Just Another Week

We have come to the end of another week in this crazy city with a few celebrations, lots of "market" shopping and bartering and just walking . . . and walking . . . and more walking.

This week was a bit calm with Phil in town for most of it so I had to re-visit some resourceful cooking skills. Simple items like fish, chicken and veggies all have to be questioned. Where did it come from, is it safe and how old is it? Often times, it is just easier to go out and eat!

Phil and I celebrated our new surroundings on the river at a neat place called "Cool Docks" down on the Huangpu River that runs through the center of the old and the new sections of Shanghai. We chose a fun Greek restaurant overlooking the river.

Celebrating at Mythos on the river

As we were sitting on the rooftop deck Phil said "Look, over there - my ship has come in!"

Philip's Ship Came In

This week I began exploring the French Concession area in the old section of Shanghai. The only way for me to figure out where I am is to walk the sections of the city.  I found some really cool wet markets - like our farmer's markets - stocking live crabs and fish, meats displayed at room temperature, lots of vegetables and eggs. Sadly, they cripple the ducks to keep them from waddling away and keep them with the chickens so they can get the eggs. At the end of the wet market alley there was a newly renovated section built with sustainable materials, entirely eco-friendly and home to several cafes. I finally found a vegetable sandwich on 12 grain bread. The first sandwich I have had since I arrived!

Phil has become a really good barterer and took me to the underground, knockoff market to show me his stuff. I am totally impressed and now leave the pricing up to him. Basically, if they tell you something is worth $40, if you are Phil, you can get it for $12. But, you have to walk away several times and stick to your guns! It is definitely going to be a challenge for me - but I have a great coach.

This morning we went to the local flower and pet market. The flowers are beautiful and they even have fall mums! We love watching the chinese children in the pet section picking out their pets. We were watching a little boy picking his bunny out of a cage - awww, so cute - until the vendor pulled out a black plastic bag and stuffed the bunny and some food in the bag and handed it to the little boy. Hope he makes it home alive!

"Look Mom, he put my bunny in this bag!"

There were lots of fish, baby mice, birds and turtles of all sizes! 

Phil is off to the airport, therefore it must be Sunday. We have a short week and then head to Suzhou, a water town outside of Shanghai known for its ancient gardens and canals!

xoxo, Kathy & Phil