My first weekend in Shanghai

After leaving the office on Friday afternoon I had a walk at GuangChang Park which is also very close to People’s Square. Good to see some green area even in a crowded place like this.

On Saturday the first meeting with my generous host and head of the LFS office Ernst Sandrieser and his lovely wife Lai Ping took place. The showed me 新天地 (xintiandi), which is a Western influenced shopping, eating and entertainment area famous of its outstanding architecture. It was restored in the traditional ‘shikumen’ style consisting of stone gate houses infused with narrow alleys.

Following that I explored the nightlife on HengShang Rd. by myself a little bit and happened to stumble across some appealing pubs and clubs.

On Sunday I asked out my personal tourist guide Aurora (just kidding) to show me one of the most renowned shopping areas – the NanJing Rd. This is especially convincing of the pedestrian area where you don’t have to fear to get knocked over by the sometimes very chaotic and confusing traffic. Entering the subway at People’s Square to cross HuangPu River accordingly, I happened to enjoy my first supper Sichuan–style which proofed to be extraordinary spicy. Later on we ended up on the riverside of HuangPu River again just like at my arrival’s day.

Finally I have to admit that I was experiencing some troubles by opening my blog outside of the office. I already heard that some pages are blocked by the Chinese government, especially blogs to avoid critical voices during the games. A pity but I will have to accept that fact. Therefore during August it will only be possible to update my virtual diary in the office, of course only if workload allows it ;).

So this might be basically all for today. Tomorrow I’ll have the chance to watch the basketball preparation game Australia vs. USA (Men’s National Team) for Beijing 2008 at Shanghai Qizhong Sports City Arena.

All the best in the meantime!

小麦