Recorded July 7, 2009. Xin Hua Lu is a picturesque road similar to many in the French Concession area of Shanghai. Lined on both sides with Parasol trees and vintage mansions of old Shanghai one can easily mistake this to be anywhere in the world. Samantha has lived along this road her entire life. In fact, many of her relatives still live in this area and is an indication of how important family is to her. Her memories are filled with her family and her time spent with her Grandfather, jumping across flower terraces, bakery discount bread-runs, and her precarious playground adventures resulting in a daring rescue. Xin Hua Lu is truly a part of her life and her family.

This walk was one of my favorites just because of the amazing coincidences and life that can be heard in the background. The rise and fall of gently passing cars and random conversations. When we entered her residential complex, the sounds of the basketball courts, construction, and baby crying all create an amazing picture. The finale was the icing on the cake as we happen to end in front of a place where a piano could be heard from the street- exit music to a great movie. It is these serendipitous moments that create the essence of these recordings. The realization that they can never be recreated and the reason why they should be ‘recorded’.

I felt that this recording truly captured the life of this area. The recording itself is so dynamic and alive- yet not too overbearing as is usually assumed in an urban setting.

We hope that you enjoy this recording as much as we do.

Photos by Weina Li.

For more information about the 'Growing Up With Shanghai' project, photos, and translations please visit our website.

http://www.growingupwithshanghai.com/guws/Xin_Hua_Lu.html