Journalism - CHINA Volunteer Stories

Shanghai Talk - by Erica Schlaikjer

I am currently working at Shanghai Talk one of the cities entertainment magazines. As I write I am making plans for an interview I have with Tani Barlow from the University of Washington. She's giving a talk at the Foreign Correspondent's Club about the "sexy modern girl icon of old Shanghai." This is my first big assignment, and if I write it well and turn it in on time, it might be a cover story - assuming we also get good images.

I have just loved working in Shanghai; it's such an international city. It's fast-paced, ever changing and alive with energy. It is also a city of extremes - you can eat dinner at a hole-in-the-wall cafe for 8 kuai or opt for a fancier meal at a posh restaurant somewhere on the bund. There's something for everyone here.

My favourite activity outside of work is people watching or on the rare occasion, drinking free apple martinis at the Vault Bar at Laris! Most of the time, I like going to coffee shops with free wireless internet access and letting my free time go by while I catch up on emails to friends and posting new entries on my blog.


Erica Schlaikjer

Back to Volunteer Stories