lined by old and tall trees appeared to be 100 years old. All around were little shops, bars, hair
salons and provision stores.
I felt awkward thanks to the wide eyed stares of the passer-bye’s, so I quickened my pace. When I heard a soft
gurgle in my stomach, I decided to go to a restaurant. As soon as I stepped in, everyone whipped around to face
me, as though as they were expecting me! I sat down stooping, so that I was not overly noticeable. I ordered
Dimsum very quickly since I was extremely hungry. But instead of the much anticipated Dimsums, I was served a
tiny fortune cookie! As soon as the plate was set in front of me, everyone rose slightly, as though they were getting
ready for a certain moment. The waitress mysteriously whispered, ”Don’t worry it’s only a game. Open the
cookie and read your fortune!” As she finished her sentence, she slowly backed away, motioning for me to open it.
But just after I opened the cookie, there were bright flashes of light, and... the last thing I
remembered .……………..
For a moment it was all darkness, but then I woke up. My eyes were blurry and I could see nothing but light.
Soon my eyes adjusted to the light and I saw my surroundings which seemed ever so different. I had no idea
where I was, till I saw a monument at the top of a hill. I wondered why these buildings were no different from
ancient China’s buildings!. It was then I realised that I was in ancient Shanghai! The fortune cookie must have had
some bizarre magic in it, that it teleported me into th..this place Then I noticed my watch and to my further
surprise the dates had moved back in time . The watch must also have played a role by setting the time zone. Now
I finally knew what the littlest dial in the watch was for…. Time travel! .
I knew better than sitting on the grass and fretting, that I should look for a place where I could find
information. I got to a small cottage and knocked on the door. After about long ten minutes, the door finally
opened revealing an old man with woeful eyes. He told me to head to the information bureau which was on the
third road. I walked a lot till I reached a towering building. I ran inside and got to the first counter, eager for help.
The man on the counter rudely replied to look for refuge somewhere else. So I stormed out of the place, looking