It's been nearly 2 years since I last came to Shanghai and wow, its really blossomed. Maybe its a comparison with dusty Beijing ... Beijing looks like a scruffy bohemian cousin next to the glamour model Shanghai. Wide streets, bustling shops, lights, cabs where you can pay by Octopus cards and fabulous shopping and great food.
Ok so there are still guys who spit, people who still jostle you in the queues, traffic jams but on the whole things are getting really ... well ... civilised.
Em took us out to a fabulous French bistro Shikumen Bistro in Xintiandi where we had probably the best potato gratin ever. Finely cut to potato chip thinness it was baked to perfection with just the right dollop of cream and cheese, served in its own little tureen to keep warm. The boullaibaise was excellent, as was the steak which came served with lightly pan fried herb flavoured (basil? ) greens. (488 Huang Pi Nan Road near Tai Cang Rd, Tel: 021 6386 7100, get off near the Starbucks and walk past the water fountains then turn left, it's straight ahead from there).
We then dropped back to Em's pad to check out her cool apartment, very comfy and spacious. The evening was topped with an awesome massage at Samos Foot & Body Massage (Lin Xiu Fang, No. 462 Chang Le Lu, Tel: 021 62566511) where we opted to give our tired shoulders and body a little loving while Po and Em got their feet rubbed and pampered. Apparently we tried out no. 16, who really knew how to get to those muscles that no one else knew about. I'd never felt looser ... but after an afternoon of flying in cramped MU flight, I'm back to stiffness again.
Definitely need to drop by Shanghai again soon ...
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