through the looking glass

so I’m going to attempt to go back through time again and while I won’t much be able to stir too many great stories I want to get down geographically relevant information fellow wanderers might be able to get some use out of.

shanghai rocks. I’m not entirely sure it counts as china though. no sound of hawking phlem on the streets or in restaraunts, people seem to realize that using a cell phone is possible without screaming, cabbies wear white gloves, and everyone appears to acknowledge the rules of the road.

unlike beijing, shanghai’s a walking city. wander anywhere and you’ll pass modern malls then ancient villas. beautiful juxtapositions.

favorite walking route :: french concession

things to do ::

check out the art. there’s a plethora of small galleries scattered around town, lots around
the bund. brilliant. pick up a copy of the free english magazine for a full guide.

shop. bargain hard at the fakes market. peek into amazing little stores scattered about.

play. I hear tell of a bar with no name that you have to find without a sign. mmm, worthy.
barring that, ask young locals what’s currently hot, it changes every 30 seconds

best view :: night river cruise

good eats :: too many to list. check out shanghai eats for some great recommendations

eats to be avoided at all costs :: ‘cafe montmartre’ near the fakes market. ugh. down two days thanks to a pretty plate of pasta.

favorite hang-out :: o’malley’s irish pub. highballs, guines on tap, gorgeous food and a fireplace.

our hostel :: shanghai easytour international youth hostel (57 Jiangyin road). brilliant location (near the museum of modern art, people’s park, and huaihua road). not a lot of atmosphere but a very nice staff, clean rooms, and pleasant deck for morning coffee (bought at the starbuck down the road). 50/person/night dorm bed without advance booking.

fyi ::

the subway’s only really useful for very long trips or if you’re solo. within the city proper it’s cheaper for three to cab it than go underground. that and you miss out on the acres of subway malls.

in one of the big malls on huaihua there’s a fantastic english language bookstore. browse with caution, their prices are more often than not astronomical. but worthy of note for those of us jonesing for a good read

in that same mall, and more elsewhere, is the brilliant city shop. foreign food galore. great deli sandwiches too. reasonable prices (considering)

if you can, book your hotel online. prices in person are apparently non negotiable, however most of the sites have a discount available.

beware the touts. seriously, it’s near impossible to walk in some bits due to their overpowering presence. you’ll know you are getting close to the fakes market, as their numbers increase exponentially.