Mr Gu and Flowers Too

Here is Mr Gu, he is our wonderful driver.  He is learning English and I am trying to speak my terrible Mandarin.  I must confess that I use my translator app on my phone frequently or ask the front desk to help me explain where I want to go.  He is a very careful driver and this is what he calls his "mafia" pose :)

Mr Gu took us to the most beautiful flower market and my pictures do not do it justice.  I wish you could smell the wonderful flowers!!

Our residence held a cooking class on dumpling making......very fun.  The plates above are the ones I made..they may not be pretty but they sure taste good.  A little wine, dumplings and new friends...good day!

My new friends Tricia and Jennifer:)  Jennifer thought she ordered a small beer :)  and NO, Tricia is not having a shot of any kind, it is simple syrup (sugar water) to sweeten her tea :)  I stuck with plain old Earl Grey :)

This is a random pic of a tree at a park---can't wait to see it with leaves!

Easy Riders

Lots of motorcycles, vespas, and hover rounds......watch out, they are everywhere!!

Saturday wanderings

The sun is trying to shine thru all the smog today.  It is about 52 degrees and there are a lot of people out and about.  We attempted to find our way to Fuxing park again, but went the wrong direction and got to explore more.

Impressive dumpling makers

Nice view from another park area

Back at Fuxing Park finally!  Lots of fun things happening today.  Dancing the Tango in Shanghai,  cute babies, and families.

Let it Snow :(

Well it is snowing this morning!  A very rare event in the Shanghai....but at least it is not sticking and it will warm up today to about 38 degrees F.


I took in the antique market the other day with my Canadian friend Victoria.  Lots of trinkets, ducks, song birds, and even bunnies for sale.  The ducks and rabbits probably will not become pets :(

The scary masks were interesting!

We found a great place for dumplings the other day a short walk from our place and they were EXCELLENT!!  I need to limit my intake of these or else I will look like a dumpling!  I am practicing my chopstick skills and am improving....

My little Frenchie, Lou arrives in two weeks!  I miss him and can't wait for him to get here!

This week has flown by so fast.  We visited the old market area with friends and had a great Thai lunch.  Getting to the restaurant was an adventure in itself, and once there we climbed very steep, narrow and dark stairway to the place....not a place for someone with personal space issues as myself!  The meal was fabulous.  Next we went on to explore this market area, lots of little ( and I mean little) shops all along this maze of alley ways.

On our way to Fuxing park on Friday we noticed the interesting way one's laundry is dried :)  No shame in hanging your unmentionables in public!

The park was amazing.  It was busy with all kinds of activities.  This band was very interesting,  they may need a little more practice before heading to the big stage.  We can't wait to return when spring arrives and the leaves and flowers are in full bloom.  Stay tuned!

The area we live in is called Xintiandi,  the building behind me is where our apt. is.  The fountain of the 3 ladies is very cool, and the window shopping was fun!  Today we are off to do some sight seeing.  I met another gal yesterday and she and her husband are from Wisconsin!!  Small world!

Here is what the fireworks on the eve of Chinese New Year were like..this lasted about 3-4 hours with each area trying to outdo the other.  I shot this from the window inside our apt.  It's a wonder no actual fires ignited from all this revelry.

Area around our apartment and the Lion Dance!

T-minus 21 days and counting until Lou-Lou makes his journey to China!  We have found our permanent residence and will be moving on March 1st....YAY:)

Our new adventure has begun.  Today is Chinese New Year and there were lots of fireworks all night last night!  Later today, at 12:08 we are off to watch the Lion Dance, and as soon as I figure out how to post pictures and video, I will :)