Week 21 - Chairs on trikes

For a few days in a row, these three tricycles, well laden with cane chairs of all descriptions were seen pootling around Jinqiao.  Each morning they were parked here fully laden, but by the late afternoon their stock had diminished and they trundled off again.

The stacking of the chairs was truly amazing, an intricate array of ropes holding them in place.  I never saw any transaction occurring, but they were definitely for sale!!

Week 20 - Xintiandi

Sort of out of the blue, an old buddy of Mike's from uni days contacted him and said he would be in Shanghai for a weekend... we met up for lunch at my favourite Hunan restaurant, Di Shui Dong, and then thought we had better show him something touristy in Shanghai.  So we went to the relatively recently rejuvenated show case area of Xintiandi and went to the Shikumen Open House Museum.

I always enjoy going through this museum, and this time, instead of focussing on the structure and architecture, took this photo of the desk in the study. I love the blue and white ink pot and the old family photo.

It's quite amazing really to see the old style houses in Shanghai, even if they have become a bit sterile in the renovations.

Week 19 - Myths and Images Tour of the Bund

Through Time Out Shanghai Magazine, I went on a tour guided by Chen Danyan, an author who has meticulously researched the area surrounding the Bund, and interviewed scores of Chinese people who live, or lived in the area during the time that it was largely an international section of the city.

The tour started on the roof of the recently renovated Peace Hotel, and although it was particularly smoggy this is a view across to Lujiazui from the roof.  This is the iconic tower on the roof which is visible from all around, and makes the Peace Hotel easily recognisable.

The hotel is truly stunning and the art deco interior is beautiful. The spirals, on the cornerstone of the tower are a motif repeated inside. We walked from the Peace Hotel, down to the park where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu, then back through some of the lanes behind the Bund, and then finished the tour with a drink at the elegant Glamour Bar, at M on the Bund.

Week 18 - Water, not wine

After about an hour of running around, and scooting, and chasing balloons, and playing with friends and frisbees, Didi kicked me out of my armchair where we had been relaxing with friends and demanded a drink in my 'fancy cup' - very happy with water in a wine glass.

He looks quite at home really... lazy Saturday afternoons in a beer garden will probably feature in his future!!

Week 17 - Founders Day

Founders Day was a day for our school to celebrate its British links, and did so by having a day full of carnival or summer fair activities; including a merry-go-round, sideshows, face painting, sports games and of course a hog roast. The kids loved running around on the field and then we sat to watch and listen to a performance of the combined choir and orchestra, from both the senior and junior schools - incredible talent capped off with an impressive fireworks display.