On a journey of rediscovery, a woman retraces the steps of her father’s past, unraveling the intricate threads of her cultural heritage. Her exploration of Shanghai provides a poignant backdrop to a story that intertwines family, memory, and identity.
In 1987, a trip to Shanghai marked the beginning of a personal journey for a woman with a rich multicultural background. With a Chinese father and a Mexican mother, she grew up in Los Angeles speaking English and Spanish, yet Mandarin remained a mystery to her. Her father, who had immigrated to the US in the late 1960s, seldom spoke of his past or his cultural roots. This trip to China was not only his first return since leaving but also her introduction to Shanghai.
Immersed in the city’s vibrant tapestry, she reconnected with her father’s world through shared meals and the sound of Mandarin filling the air. Her father’s heritage, largely unexplored during her childhood, began to unfold through these familial interactions and the rich experiences of Shanghai life.
Food became a significant link to her father’s heritage. Visits to LA’s Chinatown were routine for acquiring Chinese ingredients, offering glimpses into her father’s culinary world. Celebrations, like the Lunar New Year, were marked by the vibrant dragon parades, and birthdays were sweetened by strawberry whipped cream cakes from Phoenix Bakery.
Rekindling Family Bonds
Her parents’ divorce during her college years strained her relationship with her father. However, in her late 20s, they began to reconnect. A Chinese Thanksgiving hosted by her father, featuring her cousin’s crab dish, became a cherished memory.
After her father’s stroke left him paralyzed and unable to speak, she assumed the role of caretaker. Her efforts included managing appointments, advocating for medical care, and supporting his physical therapy.
Rediscovering Shanghai
Following her father’s death in 2017, she revisited China two years later. Walking through Shanghai on what would have been his 83rd birthday, the city resonated with his presence, evoking memories of his voice and the scent of frying dumplings.
Shanghai’s energy captivated her, from the bustling streets to the early morning deliveries of fresh produce. The challenge of speaking Mandarin added to the city’s allure, creating a vibrant and immersive experience.
Shanghai: A New Home
Drawn to Shanghai, she aspired to live there. During her graduate studies, she found an English teaching position in the city, offering a fresh start. Arriving with just two suitcases, she embraced a new life from January 2023, working as an English teacher and corporate language instructor.
Shanghai’s conveniences, from transportation to digital payments, enhanced her daily life. Across from the hotel her family stayed at in 1987, close to her father’s family home, she found comfort and familiarity. Walking became a favorite pastime, a stark contrast to her car-centric life in LA.
As she explored Shanghai’s streets and alleys, the city’s history whispered tales of the past, linking her present to her father’s legacy. Though she eventually returned to the US after her employment ended, the bond with Shanghai, and her father’s memory, remained strong.
