It was a busy day yesterday. However, there was positive, expectant energy in the air (in addition to the gray construction dust and humidity.) It was sunny! The sunshine has been a little late in showing up this season, but as of this past week it seems we are now really into summer. I had several things on my plate, but it gave me a chance to revisit some different parts of Shanghai. Mostly my mind was tweaked to notice some details and add some things to my best places.

It was hot as I trudged through the crowd crossing the street at Xujiahui. Taxis honked, traffic inched along trying to make its way through the mobs of jaywalkers. Traffic cops whistled at pedestrians and cars in an effort to bring some order to the chaos of this Shanghai street corner. I was on my way to meet Alan Zagel and his family for lunch. Alan has a big web site about Chinas Rail system.

We chose the food court in the Grand Gateway Mall (Xujiahui and Huashan Rd) to have lunch. This is one of the prettiest and most colorful little corners of the Xujiahui shopping area. After meeting his wonderful family, we chatted about the scene in Shanghai. He also felt the energy and the potential here. He just bought a place here to set up a home. Tasty lunch at the Gyro shop with some interesting conversation.

While at Xujiahui, I stopped at the two, relatively new computer malls on the corner opposite the Grand Gateway. Best computer malls I have seen in Shanghai yet. Dozens of little shops and a few big ones. All the names, both local and international. Even Dell has a shop set up there. A major upgrade to the places I saw 2 years ago. Prices where better, shelves were stocked with every conceivable piece and part, and it was clean and bright. If you want to buy a PC in Shanghai, this is a decent place to start. I asked a little place about a custom built system - and got a quote of less than 4000 RMB. That was 5 times better than my current system. Prices are getting better.

I have a few favorite coffee bars - places I can meet people. When I am on Huaihai Rd, its the Sol Cafe. A little on the expensive side, but the drinks are really great and it is quiet and not crowded. Worth the 28 RMB for a tall iced latte (about the same as Starbucks but in a larger glass.) The other place I meet with friends was on Wujiang Lu. This bright, colorful little street is a walking street lined with small shops and restaurants. I go up to Mr Coffee on the second level. Great people watching spot, attentive staff, and good drinks.

Margaret got off work and met us there and walked down the street to Wujiang Rd on the other side of Shimen Rd. It reminded me a street party. Rows of sparkling lights decorated the streets. All the restaurants had moved table out onto the street. It was like a big party. We were hot, a little sweaty, trying to find a place that looked good and sat down for dinner.

To be continued....

Note: Note: Sol Cafe did not sell enough coffee... I mean I liked it BECAUSE it was so empty. Well, I went by and it was all locked up. Their boss could not make it work. I guess it's back to Mr Coffee for my hangout.