OK, so its been about 2 months since I wrote here last and I now find myself sitting on the 20th floor in central Shanghai thinking.... WTF just happened!
Well, I finished my exams, passed my taekwondo test, went to Hong Kong, back to Sweden and survived Bali which is right about where I left you guys the last time I scribbled away on this often funky but not very updated page......
So why haven't I been writing? I guess thats a good question... and for lack of a better word a personal one at that! Fact is, not so long ago I went back to the place where I left off (Linköping, Sweden) in order to say goodbye to someone that I love very much and whos been an integral part in making me the person I am today. That person would be my grandmother Gunborg Larsson.
Now having to write something as intimate as that is not my thing.... God as my witness I have tried numerous times, but the words in my head haven't really made sense and when I've written something it didn't feel right! Im not a guy to hold back and I believe in being honest and upfront but as this case shows its not always that easy! I did however promise a few people back home I would keep them updated and so I will. I guys my word is my word but in times as such it isn't always the fastest!
So here I am... in a land without facebook or youtube, but with more starbucks cafes, McDonalds outlets, Gucci, LV, Prada etc. stores than any other city I've been in! I always thought things out here would be different seeing as it is one off the most communist ruled countries on earth, but times the are changing and quickly at that! Shanghai is at the forefront off the next big thing and it isn't shy either. The last days have made that very clear. In fact, maybe Shanghai is the New 'New York'..... Everyday here is different, the beat of the city and the rythms of the night along with the honking of the taxis outside remember me of the feeling I had when I was in Manhattan! There is just a whole lot more Chinese people here.... well a bit more than a few, some 20 million more! And the itinerary has been busy, so illgive a quick summary before I head out to get my second Suit from tha tailor
Sunday- Arrived at 15.40 from Singapore making quick roll from the airport with the Maglev(magnetic train) taking me 30 km in 7 minutes at an average of 430 km/h! The night was relaxed as I met Niklas and headed out to his place where Im now sleeping and currently writing from! Later we went outfor Japanese and headed to the bund to check out the skyline over a cappuccino(pictures to come) before heading back for a nights sleep!
Monday- Headed to Tailor to get two suits made. Then strolled around town and peoples park before heading to Astra Zeneca at west Nanjing Road to meet my moms old Collegue and get some insight into Shanghai wonders and business environment from someone local! Later on we headed to Malones for a burger and big beer for just 50 yuan which is about 50 kr! Dirt cheap and extremely good! after that we headed for Zapatas for free all you can drink beer between 10 and 11.... Lets just say they didnt turn off the tap and we didn't spend a dime(Great Concept) After that we headed to Phoebes where for 100 yuan(about 100 kr) you get to drink as much as you want of whatever you want for the whole night..... We got home at around 5 that morning and headed to bed ill quick after finishing of the street BBQ food we got outside of Soho.... which is the place where we went for 10 minutes as they had stoped selling the all you can drink 100yuan bracelets! Good thing seeing as I dont think we needed to drink any more! Slept like a baby.
Tuesday- Summed up as being a hungover day going to the fake market to buy two fake watches(mont banc and Tag Heur) for 250 yuan each! Best thing is they are really automatic and look extremely authentic so good for anyone that wants the watch but cant afford the real one! We later headed over to the aquarium where we watched the fishes while trying to work off the hangover! Later that night we went for some spicy cantonese food at this old traditional place and live show! thanks to a slow cab driver we missed the show but still enjoyed the food! Btw, the taxis here are so cheap... never payed above 30 yuan!
Wensday- Headed to the french concession and the old town to see what was up with the real Shanghai! Almost got coned by a tourist trap and instead headed for a small tea place where it still felt like we were getting conned as we spent 110 yuan on tea! Good on us I guess! After that we went out to this Tapanyaki place for all you can eat buffe with our own cook making it infront of us! All of this before heading to Ascot rooftop bar and later on M2 which is the club we got stuck at until 4 in the morning even though we said we should make it an easy night! Guess we had a lot of fun!
Thursday- Headed to Chinas number one water town... or more like it Chinas little venice! Really nice place will put pictures up later!
Friday- Went for breakfast, fixed my things before we head to Beijing tomorrow and will now go to the tailor to pick up the 2nd suit! Will most likely head to an expat red carpet event tonight before heading to the view bar at the Hyatt and then Bar Rouge! Be sure to stay tuned for details and pictures!
Gotta run!
