Monthly Archives: April 2012

April 9th: Blood and Yang Pu

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Having been warned about the medicals (lots of rooms, lots of people poking and prodding), it appears we got off somewhat likely with just a blood test and nowt else.  So we felt a little guilty rushing in and straight out amongst all the bewildered westerners (wearing elegant “medical robes”) as they shuffled from Doctor to Doctor.

Only a little, mind.

So the first ever day in the Chinese office today for Bronwen (that’s the Yang Pu bit).  But at least that followed a good night’s sleep, following the arrival of the Ikea bed on Sunday afternoon.  I bet the Ikea delivery men also slept well, after lugging the bed, slats and mattress up four flights of stairs…

7th April 2012: Chinese Curry

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And so it proves impossible to go more than a few days without having a curry.  The venue for our first curry as semi-permanent residents was Masala Art on Dagu Road, accompanied by Tim and Sarah (Bradford).  Not too bad a meal once we eventually managed to find the place…

The curry made up for yet another day of exotic shopping – today’s highlight: a clothes airer.  Given the Shanghainese people seem to excel at drying clothes any way possible (on top of shops, hanging from roof tops, across electricity cables –  to name but a few) I can’t believe how bloomin’ difficult it was to find one of the things!

Evening finished off at the Shanghai Brewery 2 in the heart of the French Concession area, joined by Haydn.  The idea was to  enjoy the Liverpool v Villa game whilst enjoying a few pints.  We managed the latter, but since the game was being shown, we certainly didn’t manage the former (final score:1-1).

6th April 2012: Ikea and French Bars

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We think we’ve ordered a bed… We’ve certainly paid for one, but no idea if the address translated well… Or when it will arrive…  Shedloads of stuff purchased in  Ikea though.

Evening spent in a local French bar – Citizen Bar and Cafe.  Nice and relaxing way to end the first full day in Shanghai…

5th April 2012: Must shop…

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“Let’s live in an unfurnished apartment”.  

Brilliant, apart from the weeks/months waiting for stuff to arrive.  So a few hours after landing and getting keys to the house, we’re off to Carrefour to try and buy some essentials.  Living the Chinese dream, we bought a toaster, kettle and hairdryer.  Each one apparently the “best in China” according to the incredibly helpful shop assistant.

Back home and we discovered the joys of the Sherpas – a Shanghai-wide home delivery service from pretty much any local restaurant.  All for the princely sum of 150RMB (about £1.50).

In bed by 8pm… I say “in bed”, I mean “on inflatable mattress”.

5th April 2012: Sims Arrive in Shanghai

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“Here?  Here?  HERE?”

The two Virgin Atlantic chauffeurs seems a little concerned about our choice of destination, unwilling as they were to proceed any further down the narrow lane leading to our Shanghai house.  Unloading 7 suitcases, 1 guitar, 4 bits of hand luggage (plus a little duty free) and lugging them down the lane was always going to be a challenge – many thanks to the workmen currently finishing off work in the house for helping to carry them up three flights of stairs (and no thanks to the Virgin Atlantic drivers).

The sheer amount of luggage was always going to be a bit of a challenge – from grabbing the suitcases as they arrived in the airport (although a genius idea from Bronwen to put colour-coded luggage straps around each one eased the task somewhat) to watching the Virgin drivers struggle to load them all into two saloon cars.  Rhian had suggested we may look like royalty arriving with so many suitcases – although it’s probably normal for royalty to have co-ordinated, matching suitcases, rather than 7 completely different ones.  And fortunately, the lovely customs officials decided we were struggling enough without having to place them through the scanner upon arrival.

So one housecheck later (locks on front door – yes please, bare wires and light-bulb above shower – no thanks) and we were in.

The house is fantastic.   It’ll be even better once we have furniture…