Expo 2010 Shanghai China 中国2010年上海世界博览会

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_2010

Expo 2010 Shanghai China 中国2010年上海世界博览会 was held on both banks of the Huangpu River in the city of Shanghai, China, from May 1 to October 31, 2010. It was a major World Expo in the tradition of international fairs and expositions, the first since 1992. The theme of the exposition was "Better City – Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status in the 21st century as the "next great world city". The Expo emblem features the Chinese character 世 ('world', Chinese "shì") modified to represent three people together with the 2010 date. It had the largest number of countries participating and was the most expensive Expo in the history of the world's fairs. The Shanghai World Expo was also the largest World's Fair site ever at 5.28 square km. By the end of the expo, over 73 million people had visited; a record attendance and 250 countries and international organizations had participated. On October 16, 2010, the expo set a single-day record of having over 1.03 million visitors enter the exhibition that day

On Friday, most of the colleagues had already flown back. The colleague from Taiwan, Istanbul and I decided to visit the Shanghai Expo. Thanks to our Shanghai colleagues for the tickets.

Regal Shanghai East Asia Hotel, Shanghai

800 Ling Ling Road, Xu Hui District, Shanghai 200030, China

中国上海市徐汇区零陵路800号

The hotel is situated in the heart of Xu Jia Hui commercial and shopping district. This location is ideal as it’s close to many restaurants and is only 20-minutes drive from Hong Qiao Airport and 30 minutes drive to the office. It was also the preferred hotel selected by Shanghai Expo. Bureau

The first thing that strikes me about Regal is its unusual location; it is integrated with the Shanghai Stadium. I did feel a little strange to be staying “in” a stadium. However, if the taxi driver lost his way, the stadium became a good landmark to direct the driver to.

I will always (specifically) request for a non-smoking room wherever I travel. The weird thing is, there were two ash trays in my room. I clarified with the reception staffs and they insisted they have given me a non-smoking room. Then what were two ash trays doing in my room? *scratch head* Anyway I did not pursue the matter as there was no noticeable cigarette smell in the room.

Overall, the service is only average. The staffs at the concierge are helpful but the reception staffs did not seem to like to smile. The room was spacious and clean. The window curtains were electrically operated. The speed of broad band internet access was also reasonable.

Once, I could not get any lights in the room after I returned from work. I guessed the power had gone off. I called the service desk and got a prompt response.

They served both American and Chinese food at the buffet breakfast but it was almost the same dishes during my 7-days stay.

I prefer to post up photos of the room I had stayed in

Nothing beats personal experiences

Ash tray 1

Ash tray 2



View from my room

 

Around the hotel

Back to the 1930s old Shanghai

In the mid of a bustling city, there lies a hub of art galleries, cosy cafes, interesting restaurants and craft shops. It is a total different world! Back to the 30s, the old Shanghai!

I was introduced to this restaurant, FIVE by colleague in Shanghai office. He is a Singaporean Malay who speaks very fluent Mandarin! FIVE serves asian cusine. It is located between Taikang Road 泰康路 and Sinan Road 思南路. As I came straight from office, I did not have my DSLR with me. All pictures are taken with Ixus 75 which did not do any justice to this place!

FIVE refers to the 5 elements - Fire, Earth, Water, Wood and Metal
(I only managed to get 4 out of 5 name cards ; the restaurant ran out of "metal" namecard)

Taikang Road was built in the 1930s as a residential district but it was restored and converted to a tourist attraction in 2006.

You'll get a surprise at every turn and bend.

This place is full of mystique; I wouldn't mind getting lost in it.

Traditional architecture

Cosy lanes

Art galleries

The alleys

Interesting restaurants

 

Shop selling unique gifts

I wish I had more time to explore this place. 

Mythos restaurant & bar 米索斯希腊餐厅酒吧

I was in Shanghai for work during October 2010; flew on the 10am Saturday flight but the meeting is scheduled for the following Monday afternoon. The flights on Sunday were full and my return flight was still on waiting list. This was likely due to Shanghai Expo. So, I had the chance to meet up with an old friend, Megan, who was also on a work trip.

On Sunday, she took me to this Greek restaurant along Huangpu River and the Bund. We both ordered pasta carbonara so I do not think I am in a good position to comment on their menu. The service is obviously lacking; we were the only customers in the restaurant at that time but it took quite long for the food to be served.

I am smitten with the (day) view! I believe the view at night will be even more captivating! If you like Greece, you will like the décor - white wash, blue and everything Mediterranean! We spent the entire afternoon at Mythos as we had so much to catch up! This is the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Mythos Restaurant and Bar

The Cool Docks, Bldg 6, 479 Zhongshan Nanlu, Huangpu District, Shanghai

上海市黄浦区中山南路479弄6号楼 近复兴东路

 Mediterranean!

Our window view (to the right and to the left)

 

White wash and blue



We witnessed a wedding from the roof terrace of Mythos. Sweet!

20110320 Brunch at Epicurious, Rail Mall

Shout out > Sunday is made for brunch!

This blog is still very much alive. I had been terribly busy for the past 6 months and had neglected this space. To begin with something yummy and happy – Sunday brunch at Epicurious! They have two outlets; we went to the one at Rail Mall. The other outlet is at Robertson Quay. (Thanks peeps, for choosing the Rail Mall outlet which is near to my home. Appreciate it!)

We were under the impression that they do not take reservations for weekend lunches and brunches. But apparently they do! Emily was the first to reach and the waiter asked her, “any reservations?” *Mega roll eye*

The waiter later clarified that they only take reservations for the Rail Mall outlet. Anyway, we were there for about 1.5 hours and the cafe was barely half occupied. The crowd was made up of families and friends meeting up.

It is not difficult to find this cafe. It overlooks the railway bridge and is between Bukit Timah Hill Nature Reserve and Dairy Farm Nature Park. But beware! Parking is horrible! The car park was jammed with waiting cars and I cannot remember how many rounds I had to make. (I was silently wishing that I won’t get a parallel parking lot. I know! Begger should not be choosy!) It took some luck and 20 minutes for me to get a parking lot. Derrick was luckier; he managed to get a lot pretty fast.

My first impression of Epicurious, rail mall – I was confused by the decor! But overall, the ambience is cozy. The waiters were attentive and friendly. They also had al fresco dining but it was not suitable for that time of the day.

Derrick and Emily had the Eggs Benedict. Belinda had the Baked Eggs with Toast Soldiers and I chose the Smoked Salmon Sandwich. (I was craving for salmon that day!) I only ate half of my sandwich. The bread was hard but those chunks of cheese and the smoked salmon made up for it. Belinda’s baked eggs were very watery. We were expecting something cheesy and creamy. In the end, she had to ask for a spoon. The Eggs Benedict was considered disappointing if we were to compare it with the other brunch places we had been.

We also ordered the pancakes and choco-nana toast to share. I enjoyed the sweets more than my mains. The pancakes were soft and fluffy! And the choco-nana sandwich was uh-ah warm and chocolate-ly. Though I wished they had thrown in more strawberries and bananas!  We did not stay for coffee but popped over to Coffee Bean instead.

I wouldn’t mind going back to Epicurious, Rail Mall for the sweets. This place is also nice for a good catch up with friends over desserts.