Chinese hospitality

The Bund

We had an awsome weekend. On Friday evening, we (DH, his colleague A, Sunshine and I)  went to explore The Bund and the Nanjing Road. Did I say that I did not see many tall buildings here? I could not be more wrong! Move over Manhattan... Shanghai has arrived. The ever expanding city's skyline is tall and beautiful at night. The Oriental Pearl Tower and all the adjoining skyscrapers lighted up with huge LEDs featuring ads make a very imposing, very glamorous sight at night.

We could not do any shopping on Nanjing Road as we were quite late and most shops were closing down. We were approached by several hawkers offering 'designer' bags and watches though.

On Saturday, we had a true taste of Chinese hospitality and we were touched. DH's colleague and friend F, his wife B and his cute little son took us out to the Century Park and then for one of the best Lunches we have ever had. All the Chinese food that I have eaten so far, be it in India or Germany was fake. This was real Szechuan food and it was heaven on a plate... many plates actually. F ordered enough for an army and later explained to us that it is Chinese custom to order in excess as a sign of respect to the guests. If just enough was ordered or if the guests could finish everything ordered, it reflects very poorly on the host. I must say our hosts were spectacular; they chose excellent food and our table was full after we had all finished our meals.   There was enough food left on the table for another 4-6 people!

Scrumptious Szechuan food

After our lunch both the babies slept off, so we went back to the hotel room and it was time for the girls to get some 'me time' while the guys baby sat. So B and I set off to the city center for a Facial massage. We had it in a salon right in the middle of the city, right next to the world financial center. Yet it cost me only 200 bucks (thanks to the special 65%discount that B got me)for 11/2 hours of pure luxury. I drifted in and out of sleep as the masseuse worked her magic on my back, face and neck and followed it with some cooling face mask. I felt so relaxed especially after the many sleepless nights. There was no time for shopping as it was time for dinner. This time DH's German colleague A also joined us. It was Chinese hospitality at work again - this time a table full of Shanghai specialities - way more than we could even dream of finishing especially after the kind of lunch that we had. Despite our protests F and B paid for all of us again. We came back to the room very satisfied, very touched, in love with Shanghai and China.

Deep pockets do not maketh a big heart! It is not just that F and B bought us lunch and dinner - they were such great company, they spent their entire Saturday with us so that we can have a slice of real Shanghai and they did it all with genuine affection. I am so grateful to them for this experience.