Friday, 29 February 2008
Check out my new pics!
I put up a bunch of pictures on my flickr site taken around Shanghai! There are some very funny ones! Can't take credit for them, got them off a local website, but they show Shanghai very well! The winter, the new year, etc. Also putting up pics I took from the balcony yesterday as the men cut the trees back. A real site! Also! The outfits we had made from the fabric market. I take no responsibility for Norman's 'Remarkable' outfit! (You'll see!) Happy with the way mine turned out, but will have to take better pics when I haven't just rolled out of bed! So I am being tested as a host for an online show here in Shanghai, basically I go to events and interview people etc. Could be a great job! Hanging out with more Chinese these days and really working hard on the language. One of our Chinese partners came over the other day and I impressed her! It felt great! Hanging with Chinese girls is becoming more fun now that I understand them a bit more. They are in the position my mom's generation was, as in, for the first time ever they can go to college and get jobs and make their own money and don't just have to get married and have babies. This is an allowance they are taking very seriously and many are determined to get ahead and compete with men. Also, it supports their attraction to Western men because many of the Chinese guys feel a bit threatened by this and feel it goes against traditional values. Interesting! Went to the Jinmao tower the other day. Was on the 85th floor looking out over the city! It was spectacular! We were right next to the tallest building in the world that is still under construction! Wow! Meeting people and contacts left and right. The expat community is vast, yet small, and 3 times yesterday, in 3 completely different situations I mentioned someone I know to a new person I met and all three times we had that person in common. Everyone is very excited about the club and say it is perfect timing! Oh! It looks like I will be performing here during the Olympics! Don't want to say too much until it is finalized, but looking very likely! Have had a string of people through the house, Joey, Daphne, Sonya. This is actually the first time I've been alone in a long time here! Going to practice Chinese now... A few facts I just recently learned: It takes an english speaking person 3 times as long to learn Chinese as it does to learn German or French or Russian (I have some catching up to do then!), and this is very random, but i find it very amusing for some reason: The Bible is the best-selling book ever, but it is also the most shoplifted book ever! Go figure! By the way, the weather is beautiful here, I think it is safe to say winter is over! Apparently, according to some friends who know, mercury is in retrograde which means this break, you can lose things, appliances fail etc. In the last week: my jacket broke, my bag broke, Joey broke my bike, screwed up the tv/dvd player 3 times!, I left my ATM card at the bank (freaked out, but got it back!), and My phone went Chinese on me! Hope it's out of retrograde soon! That's it for now! Lots of love, Amelia
Monday, 25 February 2008
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
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
Thursday, 7 February 2008
Wow!
New Years Eve was Unreal! Totally nuts! I had 3 girlfriends over to make dumplings, which is supposed to bring you good luck for the next year! They turned out great, and Norm was happy to bring in the new year with 4 girls cooking for him! We had a very pleasant fun evening, except that from about 4pm on there was continues noise of firecrackers and fireworks going off! We went outside around Midnight and there was firecrackers set up in a line going from our side of the lane all the (long) ways over to the other side! I took a bit of video, just to show you what the sound was like, it went on for about 5 minutes! Well something weird is happening with youtube, so I guess you won't get to see the video! (I mean hear it!) It was like being in a war zone with fire and smoke surrounding you and loud noises! It was pretty spectacular! I've never seen anything like it! And I heard my first firecrackers today at 9am! This will go on for another week, every night, and the tenth is a big night too! My friend had been given this elaborately packaged 'fish' that we were supposed to eat for good luck, but told "Don't eat the whole thing, or you will have eaten all your luck!" There was no worries there, it was not eatable and completely gross! We were trying to see if it worked as skin cream even (It was a lot like what you might expect cocoa butter to taste like, but a weird consistency! Our good luck fish ended up in the trash! (See pics on my flickr site!) It was Really insane!
On another note, Norm and I are working hard on the show and club, getting very excited! As soon as the new year is over we will secure the location, our partners etc (No one would do business before Chinese New Year-it's bad luck.) I'm really getting excited! Never thought I'd be saying this but I can't wait to get to work! I'm a little homesick for my mom today, will try to call my folks tonight! (I think it's all the fireworks and firecrackers!) Also, this is big Chinese family holiday and wish my fam was here! Maybe next year!
On another note, Norm and I are working hard on the show and club, getting very excited! As soon as the new year is over we will secure the location, our partners etc (No one would do business before Chinese New Year-it's bad luck.) I'm really getting excited! Never thought I'd be saying this but I can't wait to get to work! I'm a little homesick for my mom today, will try to call my folks tonight! (I think it's all the fireworks and firecrackers!) Also, this is big Chinese family holiday and wish my fam was here! Maybe next year!
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Xi Nian Kuai Le!
(Happy NEw YEar!)
HEy there everyone! Sorry I've been MIA, been very busy! The weather here has been unbelievable! I was in Va and NY for 2 weeks telling everyone 'The weather's about the same in Shanghai, except it doesn't really snow." When I came back there was a bout 5 inches of snow on the ground and it was still snowing! The Chinese were not prepared for this, and being Chinese New Year (It's the one week a year when the migrant workers get off work and get to travel back to see their families) everyone is packed in like sardines and Very unhappy at the train and bus stations, and people will be lucky if they actually get anywhere. Cars have been in gridlocks for days, the trains keep freezing. A few hundred people have died, roofs have collapsed, there are whole cities without power and water. They have one million troops out on the streets trying to keep the peace. Makes me feel really blessed to be in Shanghai, where it is a lot more modern than many parts of China, and we have plenty of heat and water. So this is my first Chinese New Year! It starts tomorrow and we are having some friends over to make dumplings and then go out on the street to witness the firecrackers and pandemonium that this week is famous for. And it is supposed to be like this (nonstop fireworks and firecrackers) for about ten days! Can't wear black or white, can't wash your hair for 3 days, can't say the number 4, but 6 and 8 are good luck. They have these fish candy things that are good luck to eat, but you can't eat the whole thing or else you've eaten all your luck! Must wear red, must buy new pants (but no shoes), must not break anything, must not sweep.
Last week two of our bikes got stolen, Mine (which was very unique and pretty, I had taped it up and made it look different from all the rest) and the spare. That is 3 out of four bikes stolen in 5 months! Our landlord was really sweet though and bought us 2 second-hand bikes that basically don't look new and shiny and therefore are less likely to be stolen.
Things with the club are coming along swimmingly, a lot of the business stuff is working out and I had a great meeting with our choreographer in NY and am just so excited about the whole thing! I don't want to say too much because it's bad luck to talk business until after the new year, so that's enough about that! (I sound so Chinese huh?) :)
Funny, when I was back in New York I got caught and ridiculed a few times because discussing politics or what have you, I'd say, "Well, see, YOU guys...." (Like I'm Chinese now!) So funny!
Speaking of my trip home, had a great time! SO great to see my folks, they are so much fun and so cool! Got to hang with my sister a bit, she's doing really great. Saw the grandparents (not doing so great), and then saw some old high school friends, which was also extremely nice! NEw York was a crazy time, I saw 50+ friends in 5 days! Stayed with Scotty and Sylvia in a great apartment on 55th street, had my own key, and they were so kind to have me! Worked out very well and they are now looking at moving to Shanghai! My friend Sonya that was here for a visit before is here now, scoping it out some more before she goes to Thailand for a few weeks. Joey Altruda will be out here again shortly. Have heard some interesting rumors about a few famous people we might be entertaining in a few weeks, but I won't say anything else about that, cause I'm cool like that! :) It was really great to spend some quality times with friends and family, but after the whirlwind that was/is NY, I felt like my choices had been confirmed and it felt great to get back here in Shanghai, though it took me Days to adjust! When I was back in Va I was waking up at 4am, 7am, my parents have never seen me voluntarily wake up that early EVER!
Have had a nice welcome back, seeing friends etc. Afraid I might be coming down with the cold Norm had when I got back though. Will post the pics from my trip home soon, been meaning to do that. We're curling up and watching DVD's for a few days because literally everything is closed during the New Year!
Bought a piece of art in New York, which I am SOO excited about! It is by the artist David Combs who paints the Chelsea Hotel. Norm and I both fell in love the original, which David Bard bought before it was even done, but we got that painting in a 3-D version, which compliments his style and vision amazingly! I'll put a pic of it up as well!
That's about all I got in me right now. We are about to have homemade Chicken soup that has been on the stove for 5 hours now!
xi Nian Kuai Le! Happy New YEar!
xxoo
PS. The next blog is the same as this, I just added more, so you can ignore that one! Thanks! xx
HEy there everyone! Sorry I've been MIA, been very busy! The weather here has been unbelievable! I was in Va and NY for 2 weeks telling everyone 'The weather's about the same in Shanghai, except it doesn't really snow." When I came back there was a bout 5 inches of snow on the ground and it was still snowing! The Chinese were not prepared for this, and being Chinese New Year (It's the one week a year when the migrant workers get off work and get to travel back to see their families) everyone is packed in like sardines and Very unhappy at the train and bus stations, and people will be lucky if they actually get anywhere. Cars have been in gridlocks for days, the trains keep freezing. A few hundred people have died, roofs have collapsed, there are whole cities without power and water. They have one million troops out on the streets trying to keep the peace. Makes me feel really blessed to be in Shanghai, where it is a lot more modern than many parts of China, and we have plenty of heat and water. So this is my first Chinese New Year! It starts tomorrow and we are having some friends over to make dumplings and then go out on the street to witness the firecrackers and pandemonium that this week is famous for. And it is supposed to be like this (nonstop fireworks and firecrackers) for about ten days! Can't wear black or white, can't wash your hair for 3 days, can't say the number 4, but 6 and 8 are good luck. They have these fish candy things that are good luck to eat, but you can't eat the whole thing or else you've eaten all your luck! Must wear red, must buy new pants (but no shoes), must not break anything, must not sweep.
Last week two of our bikes got stolen, Mine (which was very unique and pretty, I had taped it up and made it look different from all the rest) and the spare. That is 3 out of four bikes stolen in 5 months! Our landlord was really sweet though and bought us 2 second-hand bikes that basically don't look new and shiny and therefore are less likely to be stolen.
Things with the club are coming along swimmingly, a lot of the business stuff is working out and I had a great meeting with our choreographer in NY and am just so excited about the whole thing! I don't want to say too much because it's bad luck to talk business until after the new year, so that's enough about that! (I sound so Chinese huh?) :)
Funny, when I was back in New York I got caught and ridiculed a few times because discussing politics or what have you, I'd say, "Well, see, YOU guys...." (Like I'm Chinese now!) So funny!
Speaking of my trip home, had a great time! SO great to see my folks, they are so much fun and so cool! Got to hang with my sister a bit, she's doing really great. Saw the grandparents (not doing so great), and then saw some old high school friends, which was also extremely nice! NEw York was a crazy time, I saw 50+ friends in 5 days! Stayed with Scotty and Sylvia in a great apartment on 55th street, had my own key, and they were so kind to have me! Worked out very well and they are now looking at moving to Shanghai! My friend Sonya that was here for a visit before is here now, scoping it out some more before she goes to Thailand for a few weeks. Joey Altruda will be out here again shortly. Have heard some interesting rumors about a few famous people we might be entertaining in a few weeks, but I won't say anything else about that, cause I'm cool like that! :) It was really great to spend some quality times with friends and family, but after the whirlwind that was/is NY, I felt like my choices had been confirmed and it felt great to get back here in Shanghai, though it took me Days to adjust! When I was back in Va I was waking up at 4am, 7am, my parents have never seen me voluntarily wake up that early EVER!
Have had a nice welcome back, seeing friends etc. Afraid I might be coming down with the cold Norm had when I got back though. Will post the pics from my trip home soon, been meaning to do that. We're curling up and watching DVD's for a few days because literally everything is closed during the New Year!
Bought a piece of art in New York, which I am SOO excited about! It is by the artist David Combs who paints the Chelsea Hotel. Norm and I both fell in love the original, which David Bard bought before it was even done, but we got that painting in a 3-D version, which compliments his style and vision amazingly! I'll put a pic of it up as well!
That's about all I got in me right now. We are about to have homemade Chicken soup that has been on the stove for 5 hours now!
xi Nian Kuai Le! Happy New YEar!
xxoo
PS. The next blog is the same as this, I just added more, so you can ignore that one! Thanks! xx
I'm back!
HEy there everyone! Sorry I've been MIA, been very busy! So I have no idea what I wrote last, and seeing as I can't read it myself you'll have to bare with me! The weather here has been unbelievable! I was in Va and NY for 2 weeks telling everyone 'The weather's about the same in Shanghai, except it doesn't really snow." When I came back there was a bout 5 inches of snow on the ground and it was still snowing! The Chinese were not prepared for this, and being Chinese New Year (It's the one week a year when the migrant workers get off work and get to travel back to see their families) everyone is packed in like sardines and Very unhappy at the train and bus stations. Cars have been in gridlocks for days, the trains keep freezing. A few hundred people have died, roofs have collapsed, there are whole cities without power and water. They have one million troops out on the streets trying to keep the peace. Makes me feel really blessed to be in Shanghai, where it is a lot more modern than many parts of Shanghai, and we have plenty of heat and water. So this is my first Chinese New Year! It starts tomorrow and we are having some friends over to make dumplings and then go out on the street to witness the firecrackers and pandemonium that this week is famous for. And it is supposed to be like this (nonstop fireworks and firecrackers) for about ten days! Last week two of our bikes got stolen, Mine (which was very unique and pretty, I had taped it up and made it look different from all the rest) and the spare. That is 3 out of four bikes stolen in 5 months! Our landlord was really sweet though and bought us 2 second-hand bikes that basically don't look new and shiny and therefore are less likely to be stolen.
Things with the club are coming along swimmingly, a lot of the business stuff is working out and I had a great meeting with our choreographer in NY and am just so excited about the whole thing! I don't want to say too much because it's bad luck to talk business until after the new year, so that's enough about that! (I sound so Chinese huh?) :)
Funny, when I was back in New York I got caught and ridiculed a few times because discussing politics or what have you, I'd say, "Well, see, YOU guys...." (Like I'm Chinese now!) So funny!
Speaking of my trip home, had a great time! SO great to see my folks, they are so much fun and so cool! Got to hang with my sister a bit, she's doing really great. Saw the grandparents (not doing so great), and then saw some old high school friends, which was also extremely nice! NEw York was a crazy time, I saw 50+ friends in 5 days! Stayed with Scotty and Sylvia in a great apartment on 55th street, had my own key, and they were so kind to have me! Worked out very well and they are now looking at moving to Shanghai! My friend Sonya that was here for a visit before is here now, scoping it out some more before she goes to Thailand for a few weeks. Joey Altruda will be out here again shortly. Have heard some interesting rumors about a few famous people we might be entertaining in a few weeks, but I won't say anything else about that, cause I'm cool like that! :) It was really great to spend some quality times with friends and family, but after the whirlwind that was/is NY, I felt like my choices had been confirmed and it felt great to get back here in Shanghai, though it took me Days to adjust! When I was back in Va I was waking up at 4am, 7am, my parents have never seen me voluntarily wake up that early EVER!
Have had a nice welcome back, seeing friends etc. Afraid I might be coming down with the cold Norm had when I got back though. Will post the pics from my trip home soon, been meaning to do that. We're curling up and watching DVD's for a few days because literally everything is closed during the New Year!
Bought a piece of art in New York, which I am SOO excited about! It is by the artist David Combs who paints the Chelsea Hotel. Norm and I both fell in love the original, which David Bard bought before it was even done, but we got that painting in a 3-D version, which compliments his style and vision amazingly! I'll put a pic of it up as well!
That's about all I got in me right now. We are about to have homemade Chicken soup that has been on the stove for 5 hours now!
Shenang Kuile! Happy New YEar!
xxoo
Things with the club are coming along swimmingly, a lot of the business stuff is working out and I had a great meeting with our choreographer in NY and am just so excited about the whole thing! I don't want to say too much because it's bad luck to talk business until after the new year, so that's enough about that! (I sound so Chinese huh?) :)
Funny, when I was back in New York I got caught and ridiculed a few times because discussing politics or what have you, I'd say, "Well, see, YOU guys...." (Like I'm Chinese now!) So funny!
Speaking of my trip home, had a great time! SO great to see my folks, they are so much fun and so cool! Got to hang with my sister a bit, she's doing really great. Saw the grandparents (not doing so great), and then saw some old high school friends, which was also extremely nice! NEw York was a crazy time, I saw 50+ friends in 5 days! Stayed with Scotty and Sylvia in a great apartment on 55th street, had my own key, and they were so kind to have me! Worked out very well and they are now looking at moving to Shanghai! My friend Sonya that was here for a visit before is here now, scoping it out some more before she goes to Thailand for a few weeks. Joey Altruda will be out here again shortly. Have heard some interesting rumors about a few famous people we might be entertaining in a few weeks, but I won't say anything else about that, cause I'm cool like that! :) It was really great to spend some quality times with friends and family, but after the whirlwind that was/is NY, I felt like my choices had been confirmed and it felt great to get back here in Shanghai, though it took me Days to adjust! When I was back in Va I was waking up at 4am, 7am, my parents have never seen me voluntarily wake up that early EVER!
Have had a nice welcome back, seeing friends etc. Afraid I might be coming down with the cold Norm had when I got back though. Will post the pics from my trip home soon, been meaning to do that. We're curling up and watching DVD's for a few days because literally everything is closed during the New Year!
Bought a piece of art in New York, which I am SOO excited about! It is by the artist David Combs who paints the Chelsea Hotel. Norm and I both fell in love the original, which David Bard bought before it was even done, but we got that painting in a 3-D version, which compliments his style and vision amazingly! I'll put a pic of it up as well!
That's about all I got in me right now. We are about to have homemade Chicken soup that has been on the stove for 5 hours now!
Shenang Kuile! Happy New YEar!
xxoo
Friday, 4 January 2008
China's Next Top Model
So I went to the taping of the first episode of the first season of China's NExt Top Model the other day! What a hoot! The stage was set up outside and these girls must have been freezing! I got the inside scoop though on the controversy that you can expect this season, you know, for when you are watching China's next top model! :) There is a Russian girl who is Married to a Chinese guy and has a baby with him, she is obviously just there to piss off the other girls (she has a pookie Paris Hilton type face and don't think she stands much of a chance anyways!) and... are you ready? One of the girls is a few weeks Pregnant! Dondondon! There you have it! Impress your friends! I got a big kick out of the whole thing! Some of the girls are seriously cute though and could be a good race!
So I have been told that when I can't check my email or myspace or facebook etc. It IS something to take personally. Apparently because I check too many Western sites out consistently, and also probably because I have a blog (which I can't even read myself! And if you have a blog, my apologies for not being able to break down this great wall to read it!)
Our Ayi just left. She comes once a weeks to clean (for five US dollars!) She is a very cute tiny woman who every time tells me I'm beautiful (probably one of the only things she knows in English!) but I have gotten to the point in Chinese where we communicate pretty well and I'm always saying funny phrases in Chinese she gets a big kick out of! But she always does the weirdest things... Like I've lived in this apt. 3 months now, and in the kitchen everything has a pretty obvious space, but she insistently, even after I have showed her, puts the silverware in a cup and hides it! Either under the sink or up on a top shelf! Always in different spots too! I'm not quite sure what to make of it, so it has just become a funny game! 'Ayi' by the way is the general word for the maids, like everyone has an Ayi. Ayi really translates to Aunt or Woman over 40! Try getting away with that one in NY! haha!
Got some friends coming over for dinner and Scrabble tonight! Norm made this ginger/honey vodka that is delicious to serve too. Tomorrow I am going to my new best friend's place- The Tailor! To pick out fabric and get fitted for my next outfit. Love it!
Looking forward to my US visit, have a feeling it will be more exhausting than relaxing. I've slowed down out here in my old age and am not as used to that NYC pace that I used to chew up and eat for breakfast, but I a have a feeling I will surprise myself and manage quite irresponsibly! When in Rome... :)
So I have been told that when I can't check my email or myspace or facebook etc. It IS something to take personally. Apparently because I check too many Western sites out consistently, and also probably because I have a blog (which I can't even read myself! And if you have a blog, my apologies for not being able to break down this great wall to read it!)
Our Ayi just left. She comes once a weeks to clean (for five US dollars!) She is a very cute tiny woman who every time tells me I'm beautiful (probably one of the only things she knows in English!) but I have gotten to the point in Chinese where we communicate pretty well and I'm always saying funny phrases in Chinese she gets a big kick out of! But she always does the weirdest things... Like I've lived in this apt. 3 months now, and in the kitchen everything has a pretty obvious space, but she insistently, even after I have showed her, puts the silverware in a cup and hides it! Either under the sink or up on a top shelf! Always in different spots too! I'm not quite sure what to make of it, so it has just become a funny game! 'Ayi' by the way is the general word for the maids, like everyone has an Ayi. Ayi really translates to Aunt or Woman over 40! Try getting away with that one in NY! haha!
Got some friends coming over for dinner and Scrabble tonight! Norm made this ginger/honey vodka that is delicious to serve too. Tomorrow I am going to my new best friend's place- The Tailor! To pick out fabric and get fitted for my next outfit. Love it!
Looking forward to my US visit, have a feeling it will be more exhausting than relaxing. I've slowed down out here in my old age and am not as used to that NYC pace that I used to chew up and eat for breakfast, but I a have a feeling I will surprise myself and manage quite irresponsibly! When in Rome... :)
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
It is all coming together!
Happy New Year! I am so pleased with how my 2007 went! The decision to leave NYC when I did and being brave enough to move out here to Shanghai are proving to be two of the best decisions I've ever made! We are getting very excited with the way the club and show are moving ahead and soon enough you will all be invited out here for a 2008 opening!
This year for New Years we decided to go with a group of friends 3 hours outside Shanghai to "The Real China" and stay up in the mountains at Moganshan! It started on the train there, which was surprisingly cozy and nice! It made me smile to see that each car had decorative fake plants, pink ornate seat covers, and ladies walking through the isles selling cashmere scarves, food and drinks. Then we switched to a taxi and then a hired van. The drive was really interesting. It all was very flat until we got to the mountain. The most noticeable features in the landscape are tall apartment complexes, some of them with little peaks on the top, almost Victorian, and in all different colors- pinks, blues, greens... and then fields of people working. It really is unbelievable how many people live in China! It wasn't very pretty, I have to say, but so fascinating and interesting, I couldn't stop thinking how unbelievable and lucky I am to see these things!
Moganshan (Shan means mountain) was so special! We were all the way at the top of the mountain and it was VERY cold! We walked about almost immediately, there was a lot of walking up and down stone stairs! It is a village up there, fairly deserted as it is the off season. Huge stone houses with chicken sheds in the back of each and outdoor tubs! THe views were absolutely breath-taking, looking down you could see villages miles off, and rivers and hills. I literally have seen pictures like what I've seen in National Geographic! Bamboo forests for miles... It is hard to describe just how beautiful it was, but luckily I took a ton of pictures which are at www.flickr.com/photos/ameliakallman Norm kept teasing me that I might see a panda bear, I got all excited, but we didn't... I'm pretty sure they live much further south and the joke was just on me!
We went to dinner, the ten of us in our group, to a local 'restaurant,' which is really someone's home, and we were the only customers! When we got there, there was no heat on and blaring florescent lights. We moved into a private room with it's own heater, but there is no getting away from those nasty energy-saving bulbs they are so in love with (We had to change all ours when we moved in). It was very lovely though: We had so many courses! Tons of food! Chicken soup (the WHOLE chicken, with the head, beak, and feet and claws in it), pheasant (with the liver cooked separately... I opted out of the liver!), delicious unknown white sprouts, miniature eggplants in sauce- great!, tofu in sauce, beef and potatoes, loads of different greens (and browns), beef and peppers, rice, tiny fried ribs... a lot more, but I'm not really sure what it all was! Very good though! The realest Chinese food I've ever had! She had been cooking for four hours before we came, just for us! She got a lot of pleasure out of serving us, you could tell! She was so sweet, also serving traditional Chinese New Year wine that she brewed herself at home! Such a lovely thought, but I barely made it back for a second sip, just to see if it got any better! It was like sweet vinegar! We had 2 in our group finish their glasses, and they both passed out asleep for a few hours after that! It cost 70 rmb's a person or $10. So wonderful! And I was truly inspired by my friends levels of Chinese who had been in Asia a few years! I could pick up about 1/3 of it all, which isn't bad for a month and a half of practice!
Then we went to the Lodge , which is run by an English guy and his Shanghai-ese wife. It is very cozy, food, drinks, family environment with kids about, all the guest were interacting etc. I think their Lodge not only does a great business, but has really helped bring a lot of the expats out there.
Our group had a room in a suite, so the rest of the night we all brought out our instruments (yup, I even played along on guitar!) and we sang and danced. Played some fun party games like charades, and girls-against the boys group songs...
Our group was so diverse! We represented: Italy, Spain, Burma, BRazil, Korea, Hong KOng, NY/Bristol, London, Canada, and USA! At midnight we did the Spanish grape thing when you are supposed to eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds! I made it to 8! haha! It was lots of fun! We had a terrace too, and I don't think I have ever seen the stars so close! It was beautiful and clear, millions of stars, just so close!
Overall, a spectacular new year!
So tomorrow we have been invited to go back to that restaurant that a friend of ours helped open here, for the recording of the last episode of the next season of "America's Next Top Model!" Haha! I think it will be a hoot! Going with our Aussie friends, so I know at least we will be having a laugh and good time!
Maybe I've mentioned it before, but we have fallen in with the best crowd and group of friends we could ask for! A bunch or artsy, creative, interesting people that have quickly become close friends that I hope to know a long time! It's pretty unreal, and we are always saying to each other that this would not/could not have happened in any other city in the world-NY, LOndon, LA.... It is pretty refreshing! Also, I think Norm and I fill a spot nicely, both of us being genuine NYC crazies! :)
So I am traveling back to the states Jan 14-28. My plan so far is.... Fly into NYC 9:00pm Jan 14., sleep at Scrappy and Mikey's, wake up the next morning (hahaha!... I'm really going to try hard that whole waking up thing! I will just time-traveled back in time after a 14 hour flight!) and take a bus down to VA, then on the 16th my mom and I are driving to PA to see my grandparents, then back to VA for some quality time, and I think I'm going to invite my VA friends to this cheap (very good) Mexican food and Margarita bar one night for some hardcore catching up! Then to NYC on the 21st and I leave the morning of the 28th. I will miss Norman and Shanghai (which is a good thing!) But am looking forward so much to visiting with family and friends!
I'm in 2 books that just came out: " Inside the Chelsea Hotel" by Julia Calfee, and "Atmosphere: The Chelsea Hotel" by Linda Troeller! They are both such beautiful, talented, strong women who I very much admire and am honored to be featured in their work! I can't wait to pick up copies while I'm there! The pic on here is the one from Linda's book and I will post a few of the pics from Julia's I just got a hold of (there are 3 of me and 3 of Norm, making us the most represented in the book!) We went to her opening and I couldn't believe how much a pic of me was going for! Very cool!
Oh! I have an official Fan Club now on facebook! I have 86 members! haha! So funny and cool! I love it!
I guess that is about it for now.... I hope this year is your best yet! Thank you for all your love and support in 2007! I have a feeling 2008 is going to be a good one!
Love, Amelia
This year for New Years we decided to go with a group of friends 3 hours outside Shanghai to "The Real China" and stay up in the mountains at Moganshan! It started on the train there, which was surprisingly cozy and nice! It made me smile to see that each car had decorative fake plants, pink ornate seat covers, and ladies walking through the isles selling cashmere scarves, food and drinks. Then we switched to a taxi and then a hired van. The drive was really interesting. It all was very flat until we got to the mountain. The most noticeable features in the landscape are tall apartment complexes, some of them with little peaks on the top, almost Victorian, and in all different colors- pinks, blues, greens... and then fields of people working. It really is unbelievable how many people live in China! It wasn't very pretty, I have to say, but so fascinating and interesting, I couldn't stop thinking how unbelievable and lucky I am to see these things!
Moganshan (Shan means mountain) was so special! We were all the way at the top of the mountain and it was VERY cold! We walked about almost immediately, there was a lot of walking up and down stone stairs! It is a village up there, fairly deserted as it is the off season. Huge stone houses with chicken sheds in the back of each and outdoor tubs! THe views were absolutely breath-taking, looking down you could see villages miles off, and rivers and hills. I literally have seen pictures like what I've seen in National Geographic! Bamboo forests for miles... It is hard to describe just how beautiful it was, but luckily I took a ton of pictures which are at www.flickr.com/photos/ameliakallman Norm kept teasing me that I might see a panda bear, I got all excited, but we didn't... I'm pretty sure they live much further south and the joke was just on me!
We went to dinner, the ten of us in our group, to a local 'restaurant,' which is really someone's home, and we were the only customers! When we got there, there was no heat on and blaring florescent lights. We moved into a private room with it's own heater, but there is no getting away from those nasty energy-saving bulbs they are so in love with (We had to change all ours when we moved in). It was very lovely though: We had so many courses! Tons of food! Chicken soup (the WHOLE chicken, with the head, beak, and feet and claws in it), pheasant (with the liver cooked separately... I opted out of the liver!), delicious unknown white sprouts, miniature eggplants in sauce- great!, tofu in sauce, beef and potatoes, loads of different greens (and browns), beef and peppers, rice, tiny fried ribs... a lot more, but I'm not really sure what it all was! Very good though! The realest Chinese food I've ever had! She had been cooking for four hours before we came, just for us! She got a lot of pleasure out of serving us, you could tell! She was so sweet, also serving traditional Chinese New Year wine that she brewed herself at home! Such a lovely thought, but I barely made it back for a second sip, just to see if it got any better! It was like sweet vinegar! We had 2 in our group finish their glasses, and they both passed out asleep for a few hours after that! It cost 70 rmb's a person or $10. So wonderful! And I was truly inspired by my friends levels of Chinese who had been in Asia a few years! I could pick up about 1/3 of it all, which isn't bad for a month and a half of practice!
Then we went to the Lodge , which is run by an English guy and his Shanghai-ese wife. It is very cozy, food, drinks, family environment with kids about, all the guest were interacting etc. I think their Lodge not only does a great business, but has really helped bring a lot of the expats out there.
Our group had a room in a suite, so the rest of the night we all brought out our instruments (yup, I even played along on guitar!) and we sang and danced. Played some fun party games like charades, and girls-against the boys group songs...
Our group was so diverse! We represented: Italy, Spain, Burma, BRazil, Korea, Hong KOng, NY/Bristol, London, Canada, and USA! At midnight we did the Spanish grape thing when you are supposed to eat 12 grapes in 12 seconds! I made it to 8! haha! It was lots of fun! We had a terrace too, and I don't think I have ever seen the stars so close! It was beautiful and clear, millions of stars, just so close!
Overall, a spectacular new year!
So tomorrow we have been invited to go back to that restaurant that a friend of ours helped open here, for the recording of the last episode of the next season of "America's Next Top Model!" Haha! I think it will be a hoot! Going with our Aussie friends, so I know at least we will be having a laugh and good time!
Maybe I've mentioned it before, but we have fallen in with the best crowd and group of friends we could ask for! A bunch or artsy, creative, interesting people that have quickly become close friends that I hope to know a long time! It's pretty unreal, and we are always saying to each other that this would not/could not have happened in any other city in the world-NY, LOndon, LA.... It is pretty refreshing! Also, I think Norm and I fill a spot nicely, both of us being genuine NYC crazies! :)
So I am traveling back to the states Jan 14-28. My plan so far is.... Fly into NYC 9:00pm Jan 14., sleep at Scrappy and Mikey's, wake up the next morning (hahaha!... I'm really going to try hard that whole waking up thing! I will just time-traveled back in time after a 14 hour flight!) and take a bus down to VA, then on the 16th my mom and I are driving to PA to see my grandparents, then back to VA for some quality time, and I think I'm going to invite my VA friends to this cheap (very good) Mexican food and Margarita bar one night for some hardcore catching up! Then to NYC on the 21st and I leave the morning of the 28th. I will miss Norman and Shanghai (which is a good thing!) But am looking forward so much to visiting with family and friends!
I'm in 2 books that just came out: " Inside the Chelsea Hotel" by Julia Calfee, and "Atmosphere: The Chelsea Hotel" by Linda Troeller! They are both such beautiful, talented, strong women who I very much admire and am honored to be featured in their work! I can't wait to pick up copies while I'm there! The pic on here is the one from Linda's book and I will post a few of the pics from Julia's I just got a hold of (there are 3 of me and 3 of Norm, making us the most represented in the book!) We went to her opening and I couldn't believe how much a pic of me was going for! Very cool!
Oh! I have an official Fan Club now on facebook! I have 86 members! haha! So funny and cool! I love it!
I guess that is about it for now.... I hope this year is your best yet! Thank you for all your love and support in 2007! I have a feeling 2008 is going to be a good one!
Love, Amelia
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