Travel Food Tripping at: Shanghai City

I am back!!! Bad timing, I woke up with throat ache and stuff nose!  I thought drowning myself with water would help but too late!  I guess it's the Flu Season in Shanghai plus the weird super hot and humid weather then the sudden pour!  Sad to say, I'm human, so I got sick! :(  

Well, Shanghai is a great place to food trip because there are variety of food available for almost all nationalities!  My first meal in Shanghai was with my brother and he recommended me this Vietnamese restaurant which I like!

Pho Sizzling

Weird name but it's located at Nanjing West Road near Marks & Spencer.  Located at the 2nd floor!  I wouldn't see this restaurant if it weren't for my brother! :)

Beef Noodle Soup

Beef noodle soup mixed with beef balls

My order!  I can't finish this up!

The second day, I  went for full day meeting/work, I just had sandwich for lunch and for dinner, met up with my brother again to go back to my favorite curry house, COCO Curry!  I ordered the exact dish I ordered 3 years ago.  Pork Chop Curry!  I died and went to Curry Heaven!

Felt guilty as my brother is coughing like mad so he did not order anything spicy and opted for Chicken Salad instead.

Each table, you'll see a jar of this crunchy vegetable (sorry, I wasn't able to ask what kind of vegetable), I love putting this on top of my Curry Rice!

And I finished my first Happy Lemon Pudding Milk Tea (for this trip) coz I had seconds!  *laughs*  I personally liked the taste of Happy Lemon in Shanghai better than here in Manila!  The taste is just right and there's no bitter taste at all!  And the best?   Pudding is abundant!  I can bite pudding all the way until I finished the drink!

On the third day, I went to work again so I wasn't able to do anything exciting!  Had simple sandwich for lunch then went out with my dear friend for dinner at a restaurant called Element Fresh, located at Ritz-Carlton Hotel!  Very posh!  A lot of foreigners like it here!  We actually waited for at least 10 minutes for our table!

I was feeling a bit too tired so I went healthy instead, ordered Classic Cobb.

It was a hearty portion of grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, avocado, tomato, hardboiled egg, bacon and onion all chopped into good size served on a bed of crispy lettuce and pita bread!  Dressing on the side was 1000 Dressing :)

Ok, first 3 days, I've been eating non-Chinese food!  Hey, I'm in Shanghai!  I want Chinese food!  Well, I'll talk more about my food experiences in Shanghai on my part 2 report!  :)  Watch out for it!

I'm seriously thankful I got sick on my last day, I won't be able to survive all the walking I did when I'm feeling this way! 

Normal blogging will be back!   More reviews and information coming up soon! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Travel Report: Shanghai Shopping for Clothes

Dear AMW Readers, by the time you're reading this, I'm on my way to the airport goingg back to Manila!  I can't wait!  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the trip as I have a dearest brother who accompanied me for lunch and dinner and constantly messages me to make sure I don't get lost!  Traveling and walking around on my own is not so bad!  I guess I'm used to it and it was nice reminiscing those days when I used to live alone.

Okay, let meet get back to my travel report! I must have been a good girl to be here when almost everything's on sale!  Marks & Spencer, GAP, H&M, Uniqlo, Bossini, Esprit, G2000 etc... these international clothing brands are on Season Changing Sale!  It goes from 50%-80% off!  Nice huh?  Plus the fact that the weather is quite warm here so it's all summer clothes!  Perfect for Manila weather!

First night, I've checked out Marks & Spencer....

Bought something!  *laughs*  

Starting here, all the photos are from mobile phone, sorry but it's all ninja shots so the angle isn't that great!  Photo-taking is not allowed...shoot me!  (Thinking twice, nah, just forgive me!) :P

I do like Marks & Spencer here in Shanghai, they have more clothing and shoe choices.

Another favorite of mine, I think I entered this store 3 times!  I do wish H&M will come to Manila.  I bought some for gifts.  It helps that they were on sale too! 

Belts, scarves and accessories

Nice mannequin display! 

Bags

Cute hair accessories

Esprit store
Quite huge in Hong Kong, also huge in China!
Can you see the Final Sale sign?

Bossini!
FTW!  They have SMURF shirts and I Love them!  Too cute!

Jessica
Quite famous here in China and Hong Kong for their girly outfit!

Devil Nut
I'm not really familiar with this brand but I find their store and merchandise too cute!

Also on sale, GAP store, I like the quality of GAP shirts and I found a great great deal!  Imagine the price of 350+rmb shirt costs 48rmb!  Great buy, but I'm just lucky it has the size I want!  And it's one piece left!

American Eagle Outfitters

I haven't seen anything I like plus they're quite pricey!

The best sale store G2000!  Aside from the 50-80% discount, you get additional 10% off if you buy 2 items, 20% off for 3 items and above!  I was told that this one at Nanjing Xi Lu is an outlet store.

Do not expect fashionable items though, this store is great for basic office wear.  I like that the quality is also good.  Would you believe everything here is even cheaper as compared to Hong Kong?  I am so happy because I was able to purchase 2 pocket Shirt for my dad!  I've searched high and low for this design! (FYI: None in Hong Kong, can't find them in Korea, so I guess it's Shanghai!)

Also found a cute store who sells random cute stuff, including hair accessories!

More accessories

I nearly went crazy!

Shopping for clothes isn't my number 1 priority when I arrived Shanghai, I am just lucky its the sale season so I bought most of them for gifts!  When it comes to international brands (cosmetics, skincare, clothing), everything is more expensive in China so try to come here without the focus on shopping, you may be disappointed!  

Let's not forget, travel isn't fun without food adventure!  I'll blog about it soon! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy

Travel Report: Shanghai Haigang Hotel

(Note from Author: I am still blogging on a super weird internet connection, photos aren't showing up on my side but I hope it does on yours!  If not, please bear with me, I'll fix it once I get back!)
Happy Wednesday!  As promised, I will be posting about the Hotel where I am staying!  The hotel name is Shanghai Haigang Hotel (Shanghai Harbour Hotel).

The hotel is actually a 2-star hotel but 2-star hotels in China are almost equivalent to 3-4 star ratings in Manila!  The bed looks great BUT, I had a hard time sleeping on my first night as it's hard and my back was hurting so much!  You know what I did?  I created "quilted" sheets with my blanket and I thought of that idea around 2:00am!  *laughs* So I was able to go to La-La-Land around 2:30am!  Too late, but I blend well with my "Panda" nails the day after! :P

There's a mini-fridge, a flat screen TV and the best of all?  Free LAN internet.  The internet connection gets wonky around 7:00-10:00pm though and I can't seem to chat with my family via Yahoo Messenger as I was disconnected nth time during chat!  It's frustrating but come to think of it, it's free!  No point in complaining.

There's a dresser and a SAFE!  But I didn't get to use it as I'm scared of even opening this cabinet!  Had this feeling that "Sadako" will come out anytime soon?  *laughs*  You can't blame me, I'm alone in a foreign land!

Bathroom looks like any other hostel/hotel bathrooms, they got basic necessities like toothbrush and toothpaste, shower cap, shampoo and conditioner and towels good for one. They can even lend you a travel hair dryer if you asked for it (in Chinese)!  Thank goodness I brought my own toiletries!  

There's a funny story about their service though, for a 2-star hotel, do not expect 3 star hotel service, actually I don't see much service at all!  I was there, tired from flight and was wondering why the bathtub gets flooded, I was calling their room service for help and 2x, I was given instructions in Chinese on how to deal with it!  *laughs* I was thinking: "If I can't do it, I won't ask for help right?"  Oh well, thank God for my IQ, I was able to figure it out on my own, no thanks to the service rep!

There are better hotels out there for sure but NOTHING beats the location! It's only a couple of minutes walk to the subway station and I am surrounded with restaurants after restaurants and a lot of shops!  Oooohhh, Lucky me!  Sale Season for stores like H&M, GAP, Uniqlo, Marks & Spencer, etc...!

I haven't taken much pictures inside the stores as I can be shoo-ed away for that!  (according to my brother).  Oh well, I was a diligent reporter, I was able to take a bit of shots still and I'll report back to you! :)

How are things there? 
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Travel Report: Arrival!

Ni Hao Ma? (How are you?)
I'm safe and sound, currently in my  hotel room and will be off to the office soon!  The weather here is quite humid (so goodluck underarms! LOL).

Internet connection in my hotel room is bad and I can't even read some sites!  No to Twitter and no to FB by the way! :) I'm sure a lot of you already knew that I'm not aware of the outside world! :)

The flight went well, I flew via Philippine Airlines and the flight went on smoothly!  What I love about PAL is their food!  I was given a choice between chicken or pork, I opted for the latter and guess what dessert was?  Chocolate Ice Cream!  I gave it a skip and asked for my trustee coffee as I watched THOR inside the plane!  Thank goodness I finally watched it!

Thanks to my dear brother who is so sweet to call in a private cab, to make sure I'm safe!  Sweet guy helped me with my luggage and all I did was relax for an hour drive from Pudong Airport to my Hotel.

Ahhh, Hotel, I am staying at Shanghai Haigang Hotel, that's another story worth posting!  Will tell you more about it soon!  Hope things are doing well for you guys!  I hope my pictures show up as it's not showing up here! LOL

Keep smilin' 

Stay happy!

Shanghai! I'm back!!!

Happy Monday everyone!  By the time you're reading this, I'm probably off to the airport (or probably oversleeping) as I'm off to Shanghai today!  Before you get too excited, it's not all about fun!  I'm off to Shanghai for work...... THEN play! :P 

I will update you as much as I can!  I can't wait to see what Shanghai has to offer after almost 3 years?  The last time I was there was around 2008!  Can't wait to see my brother too!

There's nothing much to shop in Shanghai especially on international brands as I believe they are more expensive there!  It wouldn't hurt to check out Sephora Stores in China though!  I've researched and found a couple of branches --- that, if I don't get lost!

I am not even sure if I'll be doing the usual tourist-y stuff as I've done that before.  My favorite place aside from The Bund and the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower is the YuYuan Garden.  I wouldn't mind going back just to chill!

I will definitely try more food!!!  The area I will be staying is near a road that sells delicious and inexpensive local food!

Stinky Tofu is surprisingly good yet...ahmm..stinky!  Not craving for it but who knows?  Maybe, I can give it another chance!

I don't mind lining up again for....

THIS! :)

I know we have Lord's Stow down here which is as good, but this one has a more "egg taste"

I love curry!  I've eaten at a restaurant chain called CoCo and I was told by my brother that they branched out to malls!  I wish there's a branch near the hotel I will be staying!

Thank goodness the hotel is near a subway station!  

Easy for me to walk around the city on my own!

It's also a pro that I can speak the language, BUT, need to brush up my Mandarin skills!  

Not looking forward to the "blank faces" from locals who goes... : "EH?"
when they don't get what I'm saying! 

Oh, one thing more, the Subway in Shanghai is a bit confusing!  Too many people, most stops are in Chinese, or ALL stops are in Chinese?  ( I can't seem to remember.).

It'll be an adventure I will report once I get the chance!
Pray that I don't get lost ok?  Thank you!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy

Hi from Macau!

By the time you're reading this, it's my last day in Macau.  I booked a 4 days 3 nights trip with mom, brother and hubby.  I've been to Macau more than 5 years ago but things have changed!  The Macau today is definitely more exciting as ever!

Here's a recap on what I did for the past 2 days!

We arrived Macau past 10:00pm so the hungry stomach wanted something too eat! Thanks to dear brother  (who traveled from Shanghai to Macau to surprise mom) for  taking out McDonald's Grilled Chicken Burger. 

A couple of weeks ago, I booked our hotel room online.  May 1-3 is a holiday down here so  most hotels are fully booked.  It was tedious to book a room on hotels within the city proper.  After constant searching, I finally booked at Hotel Royal, which, I think is on top of the mountain or hill, near the Guia Lighthouse Tower.  Its not the best location but it's a nice change outside the hustle and bustle!

Upon arrival, its quite late and we've got nowhere else to go but have a quick stroll nearby the hotel.  Right in front is a nice playground, which of course, yours truly have to go back to childhood and played like a kid as we caught up on each others' lives before we call it the day!

When we woke up the next day, we took a stroll down the city proper and I reunited with my favorite "pink" building near Hotel Lisboa.  I remembered taking a shot down here on January 1, 2004.  The building remain pink as ever!  Wondered if they repainted the building.  Casino Lisboa changed so much too and a new building Grand Lisboa, together with MGM and Wynns was suddenly visible!

Played a bit of crazy game!  Of course I got nothing!  So cute!

On our way to Ruins of St. Paul's Church, we passed by the famous Egg Tart, you can see the long line!!! The shop prides their stall as the Korean series "Boys Over Flowers" had one of their "Macau" scene shot here, when the female lead "Jan Di" bought a box of egg tart and realized her wallet got stolen.

Very sunny day and check out the people who were also there to go up to the remains of St. Paul's Church.  This is definitely a photographers' dream!

You have to pass by beef and pork jerky sellers!  And I swear, you have to pass by hungry!  They give good servings of free samples!  I had unlimited samples of beef and pork jerky at different stalls!  You can also rest and have a drink as some shops have water dispenser.

Never miss Venetian Hotel when you visit Macau.  It's definitely worth the time.  Most hotels offer free shuttle service to Venetian hotel.  It's near the airport which is located on the other side of the island.  Approximately 30 minutes ride without traffic!  Did I gamble here?  Nope! 

Right in front of Venetian Hotel is a new Hotel and Casino called City of Dreams.  We visited this hotel just for the huge LCD monitor with mermaids swimming.  Took a bit of time to get a good shot!  She's computer generated by the way. 

Macau tower shouldn't be missed either.  The first time I visited Macau, I just walked pass this place because it was just an overnight trip.  Now that we're staying longer, we bought tickets and decided to take an elevator ride UP there!  First top is located at the 58th floor as you can have a quick check if you have fear of heights.  In that viewing area, there are 2 locations with glass flooring,  you can step on top of the glass floor and look straight down for a huge adrenaline rush!  A guard went up to me asking me if I'm a "tough" girl, took a shot of me laying down on top of the glass flooring!  That's even crazier! *laughs*

We watched the sunset as people bungy jump!  I chickened out, but who knows?  I may do this.....I definitely included this on my "bucket list"

*sigh* It's really an enjoyable trip and its ending soon.  I'll definitely miss this place!  It's not as accessible as Hong Kong and there's not a lot of restaurants compared to the Philippines.  It's still a great cultural experience.  Seeing Macau the 2nd time around is as exciting as the first!

I'll be going back to Manila soon!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Thanks for reading!