Activities in Shanghai

"Hullo, hullo?" "Hullo pretty lady!" "You want watch, DVD, bag?" You can't possibly embrace the humor behind those greetings & phrases until you've been to China and have shopped! Two years ago when Dave and I were here; there was an open market with vendors throwing those shouts out left and right. Evidently after two years the open market has been banned but there's still plenty of shopping going on and I heard those shouts again yesterday as we made our way through the shops.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday, May 15) we spent shopping. Our Chinese Bunzl host Jai had his wife Mary accompany us as we were told she's a savvy shopper and has all the right techniques for negotiating. She assisted us in our deals and steals and we came away with some goodies and souvenirs.

That evening we had dinner at Cottons; a Shanghai favorite. Cotton Ding is the owner and she stopped at our table to ask us how our dinner was and if we needed anything. The restaurant sits in a three story 1930s villa in the French Concession neighborhood. The speciality was Cotton's Rice; very spicy and very good! http://www.cottons-shanghai.com/

After dinner we walked to a local bar; the Benni Bar. We proceeded to drink and enjoy a very rousing game of dice; a drinking game of course! http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/shanghai/listings/nightlife/bars/has/beni/ It was another fine Shanghai evening.

Dave and I have been pretty good at working out each morning. The hotel has a great facility with bikes, ellipticals and treadmills. Needless to say this am (Wednesday, May 16) was a "day off." We started our day with pretty large hangovers but had a nice breakfast to help ease them away. Today was the trade show day so after breakfast we cabbed it to our first show; only to realize after getting there that we were at the wrong location. Shanghai is a mecca for trade shows and you can find one on every street corner. We decided to enter the show that was convening at the place we weren't supposed to be and it was a glass expo. We then made our way to the correct expo immediately afterward; CRC (China Retail Conference & Exposition). After the CRC we had lunch, then attended the Confectionery & Baking Industry Expo.

Lunch was at Hooters, Shanghai City Center! Our Bunzl host Bob told us that 2 years ago this location didn't quite get the whole Hooters concept just right and when he last experienced the restaurant; there was a kids birthday party going. Things changed and well... they got the "sexy" back and now it's a full-fledged operating Hooters. http://www.hooterschina.com/

After wrapping up lunch and the last expo we decided to return to our hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon at Yuyuan Gardens. Unfortunately the cab ride there took longer than expected and we were unable to get there in time to purchase an entry. http://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shanghai/yuyan_garden.htm

We had seen the gardens two years ago so it wasn't a total disappointment. Instead we spent our time shopping in downtown Shanghai. This evening we have a laid back evening planned; not sure of our dining location just yet but will report back tomorrow on this evening's dining experience. "Zai Jian!" That's Chinese for "good bye." Pin It Now!