Red Bike

Today I borrowed one of the bikes from our apartment complex, they have them for the residents to borrow, and did all my errands whilst pedaling through the streets of Shanghai. It was amazing.  I accomplished twice as much as I would have on foot.  Only two very very minor scares with some oncoming traffic but other then that it was exhilarating! So why so long to venture on a bike in big ole scary Shanghai?

About three years ago I mentioned to Tony that I might get a bike. I thought this would be a great way to get around and see the city. Tony was pretty convincing when he told me I would undoubtedly get myself killed in this crazy Shanghai traffic.  And convinced me he did.  But today, August 15th 2012, after 4 years in this mad rushing city I took the bull by the horns and got on a bike.   No, I didn't mention it to Tony until midday.

And what did I do?  First, a ride over to Fiona's apartment (2km) with treats for her lovely girls for their camping trip across China.  You can read about her incredibly fascinating trip and her great look at food and life in China here: http://www.lifeonnanchanglu.com/

After a quick visit and some sage advice from Fiona.  Such as,  be careful and that there are roads you cannot ride your bike on as there are too many buses and cars. She also told me that there are easy to read signs posted on the streets that indicate no bikes.  Now I only have to pay attention to car traffic, bike and motorbike traffic, pedestrian traffic and also keep my eyes open and read the signs.  It's not going to be easy.

Next stop, I pedaled over to Anfu Lu (2 km) to meet up with my former boss for a light lunch at The Food Central, a deli, food hall and wine bar.  It has been open for about a year and it was great! After lunch another quick pedal (250 meters) over to the Avocado Lady's vegetable stall to buy some imported products at not so inflated prices.  The owners' name is Jiang but she goes by the moniker Avocado Lady as she was the first to sell avocados in her vegetable store/stall which caters to a large expat community. The avocados are imported from the USA or Mexico, they don't grow them in China, and cost the same as in the US.  Between $1 and $1.99 depending on the time of year. She also had dry goods which are at least half the price of the import grocery store, City Shop.  For example one package of lasagna noodles at City Shop is 68 RMB ($10.79) at her shop 25 RMB ($3.97), a liter bottle of Olive oil at city shop, same brand, 130 RMB ($20.63) her shop 58 RMB ($9.21).  She does not have a large variety of dry goods but it's sufficient and I try to go there at least once a week to buy my vegetables and other grocery items. I tucked a box of noodles, a kilo of spinach and two containers of ricotta into my backpack, paid the lovely Jiang and headed to my next destination. 

Next stop a few hours of Mahjong with friends.  Every wednesday afternoon some ladies get together to play a couple hours of Mahjong and share stories.  We usually begin at 1:30 and go to about 3:30/4:00.  And wasn't today  my lucky day, I began the game by being East wind (Each side of the 4 sides table has a wind name and you roll dice to determine who is East first, after that the winner of each hand becomes East.  This has to do with scoring and gain additional points.)  And I was always East and always the winner, all 4 hands - what luck!  Too back we don't play for money or points.  I noticed at about 3:15 that there were dark clouds looming and a big thunderstorm (which only lasts about 20 minutes) was on its way.  I scurried to get my items out of the fridge, I had placed them there when I arrived to keep the ricotta from spoiling, and jumped on my bike to head back to my apartment(2km).  I made it with minutes to spare!

What an exiting day!  I plan on taking the bike out once a week to enjoy the city.  I did call Tony at lunch time to tell him what I was up to, he thought I was nuts! But I thought it was an adventure and I plan on doing it again!