Snowy Shanghai

Snowy Shanghai
Originally uploaded by arlyna.

It's been more than a decade since Shanghai has seen a major snow fall. This was the record snow fall we've seen since living in Shanghai. It's just amazing how the whole city seem to have been transformed to a scene you'd typically see in Europe or America.

The kids are enjoying slushing in the snow as we walk them to school. I have to hold their hands tight, though, as some streets have turned icy.

The major snow fall came on Monday night when the city awoke to a white Shanghai. This weather has caused some massive transportation problems within the city as well as coming in and out of the city. And now seems like some travellers going home for the Chinese New Year is now stuck in the city.

More snow predicted for Friday, but you never know, we still saw snow falling today even when there's no forecast of snow...

See more photos on my Flickr.

Pantry Magic

Pantry Magic
Originally uploaded by arlyna.

On one of those rare occasion, spur-of-the-moment night after work, Simon and I went to check out the Dongpin Road and Taojiang Road area only to find new changes to this area of the city.

Shops have been updated. New shops have opened. An English pub has closed, an old building converted into a mini 'mall' with a few designer-y shops inside, a French baker has opened a branch here, and new restaurants.

The biggest thing that got me so very excited was Pantry Magic selling cooking utensils and stuff. Similar things I would get at the Panhandler's in Hong Kong. Now finally, there is a real kitchen shop to get western cooking gadgets in Shanghai.

The next thing we need is Shanghai would be an HMV and a PageOne and then we are 'complete'!

'Am I Look Good?'

'Am I Look Good?'
Originally uploaded by arlyna.

My colleague and I attended the opening of a restaurant that we helped develop the identity for. It's called Pipalli and the first shop is in Beijing.

As I was getting ready to board on a flight, saw this poster outside a nice little coffee shop inside the Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

An almost perfect poster. 'Almost' because it is ruined by the Chi-nglish on the bubble... 'Am I look good?'