Have bike, will deliver.

If you are ready with the camera you can catch all kinds of interesting photos in Shanghai.  I really like the bike delivery people.  The things they can pile onto their bike is cause for wonder.  I rarely have my camera out in time but the other day I got quite lucky.  A water delivery guy and a mirror delivery pair!

You may have noticed the beautiful leafy streets in these photos.  This the one of the prettiest parts of Shanghai called the French Concession.  The weather is perfect right now, sunny, 86F, with a nice breeze.  Summer will be here in a week or two and that means hot humid weather for about 4 months.  I will be out and about enjoying the good weather while it lasts.

Breast masseurs stir up fuss.......it was in the newspaper, really.

The newspaper is just full of crazy articles and here is one that is just too funny!  Enjoy!


A HOUSEHOLD services company training men to offer nursing mothers breast massages to boost their milk secretion has stirred up a big controversy among Shanghai residents.


Xia Jun, CEO of the household service company, told Shanghai Daily he has spent the past three months taking classes to receive official qualification as a breast massage tutor. He said he was issued a certificate from the China Employment Training Technical Instruction Center.

Xia said he now will train his employees, both female and male, to massage the breasts of nursing mothers in a "scientific way."

He said he would help his employees get official qualifications from the center as professional breast masseurs and masseuses.
Doctors at major hospitals in the city, however, said the service is not necessary.

A doctor surnamed Hou with Shanghai No. 1 Maternity and Children's Health Hospital told Shanghai Daily that young mothers can boost their milk supply themselves simply by breast feeding their babies at certain frquency.

Meanwhile, Xia said many breast masseuses work without any qualifications and that more women are interested in breast feeding in the wake of baby formula scandals in which banned substances such as melamine sickened hundreds of thousands of infants.

Many residents said they don't think new moms, or their husbands, would allow a strange man to massage their breasts when they can hire a woman.

"It's unbelievable. What kind of husband would allow another man to massage his wife's breasts?" asked 24-year-old resident Xu Boshi. "I'd rather study the skills and do it myself."
Other expressed doubt about the "professional and scientific skills." The training course only takes 10 to 18 days.

Xia said the future of male breast masseurs depends on society's tolerance, but compared it to male gynecologists and obstetricians.
The service costs 300 yuan (US$46) to 500 yuan an hour.

Dangerous parasite discovered in imported eels

Thank goodness we don't eels.......however,

A PARASITE that can cause epilepsy and lead to paralysis has been found in batches of eels imported from Indonesia and the Philippines, Shanghai authorities said yesterday.


The city is to urge state-level authorities to ban eel imports from the two countries to ensure food safety.

It was the first time the parasite, "gnathostoma spinigerum," had been found in China, officials with the Shanghai Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said.

The bureau tested 26 samples of eels imported from Indonesia, and the parasite was found in 14 samples. It was also found in nine samples from Philippines. The parasite lives in the eels' flesh and internal organs.
"We found that the parasite belongs to the breeds which are harmful to health," said Li Chunyang, an official with the bureau.

The parasite can affect both livestock and humans. It is spread through food, by contact with infected animals and can be passed from mothers to their new-born babies, officials said.

"Infections of the parasite are not common in China," Li said. "Up to now, fewer than 50 cases have been reported."

Bureau officials said there was a large market for eels in China and imported products were popular.

The country also produces eels for consumption, but it has become widely known that many raisers use birth control medication to accelerate their growth.

Industry insiders said the use of prophylactics had become the prevailing practice in the raising of eels in China, thus long and large eels had become less popular as more consumers found out how they were being raised.

This has led to increased demand for the imported variety.

But imported eels have also raised safety concerns. At the end of 2006, Shenzhen entry-exit inspection authorities found green and violet crystal residue in eels. The residue, from drugs used to kill parasites, were believed to be carcinogenic.

The Shanghai bureau said it was strengthening inspection of imported eels, and were suggesting that all ports in the country do the same.

"We hope that the state authorities can suspend the approval of eel imports for some time," said Li.

I ate baby eels once, not knowing what it was, I thought it was chopped eggplant as the shape was similar and it was covered in a brown tasty sauce.  After the second bite I realized what it was and stopped eating it, there was a bit of a strange flavor, that at first was covered by the sauce.

The BBQ - Shanghai Style

We live in a big big city, 22 million residents, 988 skyscrapers, and 125 parks.  In most of these parks (95%) it is forbidden to sit on the grass, you certainly cannot bring a BBQ, no frisbee or ball playing.  You can do Tai Chi, fan dancing, line dancing, singing, playing an instrument and playing cards are all acceptable.  That is if you can find an unoccupied bench or you can put one of your folding stools on the walking paths or you just dance on the walking path.  And yes that would mean you are in the way. Oh, riding your bike through the park is fine too. And yes you are in the way when you ride your bike trying to get around ALL THE PEOPLE.

I live in a lovely building with it's own roof top terrace, OK 8th floor terrace.  We have a play ground in one corner, a driving range, basketball court, a strip of grass with lawn chairs to sun yourself, a pool with a pool bar.  Pool bar only open May 10 - Sept.1, which I think is strange as it belongs to the hotel part of the complex not the serviced apartment division.  But they serve my favorite, watermelon juice, unfortunately at Ritz Carlton Hotel prices.  But I digress....

The upper part of the terrace has tables and chairs and two BBQ's.  You can reserve them and have parties, or just have a nice BBQ with your family.  Our good friend Julian decided to have take advantage of the warming weather, not too hot, not too cool and invite friends out for a BBQ.  Julian supplied the meats and drinks and everyone else either brought a salad or dessert.  Sort of pot luck BBQ.

Here is our chef, Julian! He grilled up a storm!  BBQ chicken, sausages, ribs and a lamb shoulder!

The party started at 4pm and lasted well into the evening.

After we had finished eating we pulled our chairs around and had a lovely chat about living in Shanghai as expats.  Lots of funny stories were told.

Lots of left overs.  The metal bowl on the left side of the picture is my cous cous salad with feta, tomato, cucumber, onion and parsley with a lemon dressing.   It was very yummy! The bowl was full when I brought it, I suppose it was enjoyed as two thirds are gone.

And that's how it's done Shanghai style!

Dressing for class.

Some of the kids like to dress to express themselves.  Since they spent their high school, middle school and elementary school years in uniform they are thrilled to have the chance to wear what they like.  This young lady in the green skirt is unusally tall even by western standards.   Add to her height, these very high heels.  I thought the contrast of her friend was really nice.  Sweatpants and sneakers next to the 'fashionista'.

Trip to the Fish Market

I had heard about the fish market for a couple of years now (we have been in Shanghai for 2 years and 4 months) and have been quite curious to go visit and perhaps even purchase some fish.  The thing is every time I buy fish other than salmon or frozen tilapia I end up with something very fishy tasting and I don't like it.  Is it the waters of China? The fish farms? I have been told most of the good tasting fish is imported.  There are a few species that are seemingly mild in flavor I am told, or are they?  Since I usually end up eating them covered in some sort of soy sauce or spicy sauce I can't be sure.  So instead of worrying about getting a nice piece of fish to cook at home, I now only eat fish out at restaurants.  Well except for salmon, that I still buy, at $15.00 a pound, to cook at home. Here are a few pictures of the fish at the fish market.

I thought these guys were pretty interesting with their mouths wide open.

All kinds of mollusks, including giant clams.

 Imported Shrimp from the USA.

The fish are displayed beautifully.

Eels.  I had them once about 2 years ago, without realizing it until the second bite and then I took one more bite to be sure. They were cooked in a dark sauce and resembled cut up eggplant.  I was excited, at the time, to try the unknown dish as it looked good, and the first bite was really good, except after I swallowed I thought, hmmm that's not eggplant texture.  So I tried another bite and got a bit of fishy taste, fortunately the sauce was stronger to cover that taste.  And of course just to confirm I shoveled one more mouthful in and decided I did not care for the flavor, no more tastes.

Imported salmon from Norway we were told. The salmon heads are in the basket under the counter, which are for sale, no extra charge for the dirt.

Here is the inside of the market, I am pretty sure you don't want to go there in the summer, I think the smell would completely put you off fish forever.  It was a cold rainy March day so not too smelly. Do you see the windows in the top of the picture?

Now notice the ladder in the back of this picture.

And the ladder here.

And here.

We think that there are apartments are above the stalls.  What a place to live. Wow. I like to think it's just storage but my friends insisted that there were living quarters above. 

Fish delivery guy.  I suppose the styrofoam and ice are good insulation.

This is the fella we bought our lunch from, the Chinese always give you the two finger wave when they get their pictures taken.  What you can do at these markets is pick your fish pay and then take it to the local restaurant and they will cook it for you for a small fee.

Here we are discussing how we want our seafood cooked.  Which of course got lost in translation or perhaps they just decided they knew best how to prepare our various selections.   Doesn't matter as every dish was cooked to perfection and we enjoyed it immensely.

Sauteed clams in a spicy sauce, sauteed fish in a light soy and vinegar sauce, lightly fried shrimps with black pepper and salt, some sauteed vegetable that we could not identify.

The remains of the meal.  The salt and pepper shrimp were quite tasty, but then most things fried are good! The fish was excellent, I wish I knew how to cook it like that!!!

I will probably never go back as I can buy my salmon nearby my apartment but it certainly was a fun and interesting experience with my friends.

As an added bonus I captured one of the waitresses cleaning........her teeth!

Success!

Smoothies and fresh watermelon juice, I just can't get enough!

Another weekend has past us by and we were out and about trying out restaurants that have outdoor seating.  And I am also drinking my way through Shanghai trying out all the refreshing smoothies and freshly squeezed fruit juices.  My favorite being watermelon juice!!  This was first discovered at Malone's Bar and Grill, the joint around the corner from our apartment back in July of 2009.  With Lisa(who was visiting) in tow we headed out for a cocktail before dinner and there is where we first drank a watermelon martini.  Now this was not really a martini. This was watermelon juice with vodka in a martini glass....yummmm.  They went down easily and realized this could be a dangerous combination.  Shortly thereafter I noticed on almost every menu in Shanghai, Chinese and western restaurants alike, watermelon juice is a staple!  So no need to drink it with vodka, just a straight juice please!!  And I do, often.

 Here we are at Mesa on Saturday morning having our mango smoothie and breakfast.  While it looks pretty good on the plate it was not very tasty at all.  Two COLD poached eggs with a pumpkin hollendaise sauce, a gratin of broccoli and potato. The gratin was not very good as it was swimming in a bland cream sauce and the potatoes were shredded but looked and tasted uncooked.  The bread was wonderbread in texture, no crust or crunch but the grilled tomatoes were excellent!

 Tony seemed to fare better, a small greek salad and poach eggs with spinach on one and smoked salmon on the other.  The outside deck was pleasant but we will not be going back as the food was miss-able. Although I liked the mango smoothie.

 Next up was Sunday breakfast, after Tony's 2 hour and 10 minute run outside in Shanghai - he went at 5am to avoid the crowds.  We headed down to Element Fresh, Tony's favorite restaurant, he eats lunch here almost everyday.  We like this outside deck and this location as it is on the second floor of our building.  Not too far to go.  And if you are super lazy or super busy.....like me!!....you can actually order a Watermelon juice or raspberry rage smoothie and they will deliver it!! No charge!! You don't have to have a minimum $$ order, you can just order one juice! It's unfortunate that I cannot go down, in the elevator, 28 floors and pick up my own juice, but I do enjoy the service and it makes me smile. 

The day it all came to an end....almost.

 I was innocently taking pictures the other day and took one of this couple carting wood and cardboard to the recycling center.  This is one of Tony's favorite sights as it's usually the woman who is pulling the cart and the man walking along side.  He thinks, FINALLY someone pulling their weight! 

 Well, things didn't go well for me, the lead dog on this cart did not want me taking pictures of her and her business.  She waved me off.  And then when I snapped yet another shot........

 She turned and grabbed a short 2x4, took a step toward me and brandished it in the air as if to say, "I'm going to knock your block off if you take one more picture!"

Why?Why does she care if I take a picture?  Here are some of the reasons.  She perhaps has been told that foreigners like to take pictures of the poor to show that China is not modern or developed. True, this rumor abounds as I learned from my students.  Or perhaps she just doesn't like her picture taken since she didn't get a chance to wash her hair last night?  And then perhaps I just irritated her.  What ever the reason she was mad!

I gave her a big smile, a wave and tucked my camera into my bag and walked away.  Hey she wasn't THAT pretty anyway!