An unexpected new friend...

Setting my first trail filled me with apprehension on that hot and humid night. I had been enjoying running with the expat group for six months never having to contribute. But now it was time for me to create an interesting course for the evening run later in the week.

Haven finished running my intended course, I was treating myself to a special Western meal at Element Fresh. Being 9PM on a weeknight, it was considered late and the eatery was vacant. Lucky for me since I was smelling a bit ripe after running for 1.5 hours. There was pretty young lady sitting at the next table minding her own business and diligently reading. Usually when dining alone, I bring a book or magazine to read; but haven run earlier, I didn't have anything with me. I noticed she was reading a novel by Isabella Allende and that perked my interest since I admired the author very much and found her family history both interesting and tragic.

Little would I realize that months later, the young reader, Suzie, would become a good friend and running partner....

The Expat Experience

Stay tuned for weekly columns of one expat's misadventures in Shanghai, China...