Celebrating Kathy Brennan's Birthday in China

 Gentle Reader,

We had the opportunity to celebrate Kathy's birthday while in China.  Kathy is our extraordinary clarinetist.

The cake was far less sugared than one you might find in the West.  As you can see, it is decorated with all kinds of fruit.  Scott and I are especially fond of dragon fruit, which was on this special cake.

This event brought back memories of celebrating Scott's birthday in Turkey, back in 2009.  I had contacted the restaurant for that evening, and I tried to communicate the idea of a cake for celebration.  I wasn't at all sure what the result would be.  At first, a plate of biscotti, creatively arranged was delivered to the table.  I thought perhaps this would be "cake" for the birthday celebration.  I was mistaken.  Turns out that they served up a cake ablaze with sparklers at the end of the meal.  A fantastic celebration for Scott on July 3!!!

Namaste,
Marianne

Sharing a memory... celebrating Scott's birthday in Turkey in 2009

Art in Outdoor Public Spaces... especially sculptures

Gentle Reader,

Just wanted to highlight the beautiful art we saw in so many public spaces in China.  The Chinese are masterful artists, creating artistic public spaces that are inviting and absolutely amazing.  We have much to learn from them...

May you find beauty in your day.

Namaste,
Marianne

Add caption

Shanghai Pedestrian Walkway and The Bund at Night

Gentle Reader,

We began and ended in Shanghai.  On our last day in Shanghai, we walked a good portion of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Walkway, which is 3.4 miles long.  The walkway begins at The Bund in the East and extends to the junction of Jing'an temple and Yan'an West Street in the West.  The place is replete with stores that feature fashions from all over the world.  It can be compared to the Miracle Mile in Chicago.  However, this shopping area is for pedestrian traffic only.

We walked a long way, finding a rather deserted park.  On a chilly, rainy day, we found it curious to find any place in Shanghai rather people-less.  A quiet place to stroll around for a bit in the rain.

We found another Starbucks, for a coffee (Scott) and tea (me) fix.  Below, you can find a menu, as modified for the Chinese consumer.  The place was packed, with many folks studying alone or together.  Some were playing video games.  As we were warming ourselves with hot beverages, one of the baristas came around with samples of some of the goodies from the bakery case.  I've never seen that happen in the States.   There was noticeably less sugar in the pastry, appealing to Chinese tastes.

We were then taken to an incredibly huge and convoluted shopping mall.  Escalators and elevators all over the place, going to different destinations.  A place that is easy to get lost or disoriented.  We found a tavern sort of place, with an outside entrance.  Joined the Monroe contingent for some Happy Hour 2 for 1 drinks.

The evening was spent at an upscale restaurant on one of the upper floors of the mall.  Afterward, we had a little time to take photos outside the mall, and then we journeyed to The Bund for additional picture-taking opportunities.

I'm not a mall shopper at all.  Much prefer the vendors on the street where one can barter.  I love the feel of open air markets and the exchanges with the many friendly vendors.  Give me a village or a night market any day, any night...

Starbucks in Shanghai...

 The Happy Hour Liquid Lover's Menu...