At the end, I just decided I'd see whatever I could, and if I really have too many things left unseen, then I'd make a second trip or somehow slot something in... I guess.
First stop of the day was Yuyuan Gardens. I didn't actually go in due to financial and more importantly, time constraints. I did however, eat Nanxiang's xiao long baos - mission accomplished!
I really do love the effects I got with the two photos below.
I had to use Instagram to highlight what I wanted to portray here because my iPhone's camera couldn't capture this powerfully, unfortunately. It was such a strong contrast - the old, with the new not too far away.
There was an incredibly long queue at Nanxiang's first floor, which was a takeout area specifically for approximately 12 xiao long baos. I could have done that but to be honest, having had xiao long baos everyday for every single meal, the last thing I wanted was quantity. Instead, I chose quality over quantity and proceeded to the restaurant dining area upstairs.
After that, I quickly made my way to the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum. I heard from people at the hostel that there was a cheap imitation goods market at the entrances of the Shanghai Metro station but a quick walk around revealed poor looking imitations.
Plus I was like, "what am I doing? I have standards!" So after a few snapshots of the museum, a famous building used by Hollywood films like Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, Ultraviolet, Mission Impossible 3 and many others, I headed for the Lujiazhui area to attempt some shopping!
If H&M could disappoint, then it must have been really bad. I guess my tastes have changed drastically - I now want to possess an individual style, to wear pieces that help me make a statement. I wanted boots, black jeggings or skinny jeans... you know, that kind of look - something Lujiazhui and Nanjing East Road couldn't provide. So I decided to search for Shanghai's indie district.
I searched, and then some. I got lost, majorly lost. The weather was hot, my toes were breaking into blisters, it's not ideal.
I got lost, but guess what I found!
I always knew I couldn't be a hand model.
After a while, I had to give up... Once I returned to the hostel, I REALLY regretted not checking the map properly because instead of walking up north, I walked down south!! It was a pity, but I did make friends with two new roomies, Andrew and Edwin and even went out with the latter to check out the Bund and Pudong skyline at night, as well as a local gay bar.
Nanjing East Road
The famous Peace Hotel.
Eddy's Bar - sorry for the poor quality pictures.
I'm not sure if you can see but they're two guys right infront - either facing either sides - they're a couple and one of the cutest couples I've ever met.
