Hong Kong Sunday

On August 3, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, Travel, Trips outside ShanghaiLeave a comment

Drinking wine, cooking somehow in plastic bags large pots of delicious smelling food, these women were obviously celebrating something. The lovely ladies were wearing ceremonial brightly colored costumes and enjoying themselves thoroughly. What’s going on in Hong Kong today?

Indonesian ladies celebrating in Victoria Park

A street vendor who had costumes to try on for picture taking told us that it was Indonesia New Year this week. I researched this but couldn’t confirm his information. No matter, there was some partying going on–we’re talking thousands of women giving each other manicures, singing and smiling. What a joy it is to immerse yourself in a local culture by walking through the local parks. The few brave men who were jogging through the park were looking around in amusement at their minority status. Better run fast, gents, these ladies outnumber you 1,000 to 1 and some might need husbands!

After wandering the park, we sought out a/c in the first urban Ikea we had seen in Asia. Same meatballs, same furniture. Since we own all Ikea furniture back in the U.S., it was like being at home. Sure enough, many of the Indonesian ladies had perched themselves in the living room showrooms to socialize in the cool conditions. Smart! Next stop was the local mall where we checked out the Apple store (empty!) and the Gap, where we bought James some clothes. He never asks for clothes but the shirt he was wearing today was at least 5 years old so he was due some new duds. Not overtly appreciative of our shopping on his behalf (he’s 21 after all) he did change into a new outfit when we had returned from the pool portion of our day.

Hopefully, James will be feeling better tonight for a trip to the Peak for some picture taking. Tomorrow, we visit the Big Buddha and ask for the lucky lottery #’s for Danny, our hotel butler. He asked us kindly today to bow 3x times and ask for guidance from Buddha. If we receive “89”, then we are not being respectful enough because the lottery #’s run 1-45. When we win, Danny informed us that he will become GM of the Grand Hyatt and we can be CEO’s. Sounds good to me, Danny! Big Buddha, here we come!

Hong Kong Pool Paradise

On August 2, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Hong Kong, TravelLeave a comment

Okay, so I’m not the Pool Police but….when you walk by the lifeguard, who promptly gags and sticks out his tongue, face twisted with disgust, you know that perhaps you should NOT EVER wear a Speedo. Poolside at the lovely Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, we were treated to a sight no one should have to see, especially on vacation. Ah, the pool is a happy place most of the time but there will be times when averting the eyes quickly is the only way not to go blind. Other than that spectacle, the palm trees were waving with a gentle breeze, the water was warm and the view of Hong Kong Harbor was spectacular. The guy in the Speedo, not so much.

Enjoying a “Seize the Day, It’s Great To Be Young” moment, a trio, two gals and a guy with a great British accent, walked by the pool and then proceeded to jump into the pool with the gals fully dressed and the guy, quickly stripping down to his undies. After proclaiming loudly, “I LOVE MY LIFE”, they swam over to us and asked the “kind gent” to forever capture the moment with their cracked, water logged iPhone. Thom, of course, accommodated. Hope they synced to the cloud cause that phone is toast… well, soggy toast. The lifeguard, happy to finally have something to do, growled at them to get out of the pool. Of course, there was no way the lifeguard was jumping in to get them–hotel lifeguards wear sweater vests and shorts here in Hong Kong–all very proper.

Unable to leave the gorgeous sunny oasis, I drank my water and observed all the comings and goings in pool paradise. Unable to secure a chaise lounge early on, we camped out in the lounge/smoking area. Seems that cigars are big here as there were several guys puffing away. Yuck. One poolside business meeting was taking place over a crystal decanter of amber liquid in addition to the stogies. All very power and manly-like.

Guys ogled the girls in their teeny tiny bikinis as usual, though here, the pool attendants couldn’t help themselves with one pair of gorgeous gals. They asked to pose with them for pictures. Ah Instagram! Hard to imagine what sitting poolside would have been like without smart phones, tablets and Kindles to keep us busy sharing the moment instead of just living in it. What did we do??? Maybe nap and relax or even talk to our friends and family?? That’s just crazy talk!

Thom Enjoying Pool Paradise at Grant Hyatt Hong Kong

Now, I usually just lay by the pool and don’t swim all that much. Really, swimming in a pool is like taking a bath with strangers who probably pee at will and share all kinds of icky stuff among themselves. However, on this hotel day, I threw caution and hygiene to the wind and dove right into the Petri dish of human filth. Felt great! After a crazy week of work, this is just what I needed. Of course, I can’t wait to shower off. Let’s be real.

Tonight, we’ll seek out the famous Night Markets and I’ll bargain like a mule. After all, there is a little space in my suitcase for just a few Hong Kong bargains.

Styled by Hannah

On July 21, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Fashion, Shopping, Uncategorized2 Comments

I was lucky enough to spend time with my family this week in South Bend, Indiana. Clean air and blue skies! Even better, my gorgeous daughter Hannah and Baby Mia accompanied me to spend quality time with my sister, Mom and best friend Patti. What a great time we had!

My beautiful daughter and stylist Hannah

When it proved to be too hot for a Zoo visit on Saturday, we hit the mall instead. Yes, it cost me more than the Zoo but we so rarely get quality shopping time together so Hannah took advantage of the opportunity to style an outfit for me. I also had to procure a statement necklace for her so that she would give me back the one she is wearing in the picture–I love it and just am not willing to give it to her–yet! No worries- we found a beautiful substitute at the mall.

It was fun visiting the University Park Mall where I worked as the Assistant Store Manager many, many years ago at L.S.Ayres when Hannah was only 2 and James was a baby. That’s a story for another time but, desperate to leave my job that I held while pregnant with James, I interviewed for my new job that would take me to the UP Mall only 7 days after giving birth. Several week later, we loaded up the car and moved to South Bend, Indiana. We were, and are, truly crazy but enough reminiscing and back to my new outfit.

After finding Baby Mia the perfect dress to accompany her parents to a friend’s wedding in Coeur d’Alene next week, we had some time to shop for ourselves and we made the most of it. Finding fashion bargains is truly one of Hannah’s skills. She can go to a thrift store and come out with a stunning outfit originally from Anthro for less than $20 and looking spectacular.

I love the quality of Banana Republic and know what size I wear without needing to try anything on-a time saver! Hannah combined the trendy polka dot cotton shirt with basic chinos from there but made it POP with the new statement necklace and my zebra belt. My new nerd glasses from Warby Parker, bought on our last NYC trip, give the hipster edge to the look while the Cole Haan wedges, which are actually comfy to walk in, give me a needed lift since I am severely height challenged. Thank you, Hannah darling, for making your Momma look stylish for her meetings! Watch out Hotlanta-here I come!

Warby Parker Fillmore Glasses: https://www.warbyparker.com/eyeglasses/men/fillmore/tennessee-whiskey

Francesca’s statement necklace and earrings: http://www.francescas.com/category/jewelry/necklaces/statement.do

Banana Republic polka dot shirt, zebra belt and chinos: http://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=84171&pid=970435&scid=970435002

Cole Haan wedges-picked up at Nordstrom Rack (my fav!) two years ago in Atlanta–classic and comfy!

Blue Skies Are Possible

On July 17, 2014July 17, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Chicago, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

Attention my fellow China neighbors, please visit the U.S.on a day like today in Chicago and experience what blue skies, green water and clean, clean air feels like. I can’t help myself from constantly gazing at the skies here and giving thanks for the U.S. laws that we impose on cars, industries, etc. that keep it this way for us to live in an environment that isn’t hazardous to our health. You can yap all day about less government in our lives (yes, I’m talking to you Tea Party People) but that oversight keeps us safe. Seriously, people who make it happen in China need to wake up and smell the clean air that is possible. The people of China deserve a healthier environment to raise their families and live their lives. Most citizens don’t ever leave their homeland so they have no idea what is possible and what it feels like. I read in the state newspapers that pollution regulations are a priority so I can only hope that they mean it. I know my body can only take it so much longer and I will need to return to breathe clean air again and renew my lung capacity.

Today, I got up and walked the Chicago waterfront enjoying the beautiful Lake Michigan green waters and clean sandy beaches. Everyone was out early playing beach volleyball and staking their claim to a prime spot on the beach. A non-profit was promoting ice cream for donations so I bought a homeless woman a treat to enjoy on this sunny day. There are definitely more homeless on the streets in Chicago than you see in China. I wonder if that is because of the cultural traditions of taking care of family in China.

I’m now sitting outside a Starbucks to enjoy my treat, a Chai Latte. Yummy gingerbread milk on a lovely sunny cool day in the US of A. Doesn’t get any better than this…except when I pick up my beautiful daughter Hannah and Baby Mia today in Chicago and take them for their first visit to GreatGMA Gene and Great Aunt Becky in South Bend. We get to spend some quality time with friends and family before I head off to Atlanta for meetings and Hannah heads to Idaho for a friend’s wedding, Mia’s first. I can only imagine the fancy headband that she will be sporting with her pretty dress. Life is good.

Shanghai to Chicago

On July 16, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Chicago, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

I knew I was back in the USA when I saw the “No Gun” sign posted prominently on the door of the boutique in Chicago. Unbelievable that this preventative action is required to alert all gun-toting shoppers to check their artillery at the door or no Michael Kors for you! Probably just a fashion statement vs. a safety precaution because, really, the gun holster would ruin the look of the outfit.

Only in the U.S. do you need to post this sign to high end shoppers!

Arriving in Chicago from Shanghai, I was hyper-aware of the culture differences from the moment I landed. Delta Sky Club-I’ve missed you! Though the massage chairs are nice in the VIP Lounge in Shanghai, I appreciated the sensory overload from all the TV news shows and newspapers offered in the Club. Heaven for a news junkie like me! I miss hearing all the horrible uncensored news about humanity-makes you appreciate your own life more.

Deciding that I needed to be thrifty since this part of my trip was personal, I decided to save a few bucks and wander around O’Hare to find the Blue Line CTA train to take me to downtown Chicago. Now, doing this late in the evening by myself and never having done this before was probably NOT my brightest idea. Honestly, I felt safer in China than I did at that moment in my home country. After an unhelpful bored CTA attendant told me to use the machines and rolling her eyes at my request for help, she proceeded to give me wrong directions. I hopped onto the train with about a million TSA agents going home for the day, which made me feel only slightly safer, and immediately noticed that the trains were much dirtier than in China. Interesting. The layout for passengers in China is for maximum capacity with benches along the side to cram people in and lots of hand holds from the ceiling. None of that here–just individual seats molded into shapes to accommodate the larger American posterior. Sorry, but it’s true.

Jumping off the train after about 14 stops, I had called the hotel and found out the nearest station and it was definitely NOT the one the CTA agent had told me. Glad I’m not a trusting soul. Trying to cram my large suitcase through a turnstyle to get out, a very helpful Chicago citizen assisted me when I got stuck. What the Hell!! Who builds a tiny turnstyle for a mass transit exit! Much more efficient in China to just walk through gates to get out quickly. Grabbing a taxi was easier than I thought it would be and off to the hotel I went, forgetting to tip the poor driver because, in China, tipping is not done. Sorry dude! I’ll have to cash in some $$ to spread around.

Even at night, the Chicago River looks cleaner than the Haungpu River!

After being in a plane for a day, I quickly went for a late night walk along the Magnificent Mile. Seeing the China Union Pay credit card sign in the Gucci window made me feel at home–you can tell who their primary customers are! Here, the large three story retailers are Crate & Barrel vs. Prada. Culturally, the Chinese like to wear or drive their wealth vs. buying home fashions that can’t be shown off in public. It’s a status thing. I also noticed far fewer luxury cars here vs. the gold plated Lamborghini I saw last week in Beijing. No small display of wealth there!

The streets were quiet and the cool weather was probably keeping all the diners inside vs. on the outside patios. What a pity! I can’t wait to get out tomorrow and walk around this beautiful city before picking up my daughter and Baby Mia to go see family. GMA Gene and Great Aunt Becky, here we come!

Cooking Local in Shanghai

On July 15, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Food, Shanghai, Travel1 Comment

To know a culture it helps to understand the food that nourishes the local people. To that end, we decided to take a cooking class in Shanghai. Cherry was our fearless leader (www.cookinshanghai.com) who took our group including Thom and James with a couple from California and a gal from Ireland, to the local wet market and then to a local apartment to cook our meal. Allowed to have some input into the meal we wanted to create, we chose our favorite dishes: scallion pancakes, dumplings and spring rolls.

After a short walk from the subway entrance where we all met up, we walked to the local wet market. This is not a local grocery but more like an indoor farmer’s market with absolutely no health/safety standards, where you can primarily buy produce and meat/fish from stalls. Very locally priced, it was fascinating to watch Cherry pull up the picture of the produce we were looking at on her handy iPad and learn fun facts like how eating bamboo helps offset the bad effects of eating meat or this veggie can help you lose weight or have better skin complexion. Eating dates can help with dizziness–who knew??? Every food in Chinese culture has a health benefit. Finally emerging from the overwhelming smells of the fish market, I gulped fresh air like it was my last breath.

Waiting for the elevator with a local resident in his pj’s eyeing us like WTF are you doing here, we went up to the fifth floor to the apartment where we would cook our feast. Surprisingly large, Cherry explained that they had created a much bigger kitchen than normal just for their business. Before starting our cooking journey, we, of course, had to take time to get to know each other and drink tea. Cherry taught us the healing properties of the different types of teas–White Tea to heal the stomach, Red Tea to cure “cold bones” and lose weight, etc. While our chef began prepping for us, we chatted and learned that the one couple from California were an aeronautical engineer and a soon-to-be Berkley law student on China vacation. The Irish gal had taken a 9 month leave of absence from her job to travel the world with her boyfriend. They were or had been to in addition to China: India, Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, New Zealand and the US. WOW! I am jealous. Ahhh…to be young and have no responsibilities!

James started out as bored and disinterested but as he mixed, rolled, flipped and ate, ate, ate, he started to have as much fun as a 21 year old boy can have with his parents. As the only local residents with a refrigerator, we got all the leftovers so that made him even happier. Unable to taste anything myself due to my weak stomach, it all looked very good and easy to replicate at home. Made of very basic ingredients, we look forward to cooking more at home. Maybe I can even encourage James to use his new skills and cook for his parents…dreams can happen!

Blue Hair Dreams and Orange Reality

On July 9, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

James arrived this week to spend his school break with us in China.^. As we stood at the airport eagerly awaiting his arrival, Thom turns to me and says, “There is something you should know in advance so you don’t react badly when you see him.” What. The. Hell. Another tattoo? Piercings? Both popular in the Seattle college environment, I hoped that he had at least had the good sense to get them done in a place that can be easily covered with clothes as he expects to be a lawyer one day. God Willing.

Thom smiled and shared that James’ hair was now orange as a result of a self-induced hair trauma. Yes, no hiding it unless you want to wear a hat 24/7 but hair does grow back. Sure enough, sporting a mop of wild orange curls, James emerged from Chinese Customs sheepishly grinning. Thank God I had been warned so I didn’t scream in public and embarrass my “grown up” son.

The "before" look--it was orange in the bright light. — The “before” look–it was orange in the bright light.

“Are you stupid?” After a quickly arranged visit to my stylist Michael on his first day in China, James got treated to some blunt trash talk. He didn’t really appreciate being called stupid by a complete stranger but since Michael was holding sharp scissors close to his jugular, James was wise enough not to bitch too much. He seriously explained that he had gone online to get instructions on how to color his hair blue for an EMT concert he was going to with friends. It was on the Internet so it had to be true, right? Right? The first step called for him to use peroxide on his auburn curls, which promptly turned them orange so he wisely stopped the process, not knowing what a coat of blue on top of that oranginess would produce. See, he’s not SO stupid. Mama didn’t raise no fool.

The "after" look-yes, I made him smile. — The “after” look-yes, I made him smile.

Since he is 21 now and legally an adult, I should have let him keep his damaged hair, to live with the results that he wasn’t bothered by in the least. In fact I think he thought he looked pretty cool. However, since he will be introduced to people here in China that I work with, I advised him that a redo was in order for his current hair “situation”. Grudgingly but accepting of the situation, he went along with his Mom’s direction. Thank you sweetie! Threats of not paying any more college tuition were not ideal threats at all and he realized it. See, he IS smart!

Now, he is sporting a trendy yet socially acceptable “do” that is not the color of cartoon characters and I am $100 poorer. Lessons learned? Probably not-James is also very stubborn and thinks he always knows best. Where in the HELL did he get THAT attitude? Hmmmm…..

Home Alone No More

On July 8, 2014July 8, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, Boise, China, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

After a two month journey alone working my butt off and living the solitary life, my fellow adventurer has returned home. Thom landed this week with jet lag to spare. As unhappy as I was by myself, I had grown used to it. Coming home from work to an empty, quiet house after a long day and spending my evenings at the gym, eating cereal for dinner as I read trashy novels on my Kindle was boring, boring, boring. I worked too much and had very little fun. But that was what had become normal. A bad normal but still, after two months, my new normal.

In strolls my funny, grumpy, messy, noisy, opinionated partner for life. Quiet no more. Yet, instead of being thrilled at his arrival, I was irritated at times and not appreciative like I should have been. Hell, Pink, our Ayi, was happier to see him than I was. I resented him taking up my time, not wanting to go to the gym when I did, needing to eat when I was fine with a piece of cheese and a glass of wine, talking while I was working on a project. You get it—driving me absolutely f&@#ing bat shit crazy.

At night, who was that hulk taking up my spacious bed and hogging the pillows??? My pillow was stolen while I was on a nocturnal bathroom break. Not. Funny. Finally, I went to the couch to get some rest away from this strange intruder. Waking up to him making coffee was a plus for sure and softened the transition. Going for foot massage and mani/pedi night was an entre into the life that we had known and embraced. Ahhh…nothing like a spa date to bring two people together again.

Thom getting pampered after his long journey home.

As our daily routine becomes once again filled with the happy sharing of lives, we have vowed not to ever do that living apart thing again. While there were solid reasons for having it happen, i.e. helping with the new baby, moving into our new Boise house, etc., it was NOT pretty. I’m not sure how a relationship can survive separations like this or how people survive life without a loving partner and I never want to try it. Thom, WELCOME HOME HONEY! Now, give me back my damned pillow and make us some coffee. Love you!

Lazy Afternoon in Shanghai

On June 30, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Shanghai, Shopping, TravelLeave a comment

Happiest discovery of the day was that “my” subway line, the #9, goes right to Tianzifang Alley, my fav place to shop. How did I not know this before?? It’s the little things that make me happy. Pathetic. If you come to Shanghai, you absolutely must shop there. Quaint and photogenic, the crowded alleyways are lined with interesting stuff. One place even had Cronuts, the croissant/donut that is so hot in NYC right now. Trendy!

Tianzifang Alley-always fun to visit and right on the Subway Line #9

Yes, the prices are higher than at the AP “fake” market but there is a nice mix of stores and bars/restaurants to spend the day wandering and enjoying.

My favorite stores include the t-shirt shop with all original designs where you can get a really cool T for just 99 RMB ($16 US). Not saying who I bought that awesome t-shirt for but he arrives later this week on his school break. Luckily, he never reads his Mom’s blog so my secret is safe. Now, I can’t say what gift I got my Mom because she is a loyal blog supporter so we’ll just say that it’s pretty enough to wear to dinner. I had to visit the paper store too where beautiful and witty postcards share space with ObamaMao notebooks and paper picture frames to hang from twine with adorable clothespins. The resident shop cat was missing–hope she was just in the back and not someone’s lunch.

After a short subway ride home, I saw all kinds of interesting sights on the short walk home. Sundays are a busy day as most people only have this day off from work. The shoe cobbler was very busy as were the fruit ladies.

Watermelons are plentiful right now! Wished I liked them.

I guess it is now officially watermelon season as they were piled everywhere along the street. Too bad I’m not a fan of this fruit. Lychee are also hot right now. I’ve tried them-kind of slimy so no go. Yes, I’m a picky eater. SO. SUE. ME. I’m an apple, pineapple and banana kind of girl with a kiwi now and then to spice things up.

The DVD store was busy too-tried to buy the new XMen movie but my guy there clued me in that it was a “bad” copy (he only does this for the regulars–the tourists go back to their home country with crap DVD’s) so I opted for the first two seasons of Orange is the New Black, which I hear is very good. I predict the family will have a movie marathon on a rainy day soon. Off to Beijing tomorrow–never a dull moment!

Sundays are laundry day and clothes are hung randomly all over the sidewalks to dry.

Umbrella anyone? Locals use for shade from the sun.

Evening Stroll in Shanghai

On June 29, 2014June 29, 2014 By Travels with MelindaIn adventure, China, Parks, Shanghai, TravelLeave a comment

The culture here, especially in warmer months, is to enjoy the outdoors and stroll with friends, family and pets. I’m all about walking and having adventures so I embraced this tradition and took a walk last night along the Huangpu River in Pudong near our apartment. It was hot and humid with the AQI in the 160+ “Unhealthy” range, which in Shanghai means a lovely evening, so everyone was out enjoying themselves. Without Thom, it’s not as much fun but he will be home soon, so in the meantime, I had to get out and enjoy some unhealthy air all by my lonesome. So, off to the river walk I went with an end destination to pick up some healthy salad at Fresh Elements and take home to eat while I watch Veep, Season Three, purchased at the local DVD store.

Walking by the courts along the river, it’s easy to see that basketball is big here as there are usually always several games going on. I have never seen girls playing basketball so I wonder if that is done here. The only sports that I have heard that local girls play is tennis and badminton. Sports in general are not really a way of life though watching the World Cup is definitely HUGE here–probably because it involves drinking and partying as well plus I’m starting to see articles about the gambling that is going on with people betting on the games. Now, that is definitely a huge sport here with people going to Macau to “make money” not like Vegas where going to shows and entertainment is a part of the total experience. I’m told that they take gambling very seriously here.

Going further down the river walk, I happened upon what looked like an organized ritual going on. There were probably 20 people, including a monk, chanting specific wording off laminated cards. Facing the water and solemnly reading the words over containers filled with live eels, I wished I could understand Mandarin well enough to know what the hell was going on. It was definitely a “Shanghai moment” and I’m so glad I was there to experience it.

Even though I’m alone right now, I force myself to get out and see this wonderful, unique country while I can. I don’t know how long we will be here and I want to soak it all in while I can. Looking forward to my son, James, coming this week so we can go on adventures with him. He came at Christmas but the weather wasn’t as accommodating to get out so hopefully he brings his walking shoes because instead of playing Xbox and ordering from Sherpa’s as he loves to do, we are going to wander and explore China while he is here-just what 21 year olds like to do with their parents!

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