I took the metro to Shanghai Indoor Stadium where there is an outlet mall where things are supposedly cheaper. I had read online about this place called FoxTown which is just outside of Shanghai and you can take a shuttle bus there. However, the one at Shanghai Indoor Stadium was called FoxCity and was a huge indoor mall. Downstairs were lots of restaurants and then about 5 floors worth of brand stores selling slightly cheaper. I bought some sportswear as I'm taking up Pilates.
I then went to have some lunch at an Italian restaurant which was pretty big and had a self service drinks bar. For 11RMB I had a bowl of pasta and 6RMB unlimited drinks. The food was ok for what it was and there was lots of choices. It was also very busy and waiters come out the kitchen with dishes up their arms to deliver to maybe 5 different tables so its very organised for what it is.
I then found the cutest panda bag I just had to have and I'm finding any excuse when I can carry it ^^
Just my luck coming back on the metro and found it was pouring with rain so my 10 minute walk back ended with me soaked to my skin.
Friday
Class wasn't too bad but I got the dates for my listening mid-term exam so I have some serious work to do. Afterwards I went to Manabe to have some food - ordering a French breakfast came out more like an English breakfast..... for 40RMB it came with a glass of juice. It was so strange as in the morning it was raining but by lunchtime it was hot and sunny and here I was in my boots and coat! I wanted to go out shopping since I didn't have too much homework.
Right as I was about to leave my language swap partner called and said he was on his way so I waited around for him and we went to Subway to have a swap class thing. We did end up speaking more English than Chinese which is annoying, I really have to get out of that habit. 3pm we finished and I dropped my things off at the flat before grabbing my jeans to take to the tailor at South Shaanxi Road.
As I left the metro I was a bit surprised how these people knew I wasn't local and about 5 different men approached me to try and get me to buy some fake watches and designer handbags. I just ignored them and walked fast. The tailor (or seamstress??) didn't speak any English but I managed enough Chinese to explain what I needed done. I was expecting to have to come back later and pick them up but she told me I could sit on the sofa and wait. In 10-15 minutes she was done with 3 of my jeans and charged me 10RMB for each! Couldn't believe how cheap it was I was expecting at least 30RMB for each pair.
Then I went to the wool shop at 2nd Ruijin Street which took a while to find but I was so glad when I did. I couldn't believe how cheap this wool is 10RMB for a pack of 8 and this is fluffy wool suitable for making scarves! I also bought some circular knitting needles for 5RMB. I'm trying to make some blankets for the cat shelter after seeing they don't have many blankets etc and it is freezing in that garage.
I then stopped by KFC for something quick to eat before getting a taxi back to mine. I got into the taxi before I worked out the driver was telling me I was on the wrong side of the road so I quickly had to run across the road and avoid waving down a red taxi and managed to get into a blue one. I have to say, in all the time I've been in Shanghai this is the first time I've been given a reciept! The driver was so efficient and had white gloves on.
I got back and rested a little bit before my friend text me to ask me if I wanted to have dinner. I like to go to dinner with Chinese friends because they know the good things to eat and where to eat. I met him near the metro at the university and walked to a restaurant that specialises in North-Eastern Chinese cuisine. It was quite full inside and we had to wait for a table. We ordered some fish which was good, I love to eat fish but usually it is very expensive and not suitable to eat alone.
It was annoying that the restaurant had a "no smoking" sign but most people were smoking and even the waiter's provided them with ash trays. However, the food was nice and the rice had sweetcorn mixed into it which was unusual I have to say. Two of us with 2 dishes and 3 bowls of rice we paid 60RMB which was so cheap for a good full meal.
The medicine must be working because 2nd day of taking it I already barely cough! As gross as it is, Chinese medicine does work!
Saturday
I didn't sleep until very late last night and had to get up early to go to Shanghai Library metro to go to my pilates class. It took me a while and wandered up the road before I found it. There was a bird cage with two green birds chirping away it was quite sweet. As I headed to the building where the yoga centre is I was stopped by security before I managed to explain in Chinese I have a class here. I think my Chinese skills are getting better and I can communicate enough to get by.
It was 200RMB for 2 taster classes and this is the first time I've done pilates so wasn't sure what to expect. It was so intense! I haven't done exercise in so long let alone something as hardcore as this. I thought I'd pass out at how much the instructor kept pushing me but didn't seem to accept when I said I couldn't do it and I wasn't that flexible!
I will have to find Decathlon to get a yoga mat as they charge 350RMB for one but I've heard you can get them for as cheap as 50RMB at Decathlon! I'm not sure I'd keep up with the classes but learn enough of the basics to get me started and practice at home before thinking of doing more classes. I wonder if yoga is just as intense.....
I was so tired after an hours worth I took a taxi back and ended up calling Sherpa for some take away. Now I'm thinking about taking a nap......
0 comments:
Post a Comment