48 Hours in Shanghai

I wish I were that inspiring travel blogger that could give you an awesome 48 hour itinerary for Shanghai…. Who could recommend all of the “must” sees and culinary delights… But alas, in this instance- I cannot. My 48 hours in Shanghai consisted of sleeping, eating, and drinking. Now, repeat that about 5 times.

A friend and I stayed at the Renaissance Yu Garden. It was a beautiful (western) hotel, in a prime location. If not walking distance, then a short and cheap Didi ride to your destinations. The rooms were spacious, the bar served up great cocktails and even better American food, and the bathroom luxurious. To enhance the bathing experience, the hotel offers relaxing bath salts. I had called the front desk requesting this amenity, and minutes later a phone call came that my package had arrived.

…. I really wish I could upload videos to this blog.

What I found when I opened my door was a robot… who talked me through the process of opening his “compartment”. After receiving my items, he left towards the elevator, thanking me, saying, “I look forward to serving you again”. I was stunned. Towels? Additional bath salts? Toiletries? Yes, please! Mr. Robot, I am ready to be “served”!

My first day in Shanghai was by no means, exploring weather, as it was raining and chilly. So, after having a drink and lunch at the hotel bar, I was thankful that my gal pal who had gotten into town a few days prior, having a head start on Tinder, stacked her dates… and was going on one that afternoon. Let the peaceful nap time commence.

When I awoke hours later, I took a bath and got ready for the night ahead. My friend let me crash her Tinder date, meeting them at a Rooftop, “The Fella’s”. The bite of an appetizer and the mojito were delicious, but the view stole the evening.

Shanghai offered me what I miss most about home. The beauty. The water. The lights. The skyline.

The entire skyline lights up until 11pm, and is a sight to be seen. The Architecture, and stories behind each building are mesmerizing.

There are plenty of expat bars, so we thought we would start there. We grabbed a beer and burger at Boxing Cat brewery, and headed to Harley’s.

Harley’s…. Well, there was a live rock band (slightly horrendous) with a small possey, a pool table, and darts. Unfortuanately, that was it. This would have been an excellent time, for me to actually *listen* to others who initially tried to steer me clear from Harley’s. Lesson learned.

I had my Asahi, and called it a night.

On Saturday, we strolled through the “Red Lantern” Street, which is very similar to Wangfujing Snack Street in Beijing. There were stalls with snacks (not as exotic as Wangfujing), restaurants, and antique shops… However, the vast streets were primarily for shopping enthusiasts. The stalls sold similar items, so visit a few before you make your purchase… You may save yourself some major ¥

I picked up this amazing copper Buddha… I joked with my colleagues telling them I would place it on my desk to express my current mood… Warning them when to stay away 😉

I wasn’t daring enough to try any of the street food, saving my appetite for the French Concession.

Of course the 2 American broads end up at the Mexican Restaurant, sipping on margaritas, while exploring a new city in Asia. Typical.

Speaking of which, a helpful hint for the boozehounds… When asking for a cocktail, ask your server for “Duo hejiu” 多喝酒 “more alcohol”. It’s not like the states where you initially ask and pay for a double. Here, they look you square in the eye, while pouring the bottle, with a wicked grin, daring you to drink their concoction. Then, they watch you take each sip, impressed when you take it down like a champ. Of course, I’ve only heard such tales… 😉

After a bit of shopping, we stopped for coffee at the “Zoo”. My friend couldn’t understand the concept of attracting people into a coffee shop that held hundreds of stuffed animals of varying size, from being perched on tables to hanging from the ceiling, but we are in China after all. Of course, this would reel ‘em in. It reeled us in after all… There are plenty of Zoo Coffee’s throughout Shanghai- check one out.

I headed back to the hotel, for yet another nap and bathing experience before embarking on the evening. Saturday night, I met an old roommate from Chicago who now lives in China as well. I met her and her crew on The Bund, at the Indigo Hotel rooftop bar. It reminded me of the Godfrey in Chicago, but on the 30th floor, with a view even better than the night before.

Saturday night got a bit more wild… I went on a walking adventure, in hopes of finding a late night bar… unfortunately, most were closed, but the walk did lead me to a fabulous jazz bar… For the Chicagoans, it reminded me of Kingston Mines… Awesome atmosphere, even better company.

Sunday, my friend and I had high hopes of hitting the spots… The Water Town… The Garden… anything to make up for our lazy days. However, after a too late night…. We ended up back in the French Concession… just as I often end up back in Sanlitun time and time again… We had lunch at a German restaurant, all set up and ready to go for Oktoberfest season. I had the best fish fillet pita wrap, served to me by an Asian in liederhosen.

I felt like I needed some Jesus in my life— It was Sunday after all…and if my Grandma is reading this, she’ll be pleased to read— I made it to church. I went to St. Ignatius Cathedral, asking for repentance for all of my recent sins… I mean, thanking Jesus for all of my recent blessings.

They also have a gift shop, where they sell the Church wine. It’s actually a pretty legit selection… You know, if that’s what it takes to get you to church.

Do you want an awesome 48 hour itinerary for Shanghai? Next time 😉

Ps- How many Asians does it take to get you from Point A to Point B?