If you follow our social media ( Instagram : cultureshocktours and Facebook: Culture Shock Tours), then you probably know well already what we do.BUT!
None of the cool tours would happen if we didn’t have our fantastic team of Tour Leaders! And since we are growing, it’s about time for you to learn a little bit now about our super heroes!
We will introduce them all to you within coming weeks!
CLARISSE
Age: 22
Nationality: French
Languages: French, Chinese, English. I am learning Chinese Sign Language.
Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Chinese language, culture and history. I am still studying a master degree on tourism management in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, but I don't have too much classes as I am writing my thesis, so I have a lot of free time to ride Culture Shock's bicycles!
Hobbies: I love to travel all around China. I already visited 20 provinces and I hope to discover more places.I also like to take pictures during my trips.In Shanghai I practice skateboarding during my free time. In Ningbo I am a volunteer at a museum, and I take part in many cultural activities.
I have been working with Culture Shock since: April 2017.
1. Why did you decide to become a Tour Leader?
I arrived in Shanghai in 2015 for my bachelor's degree and I immediately felt in love with the city and its people. Then, I went back to France for a semester, and I had to find an internship related to both tourism and China. By chance, I watched a French TV program about Shanghai's expats, and I discovered Culture Shock. I was so excited by the concept of riding vintage bicycles in the hidden back alleys, and by the fact that this could combine my two passions: China's culture and tourism.
2. What’s your favorite off the beaten path spot in Shanghai?
Shanghai is so huge, and there are so many treasures to discover. In almost 3 years I went to a lot of places, but I trust that I will continue to find new surprises, and that's what makes me love the life in this city. My favorite spot is undoubtedly the old city! Each time I cross this place, I find new friends, I really enjoy to stop at a corner, and chit-chat with local people. They always have some incredible story to tell me, or they teach me more Shanghai dialect. It seems that time stops when I enter this place.
3. I love Shanghai because….
I love Shanghai because it looks like a patchwork where modern and ancient are sewed together. But there is something that I love even more than Shanghai: its people, because without them the city would be like a big marionette without puppeteer.
4.Riding a bike in Shanghai is the best way to commute because...
Riding a bike in Shanghai is the best way to feel the energy of the city, to avoid traffic jam while covering a large area. It feels so pleasant to ride under the shadow of the plane trees in the Former French Concession. It is also very convenient to go through some narrow lanes in the old city.
5. What was your most memorable tour?
Well, I think every tour is really unique, mostly thanks to the people we meet on the way. Let me share with you some memorable experiences I had during tours: I danced rock'n roll in a park with an almost 80 years-old Chinese man dressed like Elvis Presley, I fed some pet birds in the old city, I met an amazing calligrapher who can write four different kinds of calligraphy, I saw a white rabbit hanging out in a lilong (signature Shanghainese lane - read more here http://www.culture-shock-tours.com/blog/10-things-everyone-must-know-about-shanghai-s-signature-lilongs-shikumen) , and this is just a few examples, I could find hundreds more funny anecdotes like this.
6. Working as a Culture Shock Tour Leader taught me...
Working as Culture Shock Tour Leader taught me a range of various skills from tai chi to Shanghai dialect, but also it makes me understand better the city by talking with local people. I also met incredible persons from so many countries and they shared with me a part of their culture. I'm still learning during each tour and I hope I will become a kongzhu (Chinese yo-yo) master one day!
7. The most important thing to bear in mind when you cycle in Shanghai:
To be safe, be noisy! If your bell is broken, better to stay at home ;)
