shanghai'd

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Hello all. My first overseas entry! I arrived in Shanghai on thursday. It is now sat night/sun morn. It has been quite an experience so far. Managed to get to Shanghai with no difficulties. No upgrade though unfortunately. Alex met me as planned and we got a very crowded bus back to his place. Went straight out to dinner without even taking my coat off. The food here is not what you would typically associate with Chinese food you get in UK. It's much nicer, no MSG in sight. They gave us a whole hunk of lamb and then a plastic glove each, like the kind you get in petrol stations, to tear the meat up and eat with.
Went to the tennis on thus, obvioulsly! The masters series is being played here and Alex had got some free tickets from his house mate. Saw Nidal and Davydenko, not that I particularly follow the tennis. The most exciting bit was on the bus on the way there. The driver obviously missed his turning on the motorway. So instead of going to the next junction he just started to reverse back up the motorway. So we had cars whizzing past us and we were blocking a whole lane. I was vaguely asleep at that point and decided to pretend this wasn't happening was the best way of dealing with it. Alex was terrified and more vocal than I was. After the tennis went out to some very upmarket bars in Shanghia. Got into a private members club (where I met Jet Li's assistant, pretty cool). The cab had to pull over on the way there for 15 mins though to fix the windscreen wipers. Oh yeah, it has been pretty much raining non stop since I arrived. Apparently it had been lovely weather up til then. Typical.

Went to the 'fakes' market today. Picked up a beautiful Prada hangbag, real leather and everything! Harri - you would have been in heaven. They take you sneakily off to this little backroom, then they turn onthe lights and there is row upon row of designer handbags. Picked up a lovely pair of Louis Vitton trainers too. Going to go back and get some heels at some point too. We had a little entourage following us all around the market, trying to get you to buy everything. Sexy DVD's! It was like having personal shoppers, although they could get a bit much after a while. There was no respite from them. We were like the pied piper, they were always trailing each one of us. Then went on an epic walk to find a shop, which was shut anyway when we got there.

The traffic is unreal here. The drivers are maniacs. All I can hear from Alex's house is car horns. They beep incessantly. This city is a really crazy place (I can see why the Daggers fit in!). It is like the batman set. Tall skyscrapers and amazing architechture. The language is so difficult too. Ben has been here 1 year and is already fluent. I can count up to 4 and say 7 and 8. Also in my repetoir is hello, thankyou and beer. Oh and 'don't want' - very helpful phrase.

Ok, off to bed now. Just about got over the jet lag. until next time... xxx

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Photos

Ducks stomach
Bottom left, is yes, ducks stomach. and i tried some!! Didn't fancy the duck tongue though

Alex and Daniel and octopus
I tried that too! I'm getting adventurous in my old age.

Comments

[seraphina]

hello daggers
hey girlfriend, the page looks great, wicked photos, that a level paid off! looks like your having an adventure, of course u have it any other way babe. I will keep u up to date with my stuff through your email because everyone can read this lol. its saturday night and i'm off to the gym. love u loads sera say hi to the brothers 4me :)

[Fionn]

Wow!
Hope ur loving all the strange foods! liking ur photo journal xxxxxxxxxxx

[Gisele La Belle]

Bonjour
Hey, hey darling! Sound like you are having a good time!!! Miss you but am also having a goodun here. Got a bit freaked out on the Wednesday thinking 'god what am I doing here' but slowly it's going to all fit into place. I've made a (skinny) frenchy friend (it's fine I can eat her food) but have also met some hot Canadians, which is a bonus. Got to stop drinking coffee though as I keep getting palpitations : ) Very proud you've gone you'll have an amazing time!!!!! xxxxx

[Toshie]

Brave sis
This blog thing is a great idea,it's impossible to imagine what it looks like so the photos are a brilliant addition.Put loads up! I miss ya sista... T xx

[Wil]

I had ribs for lunch
Yeah whatever, You may be going out and having all this wonderful food. That nothing , Yesterday i had a big mac for lunch with an mcapple pie for dessert! Bet you haven't had a cheese toastie since being there? Ah then the jokes on you!!!! Missing you my love. FOREVER. Wil XXXXX ; )

[Shameem]

What a blast
Wow, it looks as if you're having a real blast.Really jealous! Great way of keeping up to date with your adventures. Sadly leaving brighton. Will catch up later. Enjoy Aus. U might find yourself supporting the Aussies in the cricket! xx Shameem

[Dadx]

Like that funky hedgehog look
Just cos I don't commment don't mean I ain't reading, OK? Got back from France earlier this week and first thing I do is look up your blog. When do you hit Sydney (it's not a place it's a state of mind)?

[Kristen]

wish I was there....
Looks like a fun time! Shanghai was one of my favorite places! There are some pretty cool bars and if I remember correctly there is a party scene there too??? Anyway......I haven't read your other blogs yet so you must have gone to the Great Wall already! xoxoxo