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Formula 1, Friends and Food. Exploring Shanghai.

Formula 1, Friends and Food. Exploring Shanghai.

Old Apr 25, 2016, 2:22 pm
  #46  
 
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Great TR, thanks for sharing!
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Old Apr 25, 2016, 9:03 pm
  #47  
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Originally Posted by Madone59

I apologize I have forgotten the name of the Belgian pub we had dinner at, so Moony please chime in because it was really good. A great beef stew, some crusty bread and a Belgian beer were exactly what the doctor ordered. It was the next morning before we knew it and time for one last night's sleep in Shanghai.
That was Kaiba.

The other places we went to were:
-Dintaifeng in Xintiandi (already noted)
-T8 in Xintiandi
*note: while T8 is hailed as a high end restaurant, I find the food to be a let down. However, the bar area is pretty nice

Last edited by moondog; Apr 25, 2016 at 11:11 pm
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Old Apr 26, 2016, 10:50 am
  #48  
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Originally Posted by mustang281man
Having a couple AMG's in the garage myself and bring a Hamilton/Rosberg fan this was an awesome trip report. I would love to be able to go behind the scenes sometime at a race. I had my AMG/Petronas Racing shirt on at the airport the day of the race and a flight attendant made a comment to me about liking the shirt. Thought that was pretty cool. Kind of mad because I'm going to be in Singapore the weekend after that race. Again, great report!
Thanks so much mustang281man. Getting into the garage was an awesome treat, and I recommend any F1 fan do whatever they can to get in there some time. I'm glad you enjoyed!

Originally Posted by TOMFORD
Death by laughter, I have no words.


Originally Posted by DanielW
Looks like an awesome trip across the Pacific to Shanghai, Madone59. Always fun to meet up with fellow FT'ers too.

The Formula 1 must have been an experience, and the tasty Xiaolongbao at Din Tai Fung. They recently opened a DTF in Dubai and I am a bit of a fan already.
Thank you DanielW ^ It was awesome indeed. Enjoy DTF!!

Originally Posted by farbster
China is amazing. What's interesting about Pudong side in my opinion is that not that many years ago it was a farmland, wharfs and warehouses.
China is moving so fast, I'm sure I won't recognize Shanghai if and when i return.

Originally Posted by 31dany
Great TR, thanks for sharing!
Originally Posted by wbg MM+ Roc
Great photos ^
Thank you.


Originally Posted by moondog
That was Kaiba.
The other places we went to were:
-Dintaifeng in Xintiandi (already noted)
-T8 in Xintiandi
*note: while T8 is hailed as a high end restaurant, I find the food to be a let down. However, the bar area is pretty nice
Yes, Kaiba was quite Tasty - thanks for the reminder. T8 had a really cool bar, had I been awake I would have stayed longer.



The last installment is coming tomorrow.
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Old Apr 26, 2016, 7:13 pm
  #49  
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Originally Posted by Madone59
"...even if I dedicated my life to learning about China, I [will] die mostly ignorant."
This was a trip of many firsts. It was my first time in Shanghai, my traveling companion Sean's first time in Asia, and both of our first Formula 1 race (Go Lewis!!). It was an action packed four days which included helping TOMFORD find true love which is, last time I checked, a work in progress. It's time to board our last flight home - trip report starts tomorrow.
-Madone59
Fantastic
I can't wait to do a Formula 1
Perhaps during the next Etihad flight. I keep seeing the Ferrari world and the Grand Prix ads on the planes but never found time to attend a race.
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Old Apr 26, 2016, 7:55 pm
  #50  
 
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Wow! Great photos. The duck looks divine!
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Old Apr 27, 2016, 5:15 am
  #51  
 
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Fantastic TR on oh, so many levels. From the wonderful prose packed with colorful metaphors to making me giggle EVERY SINGLE TIME I get the (guilty?) pleasure of reading the word, DaDong. (yeah, i'm really a 14 y/o boy)

One day, I just know, you and I will be able to complete a trip on our own. Hope springs eternal my Hetero-Bro.

Keep up the good work,

CS
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Old Apr 27, 2016, 10:27 pm
  #52  
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Last few hours of Shanghai

Good morning


It's hard to reflect on a trip that was so short sheer will alone was enough to defeat my jet lag. When the journey back to the airport is a choreographed last ditch effort to see one more sight, hear one more sound, take more more bite you didn't stay long enough. I don't think I could stay ever stay in China long enough, or any of Asia for that matter. Career and mother-in-law aside, I don't have enough years left on earth to stay long enough.

In our final few hours Sean and I had decided to walk back to Xintiandi, and wonder through a outdoor shopping and cafe section right next to the mall. Also, at the strong urging of both Moondog and TOMFORD we were going to make our last act before leaving town a stop at the Ritz Carlton for a drink and a glimpse of Shanghai from above.

The M Lounge


A morning cup of tea


Luckily my morning eggs took so long I had time for the whole place to clear out and I was able to photograph the M Lounge. Seriously, 40 minutes for Eggs? I had visions of some angry chef shaking the eggs out a chicken in a room with a swinging light bulb somewhere.









Seriously, there was no one left in the lounge.




Walking through Xintiandi we passed some of the most amazing and massive pastries I have ever seen. How had I missed these every other trip here, and why did I wait for a chef to shake eggs out of a chicken?!


Xintiandi Pedestrian bridge


Strolling around under the trees


60% of the time it work's every time!






Students art class




Don't be a leaf if you can be a tree




Don't throw stones


Silhouette


Local lunch spot


We walked past a local market, and Sean got his first sniff of durian






DaLocal Duck


Hardware Store


Be-still my heart


Dan orders Milk Tea


Dan is happy: It's like looking into a mirror


I decided to take Sean to Crystal Jade Restaurant mostly because it convenient, but also because I had been to the one in Hong Kong and knew it would be great. Also, this being Sean's first time in the Far East I figured a little Cantonese cooking was in order to completely ruin any hope he had of enjoying Chinese food in San Diego ever again.


As expected the meal was fantastic. There is something about a handmade noodle that you just can't beat.

A look into the kitchen


A little food porn


Back to the Yu Garden Renaissance for the last time, a quick look down at the street below.


Other than the glacial pace of this mornings breakfast and the swimming pool the Yu Garden Ren was a wonderful property. The rooms were spacious, the beds and pillows were great, the bathrooms are very big, and the location is great. Easy access to the subway, a three minute walk to the Yu Garden/ God's Palace area, and a 10 minute walk to the Bund. II really enjoyed staying here and would recommend it to anyone.

We headed downstairs, and into a cab to the Ritz in Pudong.

Bye Bye...




Not a bad view over here




We arrived at the Ritz and we're disappointed to hear that Flair was not yet open for service, but we were welcome to enjoy high-tea and the view from the 52nd floor Aura lounge.


With no interest in little cakes or tea Sean and I opted for some beers and were swiftly moved to the bar.


The view




We were done and back in the cab before the staff at the Ritz had time to run our credit and give us the boot. I am sure the view from Flair is great, just check out TOMFORD's trip report, but that isn't what we got. Unless you are into tea and little cakes or are suffering from insomnia an afternoon at the Ritz is not for you. I'll try to make it to Flair next time I guess.

Mercifully traffic was light so we were being hawked by a guy selling iPhones in front of the terminal in no time. Going through security Sean was able to grab this gem from the poster of things you need to take out of your bag - look at the name of the company.


Priority Pass let us into the China Eastern lounge which was awesome. This is a really great lounge, good food and plenty of space to sit and relax but the best part is the tarmac view. Today planes were turning and taking off right past the lounge - AVGeek heaven!






Terminal




China Eastern Lounge food




Bar






Noodle Bar ^


Somehow we were some of the first passengers to board the flight home. We didn't cut in front of business class on purpose, we just got shuffled into the right place at the right time I guess. Either way I wasn't going to complain, so headed to the flight deck, introduced myself and asked if I could take a few photos. I'll post those, and a very special video tomorrow.

Apologies for the delay:

Dreamliner flight deck


Heads-up display








I left my camera with the pilot from the 2nd shift who was in the jump seat for take off. I showed him where all the buttons were and told him to go nuts.




He captured this amazing sunset photo


...and this video!!

Fifteen minutes after takeoff my camera was returned to me with those surprises included. What a great end to the trip. Both American Airlines crews were great, and even the food on the way home was grade Z dog chow we were home in no time. Thank you again Moondog, and TOMFORD for everything.

Until next time,
M59

Last edited by Madone59; Apr 28, 2016 at 2:48 pm Reason: Add photos
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Old Apr 28, 2016, 5:23 am
  #53  
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Reading your TR when I know you is like having all the spoilers to my favorite TV show. It's good, but it's not.

Looking forward to that "special video"
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Old Apr 28, 2016, 8:49 am
  #54  
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Originally Posted by brg
Fantastic
I can't wait to do a Formula 1
Perhaps during the next Etihad flight. I keep seeing the Ferrari world and the Grand Prix ads on the planes but never found time to attend a race.
You should definitely get to a formula 1 race, just make sure you bring better ear plugs than the free ones that come with your tickets .

Originally Posted by alexisonsmith
Wow! Great photos. The duck looks divine!
Thanks alexisonsmith ^

Originally Posted by craigsnyc
Fantastic TR on oh, so many levels. From the wonderful prose packed with colorful metaphors to making me giggle EVERY SINGLE TIME I get the (guilty?) pleasure of reading the word, DaDong. (yeah, i'm really a 14 y/o boy)

One day, I just know, you and I will be able to complete a trip on our own. Hope springs eternal my Hetero-Bro.

Keep up the good work,

CS
Thanks brother. We will get a TR off the ground soon, last November was a disappointment indeed.

Originally Posted by TOMFORD
Reading your TR when I know you is like having all the spoilers to my favorite TV show. It's good, but it's not.

Looking forward to that "special video"
I really wasn't planning a dramatic finish, but my laptop was almost out of juice last night, and I had to publish before I lost everything. What ever, you love the suspense
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Old May 2, 2016, 12:38 pm
  #55  
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Originally Posted by Madone59
Thanks for letting us know you updated the trip report....
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Old May 2, 2016, 1:48 pm
  #56  
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I adore DTF, whether the Xintiandi branch, Taipei 101, Hong Kong, Singapore or Seattle. But 5 baskets of 5 for 4 of you? That's nothing. I make them my entire meal and can easily consume 4 baskets all on my own. They have branches as far south as South Coast Plaza. I hope another southern surge happens and we get them in San Diego.
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Old May 3, 2016, 12:49 am
  #57  
 
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Great TR and amazing that you managed to meet so many FTers on your trip.

Originally Posted by Madone59
Nice photo, if only I didn't cut my airport arrivals close to departure time and head straight for the lounge, I might spot something similar to capture.

Originally Posted by Madone59
so headed to the flight deck, introduced myself and asked if I could take a few photos.
As you do, perhaps ask for the test drive next time?
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Old May 3, 2016, 8:13 pm
  #58  
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Originally Posted by TOMFORD
Thanks for letting us know you updated the trip report....
Ya I messed that up, my bad

Originally Posted by SanDiego1K
I adore DTF, whether the Xintiandi branch, Taipei 101, Hong Kong, Singapore or Seattle. But 5 baskets of 5 for 4 of you? That's nothing. I make them my entire meal and can easily consume 4 baskets all on my own. They have branches as far south as South Coast Plaza. I hope another southern surge happens and we get them in San Diego.
Good catch SanDiego1K, you have eagle eyes. The dumpling photo was from another trip Sean and I took to DTF. Our dinner with Moondog was 5 baskets of 10 for four people . Mrs. Madone59 and I are planning on stopping at the South Coast DTF later this month - she is excited.

Glad you enjoyed the TR, and it is worth noting that even though we didn't connect you were on our final leg home DFW-SAN which would have been ANOTHER FTer we bumped into on this trip!

Originally Posted by DaveNCL
Great TR and amazing that you managed to meet so many FTers on your trip. As you do, perhaps ask for the test drive next time?
Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed. Next time I have a chance I will make sure to ask to take the jet for a spin; I am sure they will be cool with that.
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Old May 4, 2016, 7:31 am
  #59  
 
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sweet video.
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Old May 5, 2016, 9:04 pm
  #60  
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Originally Posted by mkjr
sweet video.
Thanks so much. I'm happy with it too
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