Hi there!

So much has been happening, it's hard to know where to begin! The Spring Festival/Chinese New Years just ended. It was quite an experience! I know there are rumors out there that it is a bad time to go to China, but I would strongly disagree! What an experience! Firecrackers and fireworks going off EVERYWHERE! First of all, anyone can buy the big boxes of fireworks, the kind that 'They' set off on the 4th of July. The huge spectacular ones, we set off 2 boxes right in the street and they were going off on every street, right over your heads! The boys became possessed! Setting off small ones and firecrackers like it was the end of the world! The cops were setting them off. It was complete anarchy! As dangerous as it might sound, I couldn't help but think that in the US or England this time would be seen as an opportunity for mayhem and an excuse for bad (illegal) behavior, but here is was very social and sweet. Everyone on the street really excited and having good clean fun! It lasted for weeks too! The last night was just the other night!

Our friends Joey Altruda and his girlfriend Daphne are in town from Hollywood, so we had a big 'Hollywood' theme house party the other night. It was very fun, of course there was a dress code, but Of Course, this is Shanghai and besides us four about 2 other people dressed up! We did have Paris Hilton at the party though, so you know it was a success!

The club is really moving forward! We have found the site that is a dream come true! It is located on a famous CHinese food street, which is really fun and beautiful. The feel of it is New Orleans-ish, tall, french-type (Almost brothel-looking- and there's a few of those too!), old buildings with balconies and lots of big, colorful neon signs that they love so much here! The building we want was built in the 30's by a Japanese designer, back when it was the Japanese part of town, before communism took over, and the top is like an inverted conk shell, the bottom with intricate medallions. We are working on securing it, but still looking in the meantime. Got one Very powerful Chinese family backing us for sure, the other family is holding out to see the venue, but we think they are on board as well. If you see this building (I'll post pics on my flickr site) you will totally get it too!

Recent observations: Number one, I have realized that there have been about 5 times cabs wouldn't stop for me, but would take the Chinese people down the road. Weirs to be on that side of prejudiced!! My friends got grifted the other day! So funny, this is the safest town in the world, i mean no one will rob you, rape you, murder you, but you still have to watch out for the swindler because they are definitely around! This one was in People's Square (big tourist area) and we sent the kids thee on there on (bad idea!) Opps! Well, so you know when you come: The cute, teenage Chinese, usually in a couple will come up to you and say "Where you from? YOu so beautiful! You speak English" They are 'just visiting too,' but their friend told them about this tea house and they are about to go and have a Traditional Chinese Tea ceremony. YOu want to join us?" It only cost 35 kuai! Well they go, there are 6 teas each at 35 kuai each! They end up spending 450 kuai (ridiculous for Anything in Shanghai! That's about $65), then exchange emails, and that's it. Well, now you know for when you come! My Chinese is coming along big-time! We went into a restaurant the other day where there was no English spoken or on menus, and no pictures either. I was able to order us chicken noodles, and pork and vegetable dumplings, all in Chinese! Yea! I went shopping today and it was such a pleasant experience with the sales people. I speak enough Chinese for them to not treat me like a 'targeted tourist,' and also to joke with them about being too big for al the clothes, telling them that's 'cute' or 'beautiful,' or 'my boyfriend wouldn't like that!' I am better at speaking it than hearing it and often say 'Please repeat slow, I only know a bit of Chinese.' I'm planning on doing some Chinese dinners with friends though in which none of us will speak English! A good test for us! Norman has finally realized he needs to start learning! I respect his stance on it ("They get the idea") but some of the pronunciations he comes up totally go against what he is trying to say! It is a tough language because the letters used in 'ping' (how they teach it in English) are not the sounds you think they should be. Like 'Wulrumqi," is pronounced ohhl-rjum-chi", Wool-rum-kwai!

As we get more versed in this town we keep finding new places and things that keep making this place an incredible city! Went to the fabric market the other day which is floors and floors of material and seamstress's and tailors. Norm bought this material (Anyone who's ever seen one of Norman's stages can picture it: burgundy and gold, swirly material that would be perfect for one of his curtains on a stage!) and is getting a 3 piece suit made out of it (for about $70 US). I am getting a traditional-like, Chinese dress made, tailored to fit, pastel green and violet, very sleek and sexy, made for me for about $50! Then we have also discovered the antiques market! This is very fun! Norm has found some original paintings and paper treasures that would resale at a heck of a lot more than what we paid! I bought a green ceramics piece for the living room that is exquisite! YOu are supposed to put a candle in the bottom and incense in the top (I'll have to post a pic of that too!).
We have discovered several bars here too, types that you might only find in Amsterdam! Strange how this place is more liberal than NY and LA in some ways!

Anyways, dinner just got served, must go! Will post pics up tonight!
Love