Three years and counting!

On 5 January 2014, we marked our three year anniversary of living in Shanghai.  Under the original terms of Sam's contract we should have been back in the UK but we are staying put for another year.  

Following the advice of our friend Heidi we decided to do something special to mark the occasion.  Like us she celebrates at any excuse!  It was important to include William and Oliver in the celebrations so we opted for afternoon tea at the famous Peace Hotel, which was, before 1949, regarded as one of the most famous hotels in Shanghai.  The year before we arrived it was restored in all it's Art Deco glory and has, once again, taken its place as one of Shanghai's most famous hotels.

As Brits in Shanghai we felt it was good to do something inherently British, in the former British area of Shanghai but with a Chinese twist (the tea, crockery and service!).  When we arrived the table was set, champagne poured and Sam and I opted for Earl grey tea.  

                                 

Oliver and William, who have lived here nearly half of their lives, requested jasmine! 

                                 

We began with a selection of sandwiches, which we all enjoyed tucking in to...

                                  

                                  

                                  

                                 

...and then the cakes and sweets arrived on a cake stand Chinese style...

                                  

...followed by scones, jam and cream.

                                 

                                 

We all enjoyed it so much that we are thinking of celebrating each quarter of our final year!