A right Royal picnic

I spent most of last week in a state of pre-wedding excitement!  Then at last we reached Friday the day of the Royal Wedding and the biggest royal event for 30 years (yes i've been watching the beeb too!).  Up until Friday lunchtime I was all set to be going off to a Brits Abroad event to watch the wedding leaving Sam, William and Oliver to watch it at home.  However, not having spent much 'quality' time with Sam over the last month and wanting to see it with the three of them led me to changing my mind. 

The television went on from 1pm (6am) British time and the festivities began.  William and Oliver had an early bath at 430pm and they had a picnic supper on a rug in the sitting room watching the ceremony (Sam and I drank champagne!). 

A couple of times they remarked on how long it was and how tired they were but when we suggestd they go to bed they declared they wanted to see the horses pulling the carrriage! 

They managed to last until the Queen and Prince Phillip arrived back at the palace and then opted for bed.  As they went off, William remarked on what a good dvd that had been and Oliver said they might watch it again in the morning!  There was slight family tension when Sam asked me if I was going to criticise Samantha Cameron for not wearing a hat as I had criticised Cherie Blair in the past.  I pointed out that Cherie had failed to wear a hat to the Queen Mother's funeral which was slightly different.  Also, me criticise a Cameron, come on...!

Sam and I ordered in a pizza, opened some red wine (the champagne was long gone!) and watched the rest.  True to form I fell asleep on the sofa and Sam woke me to see William driving Kate to Clarence house in Charles' Aston Martin.

A truely fantastic event and a great introduction to being Royalists for William and Oliver! I am so pleased that we watched it all together.

For William, Kate, and St George! (apologies to Bill)

Saturday saw us heading off to Shanghai's first British Ball hosted by Brits Abroad.  It was in honour of the upcoming Royal Wedding and held on St George's day.  The ball was at the Peace Hotel on the Bund which has been amazingly restored to its 1930's glory.  As we arrived we headed up to the bar and were served champagne and asked to look at the items that were part of a silent auction. We had a drink with friends and then headed over to look at the auction items.

Sam and I were both immediately drawn to lot number 5.  To the untrained eye it looked like a lot of writing in a frame but it was Bill McClaren's commentry notes that he used in the 1999 Rugby World Cup Final!  It was attracting a lot of attention and had a fairly high guide price of £600 - £1000.  Other items were holidays in Thailand and a Michellin Star chef to come and cook a meal in your home for you and friends. 

Everyone there looked fantastic and all had incorpoated red, white and blue in to their outfits, some even whole flags!  We were on a great table with four friends and two other couples who were good fun.  The tables and the ballroom looked amazing. 

Naturally we began with the National Anthem, sung to the projected image of Her Majesty, and a toast to William and Kate. 

We then tucked in to a four course meal which was delicious and washed down with free flowing wine!  After the meal they went round with the bidding forms and Sam and I (as a result of the free flowing wine!) decided to put a bid on lot number 5.  About half an hour later to our surprise, delight, shock, horror, we discovered that we had spent the best part of £1000 and had won the bidding for the Bill Mclaren notes!  But we love it and still felt ok about it the cold light of the next morning!  And it was for the Wheelchair Charity.

 

Dancing then conmmenced to an excellent 8 piece band, there were photo opportunities with the guests of honour and carridges were at midnight.

Venice of the East

After being postponed by a puncture earlier in the week, we finally got to go to Zhujiajiao, a water town near Shanghai.  We were not disappointed by the hype, it was beautiful. 

We set off early and were delighted that it was overcast, as that meant visitor numbers would be down.  We arrived at 9am and found that we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  It is a pretty town with canals and bridges and winding streets full of food stalls and quaint shops.

Gao Yi walked around with us which was very handy as he was able to explain what the different foods on the stalls were.  We made full use of his translations as we have been keen to try some of the delicious looking snacks.

For the first time since arriving in China we were able to sample a selection of street snacks, including a  bamboo leaf rice parcel.

Even Oliver (doing his best Oliver Twist on the left) and William tucked in to them all and seemed to enjoy them.

 Gradually as it got warmer the crowds got bigger.  We decided to get an early lunch with Gao Yi.  This was a great experience as he ordered some very local food which we all enjoyed - much to his amusement. As we chose the restaurant and sat down he kept confirming that we understood that the food would be Chinese food!   After lunch we headed off but not before watching a local gut the morning catch!

For more pics click on the Zhujiajiao link on the left hand side.

A stroll through the French Concession - by Sam

Welcome to my first blog entry!  On one of my mother's final days with us, I decided to take her on a walk through Shanghai's French Concession, to show her one of the oldest parts of the city.  Shanghai was divided up into concessions in the 1840's which included, a British, American and French Concession, and these remained until the 1940's.

We took the underground to get to the start of our walk, which was an excellent way to introduce my mother to the Shanghai rush hour.  As a seasoned London commuter I knew she would be fine, but to be honest not even I had realised just how many people it is apparently physically possible to get on to one carriage!  When we emerged from the darkness of the station we were in need of refreshment so we bought a cup of freshly squeezed sugar cane juice from a street seller, which was surprisingly refreshing.

The French Concession has on the one hand a very European feel, with European architecture and narrow tree lined streets, but the people ensure that you do not forget that you are definitely still in China, with washing hanging from almost every window, cars racing from one set of traffic lights to the next and people going about their daily business.

 

We were particularly impressed with the electricians who propped their bamboo ladders precariously against the overhead cables, climbed to the top and preceeded to start fixing the affore mentioned cables.

We then wandered through Fuxing Park, where we saw the usual mixture of Tai Chi, singing, exercising and kite flying. 

Our walk ended at the popular restaurant and shopping area known as Xintiandi, where we met up with Lucy, William and Oliver.  Fortunately we timed it perfectly as Oliver and William were just finishing their shift.

We then went for a lovely lunch at a very good Shanghainese / Cantonese restaurant and my mother was able to have some much needed retail therapy, as it had been almost 48 hours since her last opportunity to buy some souvenirs and gifts!!  Finally we looked around a museum of a Shikumen House (or lane house), which is a typical style of house for families in shanghai, as it would have been in the early 20th century.  This was a real eye opener, as you realise just how many families they squeeze in to such a small house.  Afterwards, Oliver and William sat down on the pavement for an afternoon snack and as usual they proved to be the most popular tourist attraction!!

A bike ride for 5!

Last week we went to Century Park with Sue and decided to hire a bike buggy to take us round the park.  William and Oliver thought it was great fun - they didn't have to pedal!

Sam and I were amused by the rather poetic sign for the bike parking area:

Whilst cycling round the park we saw about 10 fake weddings (see previous post) taking advantage of the good weather and scenery.  Although Century Park is Shanghai's largest green area you are never far from a glimpse of the skyscrapers.

All the tea in China

On Tuesday we had great plans to visit a water town just outside Shanghai.  We were all up and ready to go at 730am when the car got a puncture!  We decided to jump on the metro and head to Yu Yuan Gardens instead.  Yu Yuan Gardens were established in 1559 and contain the most famous tea house in China.  I was pleased we were going to be there early as they can get up to 1000 visitors a day!

When we arrived it seemed a little busier than expected but it was not too bad and the buildings and surroundings were stunning.  We explored for a bit and then headed for the tea house.  We decided to take part in a tea ceremony and the lady told us that we'd picked a great day - the first day of the season.  Unwittingly we had come on one of the busiest days of the year!  The tea ceremony was excellent and William and Oliver joined in and tried green tea, Jasmine tea (which flowers in the tea pot!), oolong tea and ginseng tea.  We learnt all about the different teas for different parts of the body and that you can reuse some leaves up to 8 times.  I was amazed to experience the range of flavour and to discoved that I quite liked them!  We ended up buying a few from the vast selection to try at home and now have grand plans to get several pots as each type of tea needs its on pot!  After the ceremony we wandered around the garden which were lovely.

Anyone for tea?

On a warm Sunday afternoon we decided to participate in a very British activity - afternoon tea!  It was the first time Oliver and William had been for afternoon tea and the setting couldn't have been more perfect.  We were sitting outside on a sunny terrace on the Bund over looking the river and Pudong (East of the river).

We were offered a choice of tea and Sam and I decided to stick to Earl Grey whilst William and Oliver selected Jasmine tea! 

 

The table was laid with an assortment of fine bone china and cake stands arrived full of sandwiches, cakes and of course, scones with cream and jam.  Everything was delicious and even though the cream wasn't clotted it wasn't too bad. 

Feeling rather full we walked off our tea with a stroll along the river to catch the boat back to the other side,  a very satisfactory way to spend an afternoon!  As we went back accross the river it began to get dark and by the time we were off the boat we were able to show Oliver and William the lights of Pudong.

Skyhigh in Shanghai

The weather has been hotting up over the last few days and on Monday we got a really clear day and decided to head up to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Tower for breathtaking views of Shanghai.  We took two lifts to get up to floor 100 which is 1,614.2  feet high. 

We then decended to floor 97 to use the highest toilet we've ever been to!  They were pretty spectacular toilets with heated seats and a variety of ways in which to wash your bottom!

Sam met us for lunch in Din Tai Feng which is famous for its dumplings.  We followed the instructions on how to make the most of your dumpling and all tucked in.  Dumplings are a particular favourite with Oliver and William.

The afternoon was speant walking along the Bund admiring the view over the river and with a quick visit to look at the spectacular Peace Hotel - Shanghai's oldest hotel restored to its 1930s glory.  We also marvelled at the window cleaners on some of the skyscrapers who didn't have platforms but just abseilled down!

The rest of the week has been been filled with swimming, art, music and gym classes, a picnic and of course another visit to the fakes and fabric market. 

Sam now has a week off and we are looking forward to spending some time together sightseeing.

A musical, art adventure

William and Oliver went to their first classes here in Shanghai this week.  They did an hour of 'Musical Adventure' followed by an hour of 'Story Art' - where you the teacher reads a story and the children create their own picture interpretation over a few lessons.  Music was first and the idea is that you leave the children there and go for a coffee!  No such luck for me and Sue! I had built myself up for leaving the boys for the first time ever in this type of situation but it was not possible as they didn't want us to go and I didn't want them to disrupt the class.  We ended up sitting in the corner watching both classes which I am quite pleased we did as they were excellent classes.  Next week I hope to be able to move to the bench outside the door and to send Sue for takeaway coffees!

A fishy tale - especially for Auntie Anna!

Arriving home yesterday we found Xiaolan was a bit of a state.  Whilst cleaning out the fish the bowl had broken.  Xiaolan and the fish were all fine so I was delighted as I've been looking for an excuse to upgrade the fish tank for a while.

Meanwhile, the fish were looking very happy in one of my mixing bowls.  However, whilst eating our dinner we heard some funny noises coming from the fish.  When I went to investigate a fish had flipped out of the bowl and off the table and was lying on the floor!  I popped it back in and it seemed fine.  I did a quick head count and discovered we were still one short!  We couldn't see it anywhere then I suddenly noticed a fish staring at me from the crack where the table meets the wall!  I moved the table and it slid down the wall!  I couldn't work out how to pick it up and Sue suggested a fish slice!!  Luckily we got it back in the bowl, then put them all in a bucket overnight.

Today we have been to the animal market and have bought the fish a new home.  It is bigger and comes with greenery and stones!  William and Oliver were delighted to be allowed by Nain to choose a beautiful Chinese man fishing and the obligitory bridge for the fish to swim around!

Faking hell!

Sue requested a trip to the fakes and fabric market.  The market is a huge, undergraoud maze where you can get a very good fake of almost everything and where you can also have clothes made.  Depending on when you go and if you take children with you it can be hellish!  We decided to go for the opening at 10 o'clock one morning which was a good decision.  We had the place to ourselves and everyone was keen to make their first sale as it gives good luck for the day. 

We had a few specific items we were looking for including a watch and a purse.  The run of the mill fakes tend to be on display in the shop from but if you are a really serious buyer then you get taken in to a secret room!  It was great to watch Sue's face as Agatha Christie style a whole shelving unit at the back of the shop swung open and we were hurried through and shut in to view a better selection of goods.

A secret room

Between the four of us we managed to get a good bargaining routine going.  The shopkeeper would name a wildly inflated price, Sue would name her price, the shopkeeper would then drop his price a little, Sue would refuse to budge at all, William and Oliver would start getting bored so I would say we are going and the shopkeeper would give it to Sue for her price!  We managed to get an 8gb ipod shuffle down from £80 to just under £20!

The trip was such a success and we got so many bargains that we are going back next week!

Ni hao Nain!

Sunday 3 April was an exciting day in Shanghai as we welcomed our first visitor - Nain.  As Sam decided to leave the country as his mother arrived Oliver,William and I formed the welcoming committe!  We nearly messed it up though as the flight landed really early and we only just got to the airport in time. 

We were all really excited to see each other and much to Gao Yi's amusement chatted away non stop on the journey home.  William and Oliver were pleased to show Nain around our new house, especially their playroom, dressing area and ensuite!

The first couple of days we gave Sue an insight into our day to day life here in Shanghai.  We had coffee at Costa, went to the park, went swimming and had lunch and a lazy afternoon at the pub.  Whilst enjoying the sunny weather and sitting outside at the pub we decided a beer would be good.  Unfortunately the size of beer we wanted got lost in translation and we ended up with large ones!  This did turn out to be for the good for Sue though, whose food was so spicy that she quickly polished it off!

 

An introduction to our life in Shanghai would nt be complete without a visit to Carrefour.  The trip was very exciting as the fish or rather sea/river life counter had stocked up since we were last there:

The tank near William contains frogs, the one near Oliver, eels and the near one terapins!

Sue also discovered the excellent DVD van with DVDs for 50p!  We stocked up and watched The Social Network one evening.  It hasn't helped with her understanding of Facebook though! 

Settling in to Shanghai

Over the last couple of weeks we feel that we have really settled in to life in Shanghai.  We have unpacked the final few boxes and bought some bits for the house. 

Part of this feeling more settled was getting all of our pictures up on the walls.  Normally at home this would have been a straight forward job for Sam.  Not here in Shanghai where the walls are solid concrete and you can pay someone £10 to do it all!  Not bad for five hours work!

Last weekend we decided we needed some plants.  We were given a list of plants which help to improve air quality and Gao Yi took us to buy them. 

After a bit of haggling over a couple of pounds we got a good selection of plants, delivery included for £25!  We then went to explore the amimal market next door.  There was a good selection of animals for the boys to look at, luckily they didn't ask to take any home.

We have been going swimming regularly and Oliver and William have continued to grow in confidence in the water.  The jaccuzzi is still the favourite pool! 

This week I took them on my own and had both in the changing room with me.  The women's changing room is providing a good education for young boys!  The local women strole around with nothing on, chatting to the boys and stroking their hair!  I also discovered that Oliver and William are not shy - whilst I was showering I heard giggling and looked out to see them playing boo with a woman in the shower opposite!

The highlight of the week was purchasing an electric moped!  They are all the rage over here and we went to Carrefour (the shop that sells everything) to get it.  We purchased the moped for £200 and then set about choosing a lock for it.  Up until then there had been no room for negotiation on price or anything.  Just as we had choosen a Carrefour lock the man suddenly got in to deep conversation with Gao Yi.  It transpired that he had a box full of much better locks out the back and for cash we could have one!  He brought one through for us to inspect and they were excellent. So in the middle of a crowded supermarket we handed over our cash and received a lock of dubious origin.  On the way out the moped storage sections had to be inspected by the guard, the man cleverly hid the lock under the lid and we got out without getting stopped!

(Oliver is sitting on the one we bought)

Last night we waved Sam off on another trip which will take him to Auckland and Melbourne (and Danielles birthday party!), arriving home next Saturday.  We will miss him but at least he's racking up the air miles!  Meanwhile we are getting ready for our first visitor to Shanghai.  Oliver and William are very excited to be going to the airport this afternoon to collect Nain!