Thom and I have crossed the normal threshold of courage on a totally superficial level–we went shopping at Ikea Shanghai on a Sunday. HOLY. HELL. We’ve been before so it wasn’t so shocking to see the wall to wall people using Ikea as their personal living room/bedroom/dining room but it never fails to amuse. Not a lot of buying but lots of socializing going on!
Every bed slept in by noon at IkeaTaking a nap at Ikea is very popular and comfy
The Ikea staff was very absent, probably hiding in the back and wishing for it all to be over with so they could clean up the debris. There wasn’t any attempt made to keep it looking presentable–it was all out chaos and they must live it every day but especially on Sundays when families are off work and looking to spend quality time together enjoying the fine furnishings, numerous outlets to charge their electronics and plentiful beds to rest at Ikea. Every bed was completely destroyed, having been slept in by multiple people by the time we arrived around noon. One toddler slept amidst the noise with his mother browsing on her smart phone and protecting him so he could get a quality nap. He looked very comfy and peaceful.
I was tempted to join the family who had commandeered a dining set to enjoy their packed picnic-what’s for lunch??? Once we got to the Ikea snack bar, you could immediately tell the most popular item(s) in the store–CHEAP FOOD! We kept right on motoring with our list at hand-hangers, picture frames, napkins, etc. which you can score at normal Ikea prices not boosted with import taxes. We packed it all in our Ikea bags and luckily found a taxi right outside–never again we keep telling ourselves but the lure of cheap home furnishings and ample photo opportunities to share always lures us back.
Family time–Enjoying picnic in dining room section at Ikea
Lobby is warm and inviting with music in the evenings
Yes, I am a hotel snob. I spend months every year staying in hotels for business so in many different cities so I consider myself very picky in my hotel standards. I have stayed at glorious hotels and ones that make you want to take a bath after sleeping on the questionable linens. Just thinking about that makes me itch and want to scratch all over. Thank God I don’t travel with a blacklight—it would be a nightmare to discover what else is staying with me on hotel surfaces in China.
But on to a happier review-The Park Hyatt in Saigon is THE place to stay. First and foremost, the service was ridiculous from the multiple smiling faces to open the large doors at the entrance to the desk clerk to the pool guy to the restaurant staff. All happy, smiling, engaging and over the top with their friendliness. All spoke great English as well which makes everything easier for us when we travel. We appreciate it, Park Hyatt!
Now, as a Diamond Club member for Hyatt due to my frequent travel, I do get special perks that I do so appreciate. We were upgraded to a suite mid-way through the visit as one became available—all at no charge. The regular room was very nice but, oh my, the suite featured a huge living room, bedroom and massive marble bathroom. When we came down for our huge complimentary buffet breakfast (another perk), we had to share our room # with the hostess. The difference in service from the regular room # to the suite # was very noticeable. The manager was summoned and ran to our table before the coffee to ensure that we were happy and he even came back again at the end of our meal to get reassured again that all was good. Mr. George—What can we do to make you stay happy? It was F*&!ing amazing! My motto is always, Expect Nothing/Appreciate Everything, so we just grin like silly kids and soak it all in—the cold skewers of fresh fruit served poolside every day and the fresh fruit platter that magically appeared daily in the room as well were all immensely enjoyed.
Pool was warm with cold fruit kabobs served every afternoon-delightful!
Although there was construction going on at the spa next to the pool, it wasn’t too distracting as we soaked up the ambience of an urban outdoor setting with palm trees and a delightful pool-not too hot or cold and large enough to do some laps. The Park Hyatt is definitely not a kids/family hotel so it was fairly quiet as well, unlike the Grand Hyatt pool in HK that was filled with kids.
The lobby was gorgeous with tall ceilings, lush upholstered chairs and couches and live entertainment in the evenings as you sipped your cocktails. The business center was staffed with eager to please staff who helped us research some business information. The concierge assisted us with information needed on taxi’s and shows. There is a beautiful Opera House across the street that has a running show “O” that we wanted to see but just didn’t have time. Next Time!
Every room in a hotel in Asia has complimentary water because you can’t (or shouldn’t unless you want to get very, very sick) drink the tap water but when we got to the suite, we discovered that the chosen few get even better bottled water when you are a suite resident. Perk! Thom was fascinated with the metal Vietnamese one cup coffee press so we ended up buying several at the airport gift shop to bring home. We love our coffee! We picked up some Vietnamese coffee too at the airport with our last Dong.
Enjoying room service in our fabulous suite
The view of the street from the suite (we could now see the river) was always fascinating, though we learned to keep the windows closed because there were several birds very interested in coming in to join us in the suite. One morning we woke up to very spirited singing as the business across the street started the work day with the guys (in black pant/black tie/white shirt) and ladies in traditional green Vietnamese tunics/pants singing loudly what could have been the national song as the video playing above them on the building façade showed the Vietnam flag. They ended their chorus and filed into work at 7:30 a.m. ready to start the day fully energized. Awakened by their lovely voices, we were ready to being our day in Saigon as well!
Thanks to the Park Hyatt for your truly World Class Customer Service. It was appreciated and will be remembered.
I am definitely NOT someone who enjoys going out to restaurants. Thom and I rarely go out back in Shanghai and can be very happy eating cereal for dinner. However, we enjoyed sampling the local cuisine in Saigon very much. There is no lack of LOTS of amazing restaurants in Saigon so off we went to enjoy the bold flavors and diverse selection plus the price is right! A multi-course meal at a nice place will set you back $40 US or 880,000Dong and that includes the necessary wine to accompany. Cheap!
Shrimp cracker anyone?
We learned quickly to plan our excursions outside to include an umbrella as every day the clouds open up in the late afternoon and it dumps lakes onto the crowded streets. Our first full day, we encountered a huge thunderstorm so we managed to just make it across the street from the hotel to at Tandoori, a Middle Eastern place. We’ve become huge curry fans so we had a bold chicken curry with cheese nan and spicy grilled shrimp with saffron rice. As we watched the scooters navigate the water outside, we dug in first to the crisp veggie samosa with pungent sauces to dip into and practically licked the plates. I would have loved to try a new dessert but no room at the inn regretfully.
Not so the next night! I made sure to reserve room to try the strawberry custard while Thom took on the mango sorbet to end our evening. The Vietnamese restaurant where we went, Hoa Tuc, has a cooking school on the top floor which I read is quite good though we didn’t have time to try it out. This restaurant was tucked away with many other fine places in the Refinery, where they used to produce Opium and now just produce awesome food. For the main courses—we tried several out to sample. The coconut milk rice pancakes filled with shrimp and rolled in lettuce leaves, dipped in sauces and eaten with our hands was messily amazing. Are your mouths watering yet??? Then, the mustard leaves rolled with crunchy vegetables inside and a prawn secured on top were next. They disappeared fast.
Mustard leaves roll with prawn
Thom tucked away his barbeque chicken pieces and I had Vietnamese brown rice with green onions and shrimp. I have never had such wonderful rice—it was dark brown, nutty tasting and so moist,having been cooked in a clay pot. I ate every grain. I could eat a bowl of that every day and be very happy and full.
Our last night in Saigon, we tried to get the energy to go out and try another new place but we had been upgraded to a huge suite at the Park Hyatt so we opted for a quiet room service dinner to enjoy our luxurious digs. The food was adequate but sitting in our living room in our robes while we ate was priceless.
Room Service after a long day spent walking Saigon Streets=PRICELESS!
Today we ventured out to the AP “fake” market in Shanghai under the #2 subway line in Pudong. We have been there many times to buy pearls, sports jerseys, Rolex watches, LV bags, etc. I see bargaining for the lowest possible price as a sport. I just wish it was an Olympic sport because I would totally own a Gold Medal.
Our mission was hunting for stylish yet waterproof rain boots for me. With my commute of 1.3 miles each way to/from work and no taxis in sight when it rains, I am tired of stepping in the lakes that form quickly in the streets resulting from the city planners–shocker ahead–obviously not realizing that it rains heavily in Shanghai many months of the year. Where the hell did they imagine all that water was going to go???
Thom checking out local shirts to get custom made at the AP market
Anyway, we went straight to our “shoe lady” who has sold us many a Converse-like shoe in the past. She gives us the local price not the laowai inflated price and she has a nice smile. Today, James found some nice leather sneaks but, after trying on hideous Croc-like rubber boats to keep my feet dry, we had to keep looking. The popular Hunter boots were everywhere but I’ve had those (Hannah now looks splendid in them) and they’re just too hot and heavy for Shanghai. Unfortunately, nothing else really else presented itself except a leopard plastic boot that I just couldn’t bring myself to like. So, after heavy negotiating I got a short version of the Hunter mock lizard which will make my feet sweat like a bitch but perhaps will be waterproof–with the fakes, you never know what quality you’re getting until you wear/wash them. They may last and they may not. I told the guy I lived in Shanghai and would be back in his face if my feet got wet wearing his boots that I got for 160RMB. He just smiled and waved goodbye. He has no idea what’s in his future if my feet aren’t happy in the next monsoon. Watch out mister!
Hunter rain boots and turquoise necklace-my bargains from AP market
Since my birthday was this past week and I ended up sick instead of celebrating, I decided to treat myself and give Sarah’s Pearls a visit because I just know they miss my bargaining like a mule which makes Thom cringe. After seeing a long turquoise(like) and silver necklace, I knew it would look super with a simple black dress so into the lovely sequin bag it went for only 100 RMB–she started at 280 RMB. Like a mule I am!
After negotiating for a brightly patterned pillow cover–I do have a serious pillow fetish for our boring beige couches–we started looking at custom made trench coats to accompany my new rain boots. I’ll have to do some research on styles but I shopped for pricing and found I could get one for about 600 RMB (down from 2400) custom made in a few days. SOLD! Can’t wait to go back and order when my friend Patti visits. I’m sure she’ll want some custom clothes too and I can get a better deal if we buy multiple items. I truly do deserve a Gold Medal in bargaining because I save so much money that I can just keep on shopping, shopping, shopping!
Billed as “The desirable dessert from New York” the Woody Baker (named after the NYC icon Woody Allen perhaps??) in Shanghai has an array of Cronuts to nosh on. I had heard so much about this hot craze in New York where people stand in line for hours just to get these type of pastries so I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to see how Shanghai interpreted the famous Cronut.
The two layers of custard are yum but messy!
Two levels of croissant-like pastry with cream custard piped between and on top. Awkward at best to eat by hand, I used a knife and fork to cut bites for the family to taste. I tried cutting it with just a fork and it was too dense so the knife was needed. Unlike the donut or croissant that you could walk and eat on the street, if you try that with a Cronut, you will have custard sliding down your chest in no time as you try to rip it apart with your teeth. NOT. PRETTY. They didn’t give out forks (or chopsticks-now, that would be a challenge!) with it so I am thinking that you are supposed to eat by hand. NO WAY! Since there wasn’t chocolate involved (but you can get those), James thought it was just “okay” and he went back to reading his book. His favorite dessert is brownies so Cronuts are definitely not his thing.
If you want to be “cool” eat a Cronut!
Now, the Chinese culture doesn’t really embrace sweet desserts. Fruit is the favored meal ender here so judging by the lack of crowds at Woody Baker on a busy Saturday, I’m not sure building a bakery on one type of pastry is a sound business model. It was just me and a Brit dude forking over the RMB.
And starting at 18 RMB ($3US) and going up to 26, these desserts are not cheap. The average Chinese citizen would never pay that much. Westerners like us are the target audience for sure. Located in the Xintiendi area (think Manhattan of Shanghai), perhaps they can find enough laowais to stay busy baking.
Thom tasted it and pronounced it “cannoli with a hint of donut” vs. croissant like. The flavors offered are: white chocolate pastiche, white chocolate Oreo, chocolate almond, banana special, fresh blueberry, coco cream and the original. Lots of variety if you want a tasty, very messy, cannoli-like, donut shaped treat. New York or Shanghai–the Cronut Craze has gone worldwide!
Mornings in Shanghai start slow. I’ll never forget that first time I showed up all perky at 6:30 a.m. at the local Starbucks by the Four Seasons where we were staying on our first trip over to Shanghai. Not open yet? WHAT THE HELL? How is a Starbucks not open by that hour? After a few days of wandering around trying to find an early caffeine fix, I discovered that most coffee places (and there is a café on every corner) open by 8 a.m. but not before. This falls right in line with the start of the typical office work day which is never before 9 a.m. and more likely to be 10 a.m. by the time everyone wanders into work. Not me, of course, but everyone else in China.
AM Fruit run
I am an anomaly in Shanghai (and really everywhere in every way if I’m being honest) as I usually wake up at 5ish and am ready to walk to work by 8 a.m. at the latest. As I do my new commute to the SWFC offices, I get to see the locals just getting started for their day. This usually consists of a stop at the food cart where you can get scallion pancakes or steamed buns plus the daily fruit buy, which right now is very melon focused. The ayi’s actually deliver fruit to our office desks every afternoon-very refreshing. Melons, grapes, apples, etc. just appear like magic–all juicy and delightful. Love this China tradition–YUM!
The shoemakers and vendors selling their wares are not up yet when I am on my way in–they work late into the evenings. Most of the locals do not have a/c so everyone tends to stay outside in the streets dancing and socializing well into the evening probably to let their apartments cool down after dark. The heat this summer in Shanghai isn’t as brutal as last year. I remember melting in the 100+ degree heat many days after coming over last August, especially in contrast to the coolness I was used to in Seattle.
All by ourselves at Camel Pub, Pudong, watching Seahawks and enjoying breakfast cocktail!
Speaking of Seattle, we were so excited to discover a Friday night Seattle vs. San Diego preseason football game would be played in real time at our local pub but at Saturday morning 10 a.m. our time. Entering the dark pub that early in the morning, we woke up the staff and got them to boot up the TV’s so we could, all by ourselves, watch the game. Screwdriver please! They served me a salad with my scrambled eggs. Sorry-not too early for the screwdriver but way too early for a salad. I still have a Western stomach. Of course, I’ll probably die of food poisoning. I’ve been warned never to eat at an empty establishment because the grill will be cold so the food served will not achieve enough heat to cook the food thoroughly. Time will tell….
Guess there are either no Seahawks fans in Pudong or it’s just too bloody early for most of the blokes around here-yes, most of the expats are Brits that we have met. American Football–what’s that? If it was a big rugby match, the bar would be packed! Plus side to be the only ones here–no smoke. Everyone smokes here and you go home from any bar smelling like a pack of Marlboros. The muzak is heavy into 70’s with Barry Manilow (Thom was once mistaken for him in the 70’s on a NYC subway–worse compliment ever) and Johnny B Good. Ahhh, mornings in Shanghai….eggs/salad/cocktails, bad 70’s muzak and Seahawks Football–no better way to start the weekend!
I enjoy the daily craziness that is living in China. Always something new to see and experience. This past week my commute has been upgraded to walking to/from work vs. taking the subway. Hallelujah! Of course, it’s 90+ degree with 110% humidity daily so by the time I arrive, I am soaked but still, it’s nice not to be crammed into an underground tube with millions of coughing strangers. At least on the street, the DNA being spit out has room to expand and a chance to blow away if I’m lucky enough to enjoy a breeze. Now, I usually embrace public transportation as easy and cheap but enjoy it not being a daily necessity. This past week when we were in Hong Kong, we travelled by subway and enjoyed the clean, well marked and lovely lime colored ambience.
My fellow walking commuters crack me up. Several times I have seen ladies of a more seasoned age walking backwards down the sidewalk. Now, are they just crazy or is there a reason for this awkward commuting behavior? I’ve researched online and many opinions exist including that the Chinese believe that walking backwards is good for the brain and stops memory loss and also that it improves your balance. Thom believe that these lovely ladies I see think walking backwards is like going in reverse in a car and rolling back the odometer— acting like a time machine, you can easily take years off your life! Of course, it could just be as simple as: WHY NOT? Makes perfect sense to me.
The stories just rolled in this week of odd behavior that people wanted to share. A friend visiting from the U.S. just had to tell me about his “shocking” experience in the public bathroom. Standing at the urinal, the dude next to him dropped his pants and proceeded to do his thing buck naked from the waist down. Again, WHY NOT? When I told Thom this story, he one upped it by telling me his story of odd public bathroom behavior. He was using the facilities when in walked a gent who proceeded to not only drop his pants to use the urinal but then proceeded to waddle over, pants pooled at his feet, and wash his junk in the sink. Needless to say, Thom made the wise choice to use hand sanitizer vs. waiting to use that sink to wash up. Smart man!
Now, some of you may be just dying to know more about the local slant on why you should poop more often so I am sharing the article I read this week that is just hysterical and comes with handy tips–read on if you dare:
For those of you who might just want a quick quip from the article, here is a snapshot, “..Chinese fruit stalls also sell fancy gift boxes of fruit. So while your colleagues may have thought that when you bought your angry supervisor a box of pears you were pai ma pi (kissing ass), what you’re really doing is making the workplace better by helping your boss be a little less full of shit.”. The author makes a good case for the perfect gift for all–fruit, fruit and more fruit!
Who knows what craziness will greet me this week as I walk down the street on my morning commute??
Looking forward to the unexpected and the crazy as I relish the adventure of living in China. Now, I’m off to buy some pears.
James christened the newest member of our family, Thoraxis, after an alien character from a show called Community that I have never seen. I just watched the movie, Thor, on the flight back from the U.S., so I have decided to nickname him after the hunky superhero in the movie. Though, Thor should have been named Chewbacca because he is a tiny black fur ball who can’t stop chewing on everything in his path. We have tried to channel his teething on chew sticks and toys but he prefers paper and my Surface keyboard instead. THOR!
I was in the U.S. when Thom saw a post on a local blog seeking foster parents for a rescue dog. His sharp tiny teeth may not hurt now but Thom insists that we try and discipline him now or he will start having our Cole Haan’s for dinner soon and that’s a deal breaker.
Right about now as I’m taking cute puppy pictures, I feel a warm wet feeling in my crotch where Thor has been playing with his chew toy. This can’t be good. HOLY. HELL. THOR! The little bugger has let loose all over my beautiful red chaise and me. How can such a little creature make such a big pee stain! As Thom joked, “Puppies give you a warm feeling all over and sometimes it’s not a good thing” or something to that effect. Ha. Ha. Sure, easy for him to joke since the pupster didn’t pee on him, though he did clean it all up. Of course, Thor’s favorite place is next to Thom’s computer under the desk lamp. Let’s see if Thom is as jovial when he has a wet stinky PC to try and dry out.
Adorable Thoraxis right before he pissed all over me.
Thor only weighs over a pound now and is still on antibiotics for various ailments resulting from being the runt of the litter. When we return from our trip to Hong Kong, he will hopefully be well enough to get his vaccines so he can venture outside. Who knows what breed he is but he won’t grow big. Of course, my daughter thought that too about her pound puppy Oliver, the Great Dane. Oops!
Our Chinese tutor, Fiona, has kindly agreed to puppy sit for us while we are gone. I’ll have to warn her to watch out for the little ankle biter’s couch wetting problem but I know he’ll melt her heart with his little puppy eyes.
Even with the large wet spot still drying out on my chaise, we love you Thor and welcome you to the family. Now, go get on your puppy pad for a time out–tough love, Thor!
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!
Many of you know that I am a long distance Nai Nai with the birth of beautiful Mia to my daughter Hannah and her hubby Mike. Thom has been with them being the supportive Gpa since her birth but now will come home to China this week. He is already crying at the thought of not seeing them every day-yes, he is the biggest baby of them all! I had to leave a week after her birth to come back and work, which is important to the whole family, but I cried a lot too.
To say I’m heartbroken not to be closer to assist would be an understatement. As we were just emailing back and forth about our dream to start a business together, my little Mama is up at 3 a.m. feeding the ever hungry Mia. Sure, I can’t help with THAT but if I was there I could come over in the morning and watch Mia so Hannah could get a much needed nap. I am so proud of her and what a great Mom she already is and how strong she is but, oh how I wish I could help. Until we can be together, dearest daughter and baby Mia, your Nai Nai will pray for you LOTS and work on getting our family business up and running so we can all be together in the future. I love you.
Mama Hannah and her Mia-love so strong from the start
Travels with Melinda 