Warning: this post is extremely picture heavy.
Shanghai is very beautiful place. At times I actually felt like I was in a European city, the buildings are so grand and picturesque and I suppose the freezing weather helped too.
Jack's half attempt at posing for me - the sun got the better of him though.
The streets are covered in couples having their pre-wedding photographs at this time of year (hence the lady in the wedding dress behind Jack). We even spotted a couple in the middle of the road, the taxi driver had to honk at them to move!
I spotted some cute children playing with tyres in the street whilst their dad tirelessly worked alongside them.
Mmmm roasted chesnuts.
Elderly couple chatting away whilst eating one of their five a day.
Can anyone tell me what this is?
Whatever it is, Jack found it quite tasty.
We then rambled along to the old town.
Check the man smiling out of the top window.
We got a little peckish and found a stall selling glazed fruits. Think toffee apple, but instead with strawberries. They were delicious.
It is truly a hard life.
We then reached the Yu Garden. Beautifully picturesque.
Me and Catrina took a snap of each other, taking a snap of each other.
We then hit Tianzifang. Tucked away in the French Concession, this cobbled maze is the home to a number of small shops and stalls boasting all types of goodies. Feeling the cold we dashed for the nearest bar and ordered an Amaretto Gluhwein. It doesn't look so inviting on the photo but it warmed up the old cockles.
This is where we bedded down for the two nights - The Astor House Hotel. Built in 1846, this hotel opened its doors to a number of famous people - from Einstein to Charlie Chaplin to President Grant in 1897, who happened to have stayed in the same room as me and Jack. Room 410.
It was safe to say that we both felt comfortable leaving a few lights on as we slept.
We got ready after a lovely afternoon of mulled wines and briskly walked on down to The Bund, taking a few snaps along the way.
The entrance to Bund 18.
Another elevator shot. Obligatory.
Just check out this stunning view of The Bund from Bar Rouge.
After a quick drink we headed on downstairs to Mr & Mrs Bund, a beautiful French restaurant.
We started with an impeccably light tuna mousse served with crispy thin croutons.
Lamb Shank Instanbul with eggplant for Jack...
...and Crispy Duck Leg Confit with Roasted Ceps Garlic and Seared Fois Gras for me.
The food was delicious and so flavoursome.
On our final day we took a cab to an area within the French Concession and had a stroll through a local park. The elderly were out in force, some playing card games, others dancing away to their friend singing away on a karaoke machine. We then came across this lady writing out Chinese characters with a water filled sponge/stick. Very interesting.
We walked along in the cold crisp air and came across these interestingly designed fences. I was more interested in how they managed to get the image on to the fence, whilst the boys took in some of the history.
After a couple of hours of strolling it was time to head back to Tianzifang for another Gluhwein. This time I stopped to take a few photos of the streets. Only one made it on to this post. I am so bad a photography.
Steve found a horses head and decided to scare the locals with it.
We ended our day at a lovely little chocolate themed cafe, Whisk. Me and Jack plumped for the Upside Down Chocolate Cake and a hot chocolate each.
It was fan-chocolatey-tastic.
On our very short trip we only touched upon a few of the sights. There is so much more to see and I hope to return one day.
A great weekend was had by all.
Shanghai looks absolutely amazing! Lovely photos taken xx
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