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泰康路
After coming back to the stadium to work for six straight days, we finally had a well-deserved break on Sunday. Kicking out the habit of sleeping in since I arrived in Shanghai, I got up early at nine o'clock and we ventured into Tai Hang Road -- the little artistic Soho area and now one of my favourite retreats-- for some brunch.
We picked a new cafe called Maui Coffe, which served 'Yummy Brunch' on the menu. The set included toast, scrambled eggs, mushrooms, salad and bacons, which happily satisfied the appetite of my bacon-craving girl friend here.
Tai Hang Road is used to be a factory area and is now home to the many studio of modern artists. Featuring different types of art, including painting, photographs, pottery and designer products, these studios also serve as galleries, retail shops and workshop for eager beginners. But my favourite part of the Soho area has got to be the many cool and affordable cafes and its relaxing atmosphere. I could just sit all day and enjoy the peaceful moment.

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So this is it. I finally arrive at Shanghai, one of China's proudest cities and a place where I will call home for four months to come. Here, I will be one of the volunteers for the Special Olympics Opening Ceremony, to be held in Oct 2nd, among many experts and staff from different parts of China.

People around me were all surprised by my decision, and frankly so was I. I've never thought I'd be involved in such a big production. Even after I've signed up for it, I couldn't quite believe all of it and I was sort of waiting to see if it would happen. But here I am now, for real.

My first significant impression of Shanghai is not very flattering. It is sweltering hot. The city is shrouded in mist and the heat rises out of the ground. All this time, I feel like being inside a steamer and slowly cooked.

Apart from the weather, the first day wasn't a bad start. I've spent the morning getting myself settled at the office and greeting everyone. In the afternoon, I helped the athletes parade director Steve to a little venue tour and did a bit of translation for him.

Frankly, it wasn't the most productive day.