In 1987, Maria Hsin experienced her first trip to Shanghai, a poignant journey initiated by her paternal grandmother's passing. This month-long stay marked her Chinese father's first return to his homeland since emigrating to the United States in the late 1960s. During this visit, Maria immersed herself in her father's family home, forging connections with previously unknown relatives, sharing meals, and becoming accustomed to the pervasive Mandarin language and the intricate neighborhood alleys. Growing up in Los Angeles with a Chinese father and a Mexican mother, Maria’s upbringing primarily focused on English and Spanish, leaving her Mandarin skills undeveloped. Her father seldom spoke of his Chinese heritage, but food served as a crucial bridge to his past. Trips to Chinatown for ingredients and special occasion celebrations, such as the Lunar New Year festivities and birthday cake traditions from Phoenix Bakery, offered glimpses into his cultural world.

The bond between Maria and her father faced a difficult period after her parents' divorce during her college years. However, in her late twenties, they gradually began to mend their relationship, highlighted by memorable family gatherings like a Chinese Thanksgiving. This rekindled connection became especially vital when her father suffered a stroke, losing his ability to speak and becoming partially paralyzed. For the last two years of his life, Maria dedicated herself to his care, coordinating appointments, managing logistics, attending doctor visits, advocating for his treatment, and celebrating every small triumph in his physical therapy. After his death in 2017, Maria felt compelled to return to China two years later. Walking the streets of Shanghai, particularly on what would have been his 83rd birthday, she felt his spectral presence, imagining his voice guiding her culinary choices and laughing at her attempts to speak Mandarin. The city's lively atmosphere, from the sizzling dumplings to the bustling streets filled with pedestrians and cyclists, and the early morning deliveries of fresh produce, resonated deeply with her. She found comfort in the vibrant energy of Shanghai, feeling a welcoming spirit that linked her to her father's hometown. Beyond Shanghai, her journey also included visits to Hong Kong to honor her grandfather's grave and a brief stay in Beijing.

Maria's profound connection to Shanghai inspired her to relocate there. While pursuing graduate studies and transitioning from journalism to urban planning, she found an English teaching position in the city. This move was not only a career change but also a way to process her grief and seek a new beginning away from the high cost of living in Los Angeles. From January 2023 until recently, Shanghai became her home, where she worked as an English teacher and corporate language instructor. She cherished the city's convenience, its efficient transportation, affordable living, exceptional cuisine, and widespread digital payment systems. Exploring Shanghai became a daily pleasure; she would frequent the area near the hotel from her 1987 visit, a place close to where her father's childhood home once stood. There, she found solace, enjoying local snacks like shao bing and embracing the simple act of walking to a cafe, for steamed buns, or to meet friends—a stark contrast to her car-dependent life in LA. Wandering through Shanghai's wide avenues and its charming, hidden alleyways, she discovered remnants of Old Shanghai, each corner whispering stories of the past. Building a new life in this vibrant city brought her immense happiness, and the echoes of her initial visit with her father made Shanghai feel like an undeniable home. Although her employment contract concluded, prompting her return to the U.S., Maria still yearns for Shanghai, a city that unexpectedly played a crucial role in her healing journey.

This narrative beautifully illustrates how embracing one's heritage can be a powerful avenue for healing and self-discovery. Maria's journey highlights the profound impact of connection—to family, to roots, and to a place that carries echoes of a loved one's past. It underscores the universal human desire for belonging and understanding, demonstrating that even in grief, new paths can emerge, leading to unexpected comforts and a deeper appreciation for life's intricate tapestry. Her experience reminds us that our personal narratives are often interwoven with the legacies of those who came before us, and by exploring them, we can find strength, peace, and a renewed sense of purpose. Her story also celebrates the courage it takes to step into the unknown, allowing new experiences to shape us and ultimately leading to a more complete and fulfilling life.