First Visitor! Day 1

Sorry I'm so behind... the busy Shanghai life is catching up with me.  I'll prepare a couple posts to recap the last 2 weeks!


During the week of April 18th, I was quite busy making sure that I had a good weekend planned for my first visitor! Gretchen is a good friend of mine from work, she went to Depauw and played basketball, in general we just have a lot in common.  Last fall, we both joined the same group at work, so it has been a lot of fun actually working together.  She was with an audit team in South Korea over the last 2 weeks and came over to China to end her Asia Adventure.


Gretchen arrived around 8pm on Friday night and I went to the airport to meet her. She arrived and we had 2 options: take a taxi home or take the Maglev, then take a taxi from there.  The Maglev is a magnetic levitation train that connect the Pudong International Airport to the edge of downtown Shanghai.  The top operational speed of this train is 431 km/hr (268mph), making it the world's fastest train in regular commercial services since its opening in 2004.  Since this is on many top 10 lists for Shanghai, we opted to kill two birds with one stone and take the ride on the way back to my apartment.

I managed to actually catch the 431 mph on my phone!

Taking the Maglev was cool - it only takes 7.5 min to make the trek of about 25-30 in the taxi, but unfortunately everyone else that got off the Maglev had the same idea as us, to take a cab further into the city.  There were about 50 people in line for a taxi, so I convinced Gretchen we could take the subway the rest of the way home.  This seemed like a quicker idea - but it certainly wasn't easier! We would only have to make one transfer, but this proved to be pretty inconvenient with Gretchen pulling her large suitcase (2 weeks of business travel) and me pulling her computer bag.  There were several instances of only stairs and no escalators which were very uncomfortable to scale.  We were quite a sight to be seen. Gretchen and I both agreed that if we had been each other's sister - we would have been killing each other!! haha Hannah - I promise to take a taxi from the airport! :)


We finally made it home to my apartment and headed out for a quick dinner - it was already nearly 10pm.  We walked down to the Xintiandi area near my place, a very popular tourist destination.  We ate at Din Tai Fung, this is actually a Taiwaniese restaurant that serves amazing steamed dumplings.  They actually have outlets all over the world, but its a perfect spot for yummy xiaolongbao or "bao" for short.  After a long couple of weeks and the traveling Gretch was tired, so we called it an early night.


Saturday we were up bright and early.  I had prepared a busy agenda, so no time to waste! We started the morning by stopping at my two favorite morning spots for a coffee and baozi - similar to the dumplings we had the night before, but this is truly a steamed bun with tasty pork inside.  This little shop on my walk to work is always busy on the weekdays, no less than 20 people in line.  I get 2 ro (pork) baozi for 2.40 RMB, this is about 37 cents.  At first I was like why are they eating pork in the morning? Then I realized bacon, ham, and sausage - not so weird after all.  Then I'm like, there are so many people in line, they must be good.  One morning I was passing by and a coworker was in line - they helped me order and taught me what to say.  Now, I stop a couple times a week to enjoy the local Shanghianese treat.  And they don't just eat it for breakfast - all day long as a snack!  I was glad to share this with Gretch and she said she liked it too!

Gretchen with her baozi in the taxi

So, we grabbed the food and jumped in a taxi headed west of town toward the Hongqaio Pearl Market.  I had not been to this yet, so was glad to take the trip.  Most of the floors are similar to 580 Nanjing Rd, but the 2nd floor is all jewerly outlets - mostly pearls.  There are all levels, styles, colors and sizes of pearls available and they will custom finish the piece for you.  Gretchen picked up a couple nice 3 strand necklaces in traditional white medium sized, some black pearl earnings, and a cute single pearl necklace for herself.  We didn't get too down and dirty in the negotiating with these guys - as it was our first stop and we were not really warmed up.  Gretchen also picked up a few purses here, a cute LV for herself and a Coach for a co-worker.  It was fun, but I couldn't wait to show her Nanjing Rd., much more selection.


We figured we needed to include some culture in the trip - so our next stop was the Jing'an Temple.  Literally, "Temple of Peace and Tranquility" this buddhist temple was a great sight.  This whole area of town is called Jing'an - so I figured the temple had to be something to see.  We really enjoyed seeing some active worshippers and the intricacies of the temple.  Below are a few pictures from our visit:

Gretch throwing her quay in the pot for good luck

Notice the transposition of the old school temple
with the Guess ad on the huge modern skyscraper
in the background.

After we got our fill of the temple, I persuaded my first visitor to try out a little restaurant I found that was close by.  There are some really nice websites here in Shanghai that cater to the expat community that is thriving here.  My favorite one so far is smartshanghai.com - this lists everything in Shanghai, has an iphone app, and has taxi printouts to make my life so easy! Anyway I searched the Jing'an area and same across a really cute place called Downstairs. We sat just inside the huge open doors and had a delicious afternoon brunch.  It turned out to be a great little place and I will definitely be going back... Below you can see me with my mimosa and carmelized banana and chocolate french toast - unreal!

Needing a quick break, we headed back to my place to drop off our first stash and re-energize for market #2 - 580 Nangjing Road.  I've mentioned this before and I was ,again, not disappointed.  After much haggling and constant threats of walking away, I picked up some amazing Tory Burch flats for about $40 - I wore them several times this week, they are so cute and really sturdy. Gretchen and I each got some Longchamp bags - I got a large one for traveling - $20 bucks for like a $250 bag in the store.  The quality is decent, and enough.  Our biggest feat was the watches.  Gretch has received several orders and had pictures to show.  We spent most of the time with John on the 4th floor and he amazed us by pulling each watch out that we had he pictures of.  The quality was solid and they were exactly what we had asked for.  After much haggling and back and forth, Gretchen came out a winner because they were not happy.  She got 4 watches for 1000 RMB- $150, just under $40 each. She did way better than I did when I bought my watch from this guy.  Anyway we had a blast messing with all the people and getting some super deals.  We were mentally and emotional exhausted, but satisfied.


From there, we headed east on Nanjing Rd.  This led us to a major shopping pedestrian street, that dumps you out at the Bund.  This area was packed, but cool to see all the bright lights and touristy people - both Chinese and others.  Once we got the Bund, it was ridiculously packed on the promenade looking out over the Huangpi River toward Pudong.  We bagged it and headed for a drink at Glamour Bar.  Below are a few pictures from our trek down Nanjing Rd. to the Bund:

The bright lights of Nanjing East Rd.

Nighttime look at the former Shanghai Customs House,
they say the chimes of the clock tower are said to mimic
Big Ben in England, but people here call it Big Ching. 

There were probably a million people on the Bund - ridiculous tourists!

Me at Glamour Bar - drink called "The Lime, the Witch, and the Wardrobe"
Unfortunately, takes me back to reading the dreaded book in the 4th grade!

This completes Day 1 with Gretchen.  New post to come with the rest!

Weekends in Shanghai

Weekends in Shanghai offer no shortage of things to do and see.  For me, its a balancing act of exploring but not doing too many things that I want to share with Adam, my family and other guests in the future!

Luckily, on Saturday, I had a partner in crime - Kimberly, another Lilly 6 month-er from Indy, working in Global Health Outcomes.  She is about a month ahead of me, so we are both still exploring!  It always great to have someone to run around with.  Our first stop was at the South Bund Fabric Market.  I visited this for the first time last weekend, and I'm sure will have many more in the future as I get brave enough to have some clothes made.  However, today's task was Kimberly's first fitting for a traditional dress she was having made for a wedding coming up.

The beautiful silk patterns!

Next, we headed towards the Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar.  Mostly, I just wanted to see where this was and what was going on.  I've heard great things about the Yu Gardens and wanted to check it out before I attempt to take Gretchen next weekend!  More picture to come when we really explore it!

View of Pudong from outside Yuyuan Gardens

The streets of Yuyuan Bazaar 

Next, we headed to the Bund area.  The buildings along the Bund once housed numerous banks and trading houses from many different nations.  It was initially a British settlement, but was eventually combined with the American settlement as the International Settlement.  The architecture is very cool and it radiates with history!

Buildings along the Bund

The reason we headed to this area was because Kimberly had heard about this open mic thing at a place called Glamour Bar.  When she invited me earlier this week, I was like oh yeah great! I love live music! However, she said no actually its poetry! Oh wow - not really my thing, but ok well I've already committed so I just went with it.  Its better than hanging out by myself on Saturday afternoon!

Glamour Bar

I was skeptical as first, but the Glamour Bar turned out to be one of the coolest places I've seen in Shanghai.  The space is extremely unique and amazing views of the Bund area.  Aside from a being a really cool bar, they also have a ton of books and do a Saturday book exchange - I will have to remember this! The company also has a restaurant upstairs that has rooftop dining and the views.  This will be next stop for Brunch when I have my first guest!

View of the Bund from Glamour Bar

Beautiful backdrop for the poetry reading.

Next, we each headed home for a little rest.  We met back up and headed over to Steffanie's house (my boss).  They were having a potluck with several people from their church.  It was wonderful to meet some more new people and I'm so grateful that Steffanie and Darren opened their home to me! There were about 10 people from all over the world - Brazil, Korea, London, Singapore, and us! We had chili and Krispy Creme donuts - it was awesome!  Kimberly and I finished the successful day with foot massages at Green Massage! yes, please!

Ever since last Saturday when I discovered Element Fresh at the Kwah Center with an awesome outdoor dining space, I had been craving one thing on the menu.... the Elvis Presley, they call it.  Peanut butter and banana french toast! amazing!  I headed there early Sunday morning about 10am, because I know how busy they get and the outdoor tables are hard to get.  I had decided I would take the subway but when I got out of the building I realized it was too nice of day to go underground.... so I decided to walk the 25 minutes to build up my appetite.  Mission accomplished! I was starved when I arrived, but got a perfect table and camped out for a couple hours - reading and enjoying my bottomless cup of coffee.  

Brunch at Element Fresh

From there a decided to give it a second try at walking around the French Concession.  Last weekend, I was not really there - but I did a little extra research this time.  From the picture you can see the beautiful trees lining the street - I knew I had found it.  Really looking forward to when they bloom, even though my allergies will probably wig out.  I found a ton of cute cafes, restaurants, and shops - that I hope to go back to when Adam gets here!

street in French Concession

A few other funny things that happened today....

Well, I guess I know where to go if something doesn't agree with my stomach!

A local pharmacy advertising Cialis on the store window.
Somehow I don't think this is an approved promotional material!

I attempted laundry for the first time today.  I didn't realize that that 2.20 on the screen is actually the number of minutes that the wash cycle will take... 2 hours and 20 minutes! I have 35 to go - I'm anxious to see what took so long.  Oh, and then I will start the dry cycle, which will probably take double that.  So inefficient, but has to be cheaper than sending it all out to be washed! That "laundromat" style at the Continental isn't looking so bad after all!

Absolutely no English on this thing and really uninformative pictures! hmmmm...

And finally, bad news my friends... the day has come.  No more episodes of Glee available on Netflix. :( Guess I will have to get started on something new while I wait until my first episode of Season 2 downloads from iTunes (currently 5 hours remaining).  Boo for slow download speeds! 

Really looking forward to having my good friend Gretchen visit next weekend, after the audit trip to South Korea.  Adam will be here in less than 3 weeks, time is starting to fly.  Hopefully Hannah can come for a few weeks this summer! All visitors welcome - when else are you going to know someone living in an awesome apartment in Shanghai, China??? Make it happen!