After weeks of research and excitement, we got confirmation that day before the eclipse that Shanghai has close to 0% chance of seeing the eclipse. A couple of my friends' friends who are serious eclipse chasers immediately booked plane tickets to Chengdu. Getting away like that was out of the question for me and I was beginning to feel depressed about missing the event of a century.
Suddenly, Dorothee, a former guest now a close friend, called about our other friend Hao being willing to take on the hard job of organizing a last-minute overnight trip to Hangzhou. Magically, he bought us all train tickets and booked hotel rooms. So by 8pm, we were happily on our way to Hangzhou. We got into the hotel after 10pm, went for a late night snack (most places were closed by then) and set the time to meet the next day.
After breakfast on the next day, we set out to find a place to view the eclipse. At first, we asked the taxi driver where would be a good spot, and he took us to this park area by a river. However, there was an ugly construction crane sitting right next door and Dorothee insisted that we should not be watching it there and that we should go back to the West Lake. Good call, Dorothee!
Back at the lake, there were already a lot of people standing around waiting for the sun to be eaten up. At first, the sky was cloudy so we weren't able to see much. We also used these NASA eclipse viewing visors, which were way too dark for the cloudy weather to see anything. My other former guest Hiroko had bought this spiffy viewing card from Japan that worked perfectly, so everybody was borrowing hers to get a glimpse.
Around 9:34am, the sky began to turn dark, and everyone started shouting in excitement. At that moment, the clouds also broke so we were able to see the sun totally covered! The darkness was an eerie purplish green color that's definitely different from a normal sunset. The Lei Feng Ta pagoda across the late lit up with the night lights and it was sight that I'll never forget! The totality lasted about 5 minutes and it took about 30 more minutes for the sun to go back to normal.
We were all realy realy glad that we came out to Hangzhou. I texted my friends in Shanghai and they sadly reported rain the whole time. Two hours after the eclipse, Hangzhou had its own downpour -- we were truly lucky!
For more background on the solar eclipse, read here
2009年7月22日 星期三
2009年7月16日 星期四
Total Solar Eclipse 2009 - July 22
This event of the century was first brought to our attention by enthusiastic guests booking months in advance. Total and partial eclipses are actually common occurrences but what makes this July 22 one significant is that 1) it will be the longest one (5-6 minutes depending on where you watch it) in the next one hundred years and 2) it's best seen from within the narrow band along the densly populated Yangtze River/Delta region, including Shanghai.
Here's a map showing the eclipse's path: http://www.heywhatsthat.com/200907-solar-eclipse.html Here's a map highlight the eclipse path within China: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009iau/TSE2009-fig03.GIF The eclipse is the longest when you view it nearest the center line of the band. Shanghai is a tad north of the center line.
In Shanghai, the eclipse will begin around 8:30am with the total eclipse starting around 9:3x-9:4x am, depending on where you are. The only uncertainty is the weather on the morning of the 22nd. The serious sun chasers are planning to go wherever it takes to get a good view.
Quintet is looking into organizing some kind of viewing event, possibly on our very own rooftop if the weather in Shanghai is good enough or leaving early in the morning to go somewhere in a van.
Email us if you're interested in joining us!
Here's a map showing the eclipse's path: http://www.heywhatsthat.com/200907-solar-eclipse.html Here's a map highlight the eclipse path within China: http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2009/TSE2009iau/TSE2009-fig03.GIF The eclipse is the longest when you view it nearest the center line of the band. Shanghai is a tad north of the center line.
In Shanghai, the eclipse will begin around 8:30am with the total eclipse starting around 9:3x-9:4x am, depending on where you are. The only uncertainty is the weather on the morning of the 22nd. The serious sun chasers are planning to go wherever it takes to get a good view.
Quintet is looking into organizing some kind of viewing event, possibly on our very own rooftop if the weather in Shanghai is good enough or leaving early in the morning to go somewhere in a van.
Email us if you're interested in joining us!
2009年6月10日 星期三
My plants have hope now!
When we opened backed in September last year, I dreamed about having blooming aromatic flowers and thriving colorful plants year-round: an osmanthus here, a tuberose there, and plenty of hydrangeas to cut and put in vases. Grapevines would surround the rooftop walls, while delicate adiantum ferns would flow gently with the wind.
Unfortunately, no one in our house had the green thumb. We did buy several trees, a grapevine with aged branches, and tons of seasonal flowers. They looked wonderful when they first arrived but then quickly turned into yellow leaves and sagging branches due to heat and mistreatment. The freezing winter dealt the last blow-- even the trees died..
Then came spring. I was euphoric and decided that this time we were going to pick the right trees and plants so they will last for a while. Within weeks, most of flowers died and now a mere three months later, even the new trees are not looking up again. I was mad at the nursery guy who sold me the plants -- he either didn't understand the concept of "perennial" or just wanted to sell more plants to me more frequently. It seems like they treated these living units like disposable decorations and didn't really bother teaching us the caring techniques.
Luckily, my friend referred me to a gardener who is taking care of the backyard for several houses. I asked him to come check on our trees and plants. It turned out that (of course!) we weren't trimming and fertilizing them properly. And the way you water really make a difference. I decided on the spot that I would hire this guy to help us save our plants!! Hopefully we can see a visible difference in the months to come.
We're going to the flower market this weekend to check out some new stuff!
Unfortunately, no one in our house had the green thumb. We did buy several trees, a grapevine with aged branches, and tons of seasonal flowers. They looked wonderful when they first arrived but then quickly turned into yellow leaves and sagging branches due to heat and mistreatment. The freezing winter dealt the last blow-- even the trees died..
Then came spring. I was euphoric and decided that this time we were going to pick the right trees and plants so they will last for a while. Within weeks, most of flowers died and now a mere three months later, even the new trees are not looking up again. I was mad at the nursery guy who sold me the plants -- he either didn't understand the concept of "perennial" or just wanted to sell more plants to me more frequently. It seems like they treated these living units like disposable decorations and didn't really bother teaching us the caring techniques.
Luckily, my friend referred me to a gardener who is taking care of the backyard for several houses. I asked him to come check on our trees and plants. It turned out that (of course!) we weren't trimming and fertilizing them properly. And the way you water really make a difference. I decided on the spot that I would hire this guy to help us save our plants!! Hopefully we can see a visible difference in the months to come.
We're going to the flower market this weekend to check out some new stuff!
2009年6月9日 星期二
Hot Summer Sale - stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free!
Coming to Shanghai this summer to visit friends and family or take short-term courses? Quintet wants to be your home away from home!
For the upcoming months of July and August, for every three consecutive nights you book with us, get the 4th night FREE! By spending at least four nights with us, you will also enjoy the following benefits during your stay:
-FREE local SIM card rental so you can call and be reached without paying for expensive roaming charges!
-FREE one-day bicycle usage so you can tour the city on wheels!
-20% off all minibar charges so you can cool down with more icy beers!
-10% off all laundry bills so you will always have fresh clothes to wear!
We only have five rooms so hurry up and book now!
* Mention "Hot Summer Sale" when you book to receive the discounts.
** This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or offers
For the upcoming months of July and August, for every three consecutive nights you book with us, get the 4th night FREE! By spending at least four nights with us, you will also enjoy the following benefits during your stay:
-FREE local SIM card rental so you can call and be reached without paying for expensive roaming charges!
-FREE one-day bicycle usage so you can tour the city on wheels!
-20% off all minibar charges so you can cool down with more icy beers!
-10% off all laundry bills so you will always have fresh clothes to wear!
We only have five rooms so hurry up and book now!
* Mention "Hot Summer Sale" when you book to receive the discounts.
** This offer cannot be combined with other discounts or offers
2009年5月12日 星期二
May 27/28 Handmade accessories workshop by visiting Japanese artist
My former guest Hiroko Ibuki, a crafts designer who lives in Tokyo is hosting her first workshop on accessories in Shanghai. She just finished a personal exhibition of her work in Japan. You can see photos of her work on her blog (in Japanese) here: http://love-live-laugh.cocolog-nifty.com/hirokoibuki/
Her work is very beautiful and I want to put a plug in for her upcoming workshop in Shanghai. If you happen to be in town during that time, feel free to check out her workshop!
Here's the Workshop information:
Let's make a pretty viola ring and a hair accessory at a cafe in Hongqiao!
Pretty violas are made with lovely wire edged ribbons and they are sawn on to a ring and a small comb.
They are very easy to make, but when you learn how to make them, you can use them to decorate many things. You can glue them on to a basket or make a necklace, a bracelet, a head dress and so on...
Date: 2009. 5 27( Thurs ) or 28( Fri) 10:30-12:30
Place: cafe+ gallery Himawari
上海市长宁区剑河路2000弄69号 夏都花园 (Changning District, Jianhe Rd, Alley 2000, Number 69)
Tel 021-62622377
Fee: 250RMB per person
Please bring: sawing needles, scissors, ruler, pencil, sawing threads( pink, yellow, dark green, if you have any)
For more information, please send Hiroko e-mail at: hirokoibuki@mac.com
Her work is very beautiful and I want to put a plug in for her upcoming workshop in Shanghai. If you happen to be in town during that time, feel free to check out her workshop!
Here's the Workshop information:
Let's make a pretty viola ring and a hair accessory at a cafe in Hongqiao!
Pretty violas are made with lovely wire edged ribbons and they are sawn on to a ring and a small comb.
They are very easy to make, but when you learn how to make them, you can use them to decorate many things. You can glue them on to a basket or make a necklace, a bracelet, a head dress and so on...
Date: 2009. 5 27( Thurs ) or 28( Fri) 10:30-12:30
Place: cafe+ gallery Himawari
上海市长宁区剑河路2000弄69号 夏都花园 (Changning District, Jianhe Rd, Alley 2000, Number 69)
Tel 021-62622377
Fee: 250RMB per person
Please bring: sawing needles, scissors, ruler, pencil, sawing threads( pink, yellow, dark green, if you have any)
For more information, please send Hiroko e-mail at: hirokoibuki@mac.com
2009年1月5日 星期一
Good deals for tourists in Shanghai
When I was working for the corporate world, I never got to see Shanghai during the day Monday-Friday. Since I started becoming an "entreprenuer," my schedule is more flexible and allows me to roam around the city any odd time of the day. I thought I'd share some of the great deals I've been enjoying with people who are visiting Shanghai (or those who can get out of the office before 6pm).
1. 2 hour foot + body massage for $100RMB - This is a happy hour package that the Butterfly Massage offers Monday-Friday before 6pm. Normally, one hour of foot or body massage is somewhere around $80RMB per hour so this is a really sweet deal. It's also very close to Quintet so I'd highly recommend it to my guests. Their massage therapists on average are very good -- therapeutic but not as brutal as some of the more local places. The place has a spa-like atmosphere and I especially like their little touches such as a heated neck pillow (filled with some sort of grains) when you're getting the foot massage and also heated sack for the back during the body massage. My favorite guy is #2, and according to the manager, he is the "technical director" of the shop.
2. Happy hour "Tidbits" at the Glamour Bar on the Bund - Glamour is usually more packed as the night goes on so the place is practically empty around 5-8pm. That's why they offer a small spread of snack buffet for free during this time Monday-Friday. For the price of the drinks (typically $70RMB/drink and up), you not only get free food, you can also get the gorgeous bund/Oriental Pearl view all to yourself (sofas next to the windows are hard to come by late at night). Why not beat the crowd?
3. English high tea on the 53rd in Jinmao Hyatt - we discovered this one after seeing the 2-hour line to get up to the new Shanghai World Financial Center observation deck. At SWFC, you'd pay $180RMB to go up to the 100th floor -- and it doesn't even come with a drink! For $150RMB + 15%, you can sit comfortably in Hyatt's relaxing and jazzy Piano Bar with a still very nice view of the Huang Pu River while enjoying excellent tea sandwiches, hot scones and sausage rolls, as well as a good selection of desserts, fruits, and ice cream. I think I'll wait until when the crowds subside more (or discounts are offered) before trying the SWFC again.
1. 2 hour foot + body massage for $100RMB - This is a happy hour package that the Butterfly Massage offers Monday-Friday before 6pm. Normally, one hour of foot or body massage is somewhere around $80RMB per hour so this is a really sweet deal. It's also very close to Quintet so I'd highly recommend it to my guests. Their massage therapists on average are very good -- therapeutic but not as brutal as some of the more local places. The place has a spa-like atmosphere and I especially like their little touches such as a heated neck pillow (filled with some sort of grains) when you're getting the foot massage and also heated sack for the back during the body massage. My favorite guy is #2, and according to the manager, he is the "technical director" of the shop.
2. Happy hour "Tidbits" at the Glamour Bar on the Bund - Glamour is usually more packed as the night goes on so the place is practically empty around 5-8pm. That's why they offer a small spread of snack buffet for free during this time Monday-Friday. For the price of the drinks (typically $70RMB/drink and up), you not only get free food, you can also get the gorgeous bund/Oriental Pearl view all to yourself (sofas next to the windows are hard to come by late at night). Why not beat the crowd?
3. English high tea on the 53rd in Jinmao Hyatt - we discovered this one after seeing the 2-hour line to get up to the new Shanghai World Financial Center observation deck. At SWFC, you'd pay $180RMB to go up to the 100th floor -- and it doesn't even come with a drink! For $150RMB + 15%, you can sit comfortably in Hyatt's relaxing and jazzy Piano Bar with a still very nice view of the Huang Pu River while enjoying excellent tea sandwiches, hot scones and sausage rolls, as well as a good selection of desserts, fruits, and ice cream. I think I'll wait until when the crowds subside more (or discounts are offered) before trying the SWFC again.
2008年11月19日 星期三
Tea ceremony scam around People's Park
Last week, one of my older guests came back from his first day of touring in Shanghai. He had been to the museums around People's Park and Square area. He told me about this tea ceremony he attended at the invitation of two students who struck up a conversation with him in the park. Right away, I knew he had been scammed, because last year, one of my apartment guests also got approached in a similar fashion. My guest said he kind of knew it was a scam toward the end as well, when they told him the bill was $1700RMB. He managed to talk the price down to $680RMB and was escorted to the ATM to withdraw money to pay. I asked him if he wanted to report them to the police (he had the biz card of the tea shop also) but he said other than the price tag, he had a wonderful time with the people, who spoke excellent English. He even took photos with the people who scammed him. I felt bad about not warning him ahead of time, so I'm doing this post now to help future tourists avoid it.
Given the price is reasonable (I think $100-200RMB per person including snacks is ok, and you really don't need to go for expensive teas if you are a novice at tea), attending a tea ceremony is really a pleasant thing. You get to sample and learn about the different teas from China -- the dragon well green tea from Hangzhou, the amber-color, semi-fremanted oolong or iron goddess (tie kuan yin), and the aged, earthy tasting puerh tea, among many many others. My personal favorite is the Yunnan black tea "dian hong", which is a lot milder than the Indian black teas and very aromatic. A good way to try out the teas is to find a neighborhood tea shop (ideally away from the very touristy areas) and ask the owner to let you do some tasting before you buy.
Given the price is reasonable (I think $100-200RMB per person including snacks is ok, and you really don't need to go for expensive teas if you are a novice at tea), attending a tea ceremony is really a pleasant thing. You get to sample and learn about the different teas from China -- the dragon well green tea from Hangzhou, the amber-color, semi-fremanted oolong or iron goddess (tie kuan yin), and the aged, earthy tasting puerh tea, among many many others. My personal favorite is the Yunnan black tea "dian hong", which is a lot milder than the Indian black teas and very aromatic. A good way to try out the teas is to find a neighborhood tea shop (ideally away from the very touristy areas) and ask the owner to let you do some tasting before you buy.
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