3/16/2010

Slaughterhouse and donuts

I've been making some good friends with my flatmates. Michael is Swiss and is teaching me French. Thanks to Spanish and English, I can already have basic conversations. Anna is Austrian and she is helping Miles learn some German. Between the four of us, we speak 8 languages so we have fun language exchange nights.

This past weekend was the first weekend without rain, so all decided to go and check out a few sights.
First was lunch at Zhapu Lu, one of Shanghai's famous food streets. Everything was covered in bamboo scaffolding, and I assume the entire area is getting a makeover for the Expo. Since Anna is vegan, we went to a vegan restaurant that turned out to be a little disappointing...still fun to walk around though.

I've seen the Chinese Colonel Sanders, but this is the first time I've seen a Chinese Mrs. Colonel Sanders.

We then walked over to 1933 district to check out the Old Millfun, which used to be one of the biggest slaughterhouses in the world. Now it is a high-end shopping mall with American Apparel, cafes, and "Fever Parties". The architecture is fascinating and beautiful--everything is little oppressive, with dark gray concrete and very little sunlight. In the main atrium, winding ramps and narrow stairs criss-cross without any obvious pattern. It feels a little like being in an anthill. Add the fact that cows used to be slaughtered there and you get a slightly creepy vibe. The place was not designed for people, but I love that it's been restored instead of 拆-ed.

Observatory deck with a glass floor.







The first time I went, the place hadn't officially opened yet and it was also nighttime so everything was dark, empty, and wonderfully creepy. This time, the place was crawling with people and there were small shops everywhere. I kinda like the abandoned feeling better. But we happened to come across the monthly flea market where we bought a few trinkets.

Handmade ring and necklace


Afterwards, we all went to Krispy Kreme for some coffee and sugary, fatty goodness. Pretty good day.

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