Rewind to October 6th, I’m sitting at the dinner table with my girlfriends and all of a sudden I hear:  Do you want to come to Shanghai?!?!?  Ahhh, yeah!

I just moved to Hong Kong, lucky me I had a college friend that lived here so the immersion into life in Hong Kong has been much easier.  I am living the ex-pat life and that means the occasional weekend trip to a destination that most people in 4 out of the 6 continents would consider out of the ordinary.  This time it meant taking a trip to Shanghai, the most developed city in China.
First stop, The Bund.  The most Westerner influenced district in Shanghai.  The Bund is on the Puxi side just by the Huangpu River and it divides old Shanghai from the new financial district of Pudong.  The contrast of the old vs. the new is lovely and no matter on what side you’re standing you’re promised breath-taking views.  Bringing a good pair of comfortable walking shoes and a camera is a must when you’re visiting The Bund.

Then off to the French Concession.  The French Concession is the last standing concession in Shanghai and it was coined the “Paris of the East”, although it is no longer French territory.  When strolling around in this neighborhood you can still feel a je ne seis quoi impregnated in the air.  As you walk through the neighborhood you’re able to appreciate the famous “platanes” a tree that was planted to distinguish the concession as unique from France.  While in the French Concession we went to Mr. Willis for brunch.  As I walked into the resto I felt as if I was walking into my Lela’s (grandmother) house on Sunday for a family affair.  We ordered several dishes, all of them exquisite; the different variations of pate was one of my fav’s. To complete our experience we ordered mimosas and added our own twist, grapefruit instead of orange juice – Delish!  A reservation is highly recommended, especially for parties of 3+.  While exploring Anu Fulu Rd. we came upon Sun Flour Bakery and Cafe, carb heaven!  If you’re up for a croissant in Shanghai this is the place to indulge in it.

Quick pit stop in Tianzhifang market.  This is most definitely a tourist destination, so if you’re not up for bargaining hard for your purchase you’re better off not wasting your time.  I actually didn’t find anything that quite picked my interest, however, just by being there it was an experience.  The most precious memory that I have of Tianzhifang is the picture I took from an old Chinese man.  He reminded me of my grandfather, as he often went out for long walks and ended up in quintessential Colombian markets just for the sake of people watching.  Which I now quite like doing my self…

Last stop, Jade Buddha Temple.  If I had to choose a way to describe this temple is “Despues de la Tormenta viene la Calma”, which translates to madness followed by peacefulness.  The temple is implanted in the midst of a neighborhood and as you go in it is loud, filled with people of all nationalities, cameras, flashes, prayers, songs, flowers, fire.  The Jade Buddha is surrounded by “guards” protecting him at all times, these are represented by halls – which is the madness part.  Then you’re welcomed by peace, serenity, seclusion, beauty – which is the peaceful part.  What was most amazing was the people expressing gratefulness and committed to their convictions, you could breath their devotion.

My visit to this wondrous city was short but sweet and I definitely will be coming back to explore some more.  Hasta la proxima!