Older and flying solo for New Year's Eve: Places to go?
I visited Shanghai for the first time two weeks ago, and I had a great time and loved the city. I didn't get to do nearly everything I wanted to do because silly me didn't realize just how crowded it would be due to the Mid-Autumn Festival. Since I'm an English teacher in Korea and thus not that far away, I figured why not go back and spend the last week of December/NYE there? Therein lies the rub.
Though I don't look it or feel it, I'm 43. I'm also a socially awkward woman that did not inherit my mother's gift of being able to talk to and make friends with anyone. I can hold a conversation just fine if it's something I'm interested in, but I'm more of a passive observer and not likely to initiate. I'm also single, never married, and don't have/want kids, so I lack experience with that whole topic as a conversation piece. I'm an introverted nerd that likes video games, anime, watching weird stuff on YouTube, sewing/cosplay, and collecting stuff from my hyperfixation of the moment that's trying to force myself out of my comfort zone.
I've read about the huge party at the Hyatt and the numerous rooftops one can go to, but what's the vibe/crowd like? Is it more of an "everyone is welcome" type deal, or would I look like Steve Buscemi rocking up with a skateboard and going, "How do you do, fellow kids?" Korea is ageist as hell when it comes to these kinds of things, so I'm used to being turned away. The Bund was awful on a regular night, so I'm staying far away from that hellscape. I'm also not sure where I'm staying yet, either.
Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.