Shanghai – October 2011

Wow, it has been a while since I posted.  I started this awesome blog, it was going to be a day-day (actually more like a minute by minute) account of my wonderful adventure to Shanghai and then I deleted the entire 6 pages by mistake – ughh! It has taken me about a month to sit down and start again.

Only because life has been so busy – by the time I get home, I no longer want to look at my computer screen other than to watch Sex and the City re-runs J

So, here I am making my second attempt at recounting my fabulous time in Shanghai.

The flight was SO long and tedious. But eventually I arrived in Japan as the Sun was setting – the red, beautiful almost incandescent Japanese Sun that gave me desires of seeing what lies beyond.

My 2 hour layover wrapped itself up rather quickly and I was off to Shanghai. My friend “M” was waiting at the hotel for me – we had plans to have a glass of wine at the bar, but by the time I arrived at the hotel in the deathcab – the hotel bar had already closed.  When I entered the room, though “M” was waiting for me with a huge glass of wine, a warm smile and a big hug.. ahhh it was amazing from the get go.  After a good few hours of catch-up,  a shower and mild unpacking we headed for bed.  (Apparently I snore!)

The next day we woke up not too early and headed downstairs to enjoy a buffet breakfast – I was cautious of my eating since my stomach has been on the attack for the past 4 months.  We hopped in a cab to peruse the old markets on “old street” – one Tip about Shanghai – always ask your concierge to translate your destination into Mandarin symbols.. or the cab drivers won’t take you anywhere!

We bought a few nice trinkets and sampled some great tea – we went to marvel at the beautiful Juan Gardens and then it was time to make our way to M’s dance rehearsal.  It was really fun to meet all the dancers, and watch them perform.  After the few hour rehearsal we decided to get a nice long Chinese massage.  Massages in China are so cheap and SO good – for an hour you only pay around $20 and they offer you tea, the environment is so professional, luxurious and serene.  We had a quick dinner at an Italian restaurant with some wine ofcourse and at around 11pm after walking the streets a bit headed back to the hotel.  While M skyped, I had a shower and went to bed with a big smile in my heart.

On Tuesday morning M wasn’t feeling very well, I was awake bright eyed very early and decided to take a walk around where our hotel was, to explore a little.  It was fun to watch the people make their way to work, they have these fun cornerside stores that cook eggs and dumplings right outside on the street corner and everyone lines up for their morning hot breakfast.  The air was clean and crisp, not too cold and I learned very quickly to watch in every direction before crossing any road – traffic lights don’t mean much in China!

I brought back some good old starbucks  to the room for a small brekkie and a chat.  M decided to stay in as she hadn’t gotten any sleep – so I decided to wonder off on my own.  I took a cab to People’s square and tried to stay close to the tourist places. Did some shopping and some marveling.  Shanghai has so many beautiful, futuristic looking buildings.   I had lunch on the rooftop of the art museum and then I took a tour bus.. I saw the Bund, the Congress buildings, The Shanghai Museum, All the little old streets with markets and the new streets with designer stores. The Big Red Tour buses are the best way to get around! And at $25 for half a day - can't beat that!

If I had left that day – I would have been happy that I saw most of Shanghai! J haha

I met M at the studio and we all went for mani / pedis, then for drinks and out to walk about chatting, laughing and seeing Shanghai!

On Wednesday – M was ready to rock and roll – we went to Tian Chang road and spent far too much money – all these little side streets and alleys lure you into their mystery and spit you back out penniless. We also had a delicious Chinese lunch at a cute restaurant with the sun floating into the balcony room, and the aromas of Chinese samplers teasing our tastebuds.. ahh bliss and round tummies.  I went to the top of that insanely tall bottle opener building – was scary and cool.  And after eating far too many chocolates we made our way to the underground metro station for the ‘special bags’.. I used to love “Fake” designer bags when I could no longer afford real ones (ahh the good old days when fortune smiled upon me).. but as time passed – I started to feel like a fake myself.. who was I fooling?? And for what? So people can think I am special with my special bag – bleg. I didn’t buy anything.  The evening was wonderful – we met up with a French Ambassador, a stylish, eloquent young man who mesmerized and entertained us for the night on the rooftop lounge of the Roosevelt – overlooking the Bund, the Shanghai river and the wonderful, hypnotic city lights. 

Many cocktails were had (including a Singapore Sling - which I failed to have in Singapore!)
and the night ended wonderfully.

Thursday rolled around and it was my last day in Shanghai… We went to breakfast with LingXi a good friend of M and also a dancer – we chatted and caught up and she schooled us on the tastes of traditional Chinese dumplings.  M went to the last rehearsal and I headed to some Buddhist temples and more shopping. I got lost and found myself in some weird funky back streets.. I was nervous – eventually I found the Four seasons hotel **Hallelujah**  - I had the concierge give me directions to Nanjing road for the deathcabbie– Nanjing is the Picaddily Circus of Shanghai.. In the center of bustling short people, clicking cameras of European Tourists and being licked by a dog (story for another time!).. I found an Audi display in true Asian style **whoop**took a few short videos and my time was up.  I met up a few hours later with the girls for another manicure and an hour long foot massage.  (how jealous are you now?)… 

After our relaxation we parted ways with Lingxi and met up at a friends’ house who happens to be one of the hugest Celebrities in China (think Simon Cowel)..  we went to a divine dinner in a private room – I was cautious.. it was HOT food.. It was delicious – the company was amazing - caution flew out the window - we took a walk around before heading back to the hotel.. needless to say.. I regretted the hot food later.

Up early to say our goodbyes.. sniff sniff.. and off I went for my long haul to Detroit. BTW don’t EVER fly Delta on long hauls – they have NO TV!  Like 16 hours! Jislike!

And that in a nutshell was Shanghai. I look forward to many more adventures to come J