Mike In China

Last weekend was a lot of fun. On Thursday night we went to Barbarosa which is a huka bar in the middle of People's Park (in the middle of downtown Shanghai). We went because the DJ told us Thursdays are ladies night. It was a lot of fun. The place is amazing. Four levels with balconies and decks overlooking the park and skyline of the city. Drinks are a little spendy so we would have the girls go get free drinks and give the to us. We got there early but the place got pretty packed after awhile. Mostly expats but it was funny because there were a lot of male expats in their 40s or 50s in groups followed by groups of female Chinese girls in their 20s and 30s. I wonder what those girls are in it for... Friday we stayed in and hung out to save some money, plus Pablo and I teach on Saturdays. Saturday night we went out to eat with Phoebe's dad because he was in town. He took us to M on the Bund and the food was very very good. We ate outside on the roof and there was an incredible view of the river and the skyline of Pudong on the other side. The food selection was basically everything except Chinese so it was nice to eat something other than noodles for once. After dinner we went to the Jin Mao tower to try and have a drink at the Cloud 9 bar on the top floor (the tallest building in China). It was too full so we had drinks at the piano bar on the 53rd floor instead. The view was still amazing. After that we called it a night. On Sunday we went to some breakfast for a group Phoebe joined that helps find homes for abandoned animals. It was ok. Of course though on our way there, we had our usual time with Phoebe being in charge, we got lost. Then we went to go check out the Yu Gardens and Bazaar. There was a charge to go into the gardens so we just walked around the bazaar. Hello, hello! Watch? DVD? Shoes? Ridiculous. Chinese lesson: Bu yao = I don't want, a very important phrase to have down if you ever come to China. Then we took a cab to go to Century Park which is the biggest park in Shanghai and is located close to us in Pudong. You have to pay to get in?! It's a fricken park?! We didn't go in because it was getting late and instead went to go check out Carrefour to see if they had American foods if we ever have the craving. We got dinner at the Moon Light Diner which is the first place we have been to that has actually gotten American food right. I had a blue cheese burger and that made my weekend. Things are still going well with teaching, I will have to take some pictures of my kids soon to post. Right now we are looking into taking a big vacation during our winter break. I won't say where yet because I don't want to jinx things. Either way I need more money! Special announcement: I will be in a car accident before I leave China. It is absolutely inevitable. My taxi ride home during rush hour. Insane. Cabs, busses, cars, people, bikes, mopeds everywhere and almost no rules for right of way. Lanes, optional. Side of street to drive on, optional. Ridiculous.