Jeff 終於 comes here to 舉辦 his concert and guess what! I cannot go today as I am still in Shanghai! Really very 失望﹗I wishes 张信哲今晚演唱会圆满成功。
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Jeff Chang 新加坡演唱會! I miss it....
Jeff 終於 comes here to 舉辦 his concert and guess what! I cannot go today as I am still in Shanghai! Really very 失望﹗I wishes 张信哲今晚演唱会圆满成功。
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Shanghai 瀟灑走一回: 世博篇二
世博 is divided into 5 sections. A, B and C are at Pudong. D and E are at Puxi. The strategy I took is to go A, B, C, D then E.
Section A consisted of pavilions from mainly from 非洲﹐歐洲 and 美洲 countries. I firstly go to 非洲區 cos I got a gut feeling that area should have no queues. Volia! I am right.. 非洲國家 mainly have no own pavilions. They were given an empty exhibition hall and individual countries set up booth inside to form 聯合館。In fact, you will get to see many smaller countries, they group together to form a 聯合館 instead of own pavilions throughout the 世博 area. There are so many countries that I dun even know existed! Really 大開眼界﹗
Next is 歐洲區 then 美洲區 pavilions. 相比之下﹐歐洲區 and 美洲區 countries are richer. So they got their own pavilions and looks grander. So naturally, they got more queues. But I skip those that got extremely long queues like Germany, USA, Russia etc... Until night time, these pavilions are still crazy. Others are better at night.
They also got many performance throughout the 世博 area and got even daily 遊行﹗Just like Disneyland.
Section A consisted of pavilions from mainly from 非洲﹐歐洲 and 美洲 countries. I firstly go to 非洲區 cos I got a gut feeling that area should have no queues. Volia! I am right.. 非洲國家 mainly have no own pavilions. They were given an empty exhibition hall and individual countries set up booth inside to form 聯合館。In fact, you will get to see many smaller countries, they group together to form a 聯合館 instead of own pavilions throughout the 世博 area. There are so many countries that I dun even know existed! Really 大開眼界﹗
Next is 歐洲區 then 美洲區 pavilions. 相比之下﹐歐洲區 and 美洲區 countries are richer. So they got their own pavilions and looks grander. So naturally, they got more queues. But I skip those that got extremely long queues like Germany, USA, Russia etc... Until night time, these pavilions are still crazy. Others are better at night.
They also got many performance throughout the 世博 area and got even daily 遊行﹗Just like Disneyland.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Shanghai 瀟灑走一回: 世博篇一
I went to Shanghai 世界博覽會 for 3 days as it is impossible to cover everything in a day. Even 3 days are a bit too short as there are many long queues and too many things to see. You basically only can 走馬看花 and forgo pavilions that have extremely long queues day and night. But I managed to cover both Pudong and Puxi in 3 days and entered almost 70% of the pavilions. The rest of 30% just outside taking pictures. Ha! So what are the tips to visit this place?
Tips:
1. Summer is the vacation of students. The whole place is crawling with them. So best time to visit should be in September or October where kids are back in school. Then, parents bringung them also back to work. So at least half of the people will be gone! Besides September or October is cooler.
2. Never queue up for the pavilion. Trust me! There is no single one pavilion worth queuing for hours! In the pavilion, usually you spend about 15 mins and you spend 6 hours for this? Ha! Unless you are 瘋子 or too free. Dun get me wrong. It is interesting to visit but not to the extent of queuing for hours! So the strategy is to go to visit those pavilions that has no queue one first. There are a lot of pavilions with no queues or constantly moving queues. Usually in the evening to night time, those with queues one are almost gone. Then visit those. Make full use of your time. Dun waste time on queuing.
3. Visit those countries pavilion that you feel you most likely wun visit these countries in your life. Places like Japan, Korea, USA etc.. which you might have great chances to go, dun bother queuing these places. Cos you are better off watching the things in those countries instead at pavilions!
4. Shanghai Expo starts at 9am but I know you heard that people start queuing at 6am! Listen to me. Dun be nuts. Go after 10.30am. The queue at the entrance is long gone at this time. Dun go early and waste time queuing again.
5. Wear comfortable shoes.
6. Walk instead of taking free shuttle bus within Expo. Faster.
I got the 3 days multiple access tickets. It is slightly cheaper than buying 3 individual day ticket.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Shanghai 瀟灑走一回: 住宿篇三
Third Hotel: Park Hyatt Shanghai (上海柏悅酒店)
This hotel is my most favorite hotel out of the three.
Location:
It is at Pudong area and situated at the top of Shanghai World Financial Center building.
Room & amenities:
I booked their bund view king which is at level 81. You need to use your room card to access the floor level. The room is quite big. It is around 55 sqm. The room interior is very posh! The wall and wardrobe are in dark brown and the light is quite soft and dim. The whole setting is more like your own studio apartment than staying in a hotel. It has a nice long dining table in front of the bed, a working desk area, a day bed, a large bed and a large bathroom. My room has the bund view. However, it is a shame that it is partially blocked by Jin Mao Building. Both day and night views are quite stunning. The bed is extremely comfortable and the pillow is fantastic! There is a large LCD TV in the bedroom and also a iPod dock. There are fresh pears in the room. Complimentary mineral water are plenty. The in room safe even has a power socket and it is big enough for you can keep your laptop inside and charging it. However, there is no complimentary English newspaper provided. Good thing is that there is complimentary internet in the room. It is rather fast and easy to connect. The room has also tonnes of wardrobe for you to hang your clothes. Two besides the room and one in the bathroom. There is also a coffee maker for brewing your own coffee or getting hot water. There is no lack of high tech gadgets in the room. It ranges from motorized window curtain to automatic toilet to built-in mirror TV in the bathroom (where you can catch your morning news while brushing your teeth) to lighting intensity control switch.
Bathroom & amenities:
The bathroom is big. Amenities are nicely packed in a tray. The towel is huge and good. Bathing toiletries are from luxurious Aromatherapy Associates. The rain forest shower is very generous and the bathtub looks huge. The bathroom also features oriental bath. There are two basins for you and partner to brush your teeth together. As mentioned, there is a TV in built to the bathroom mirror and also the motorized toilet.
Service:
When I arrived at the hotel entrance, there is a staff to escort me personally to their hotel lobby at level 87 for check in which is fast and staffs speak good English. The bell boy sent my luggage straight to my room. The staffs on the whole are friendly and helpful. This hotel provides turn down service which I like. When I come back hotel every night, the room is prepared for sleeping. Mineral water is left at the bed side and slippers on the floor. One special thing is that you always need to pass thru a metal detector and have your things x-ray when entering through the hotel entrance. Though a bit cumbersome, I feel safe at the same time.
Facilities:
They have swimming pool, whirlpool and gym. The swimming pool is located at level 85. I went to swim at night. The light is rather dim which is good as you get to see the night views outside easily. There are only 1 or 2 other people at the pool and whirlpool when I used it. So it is pretty quiet and very enjoyable. I particularly like the part that they provide a waterproof bag for you in the locker to store your wet clothing when you going back to your room. This is very thoughtful.
Surrounding:
This hotel is extremely quiet. Not many people. I really love the dim light from hotel entrance to lobby to walkway and even in your room. This provides a very upclass feel. There is a shopping mall below the building if you need quick bite. There is also a 24 hours family mart which you can buy beer or snacks if you feel hungry in the middle of the night. A 5 to 10 mins walk get you to IFC mall which is a very upclass shopping area. You can get your Gucci and LV there. If you need more affordable shopping and eating, walking another 5 to 10 mins down the road get you to Super Brand Mall. As this is a rather downtown area, there are no inexpensive local eateries around. If you do not take breakfast in hotel, I think the best alternative is Super Brand Mall. Nearest metro station is Lujiazui Station which is about a 5 to 10 mins walk and the entrance is just outside IFC mall.
The setting of this hotel is more cater to business traveler. It really give me an exclusive feel which is very upclass with a quiet surrounding. Overall, I have nothing but very positive feel about this hotel. I strongly recommend this hotel if you are looking for a luxurious stay with good experience.
This hotel is my most favorite hotel out of the three.
Location:
It is at Pudong area and situated at the top of Shanghai World Financial Center building.
Room & amenities:
I booked their bund view king which is at level 81. You need to use your room card to access the floor level. The room is quite big. It is around 55 sqm. The room interior is very posh! The wall and wardrobe are in dark brown and the light is quite soft and dim. The whole setting is more like your own studio apartment than staying in a hotel. It has a nice long dining table in front of the bed, a working desk area, a day bed, a large bed and a large bathroom. My room has the bund view. However, it is a shame that it is partially blocked by Jin Mao Building. Both day and night views are quite stunning. The bed is extremely comfortable and the pillow is fantastic! There is a large LCD TV in the bedroom and also a iPod dock. There are fresh pears in the room. Complimentary mineral water are plenty. The in room safe even has a power socket and it is big enough for you can keep your laptop inside and charging it. However, there is no complimentary English newspaper provided. Good thing is that there is complimentary internet in the room. It is rather fast and easy to connect. The room has also tonnes of wardrobe for you to hang your clothes. Two besides the room and one in the bathroom. There is also a coffee maker for brewing your own coffee or getting hot water. There is no lack of high tech gadgets in the room. It ranges from motorized window curtain to automatic toilet to built-in mirror TV in the bathroom (where you can catch your morning news while brushing your teeth) to lighting intensity control switch.
Bathroom & amenities:
The bathroom is big. Amenities are nicely packed in a tray. The towel is huge and good. Bathing toiletries are from luxurious Aromatherapy Associates. The rain forest shower is very generous and the bathtub looks huge. The bathroom also features oriental bath. There are two basins for you and partner to brush your teeth together. As mentioned, there is a TV in built to the bathroom mirror and also the motorized toilet.
Service:
When I arrived at the hotel entrance, there is a staff to escort me personally to their hotel lobby at level 87 for check in which is fast and staffs speak good English. The bell boy sent my luggage straight to my room. The staffs on the whole are friendly and helpful. This hotel provides turn down service which I like. When I come back hotel every night, the room is prepared for sleeping. Mineral water is left at the bed side and slippers on the floor. One special thing is that you always need to pass thru a metal detector and have your things x-ray when entering through the hotel entrance. Though a bit cumbersome, I feel safe at the same time.
Facilities:
They have swimming pool, whirlpool and gym. The swimming pool is located at level 85. I went to swim at night. The light is rather dim which is good as you get to see the night views outside easily. There are only 1 or 2 other people at the pool and whirlpool when I used it. So it is pretty quiet and very enjoyable. I particularly like the part that they provide a waterproof bag for you in the locker to store your wet clothing when you going back to your room. This is very thoughtful.
Surrounding:
This hotel is extremely quiet. Not many people. I really love the dim light from hotel entrance to lobby to walkway and even in your room. This provides a very upclass feel. There is a shopping mall below the building if you need quick bite. There is also a 24 hours family mart which you can buy beer or snacks if you feel hungry in the middle of the night. A 5 to 10 mins walk get you to IFC mall which is a very upclass shopping area. You can get your Gucci and LV there. If you need more affordable shopping and eating, walking another 5 to 10 mins down the road get you to Super Brand Mall. As this is a rather downtown area, there are no inexpensive local eateries around. If you do not take breakfast in hotel, I think the best alternative is Super Brand Mall. Nearest metro station is Lujiazui Station which is about a 5 to 10 mins walk and the entrance is just outside IFC mall.
The setting of this hotel is more cater to business traveler. It really give me an exclusive feel which is very upclass with a quiet surrounding. Overall, I have nothing but very positive feel about this hotel. I strongly recommend this hotel if you are looking for a luxurious stay with good experience.
Monday, August 09, 2010
Shanghai 瀟灑走一回: 住宿篇二
Second Hotel: Grand Hyatt Shanghai (上海金茂君悅大酒店)
Location:
It is at Pudong area and situated at the top of Jin Mao building.
Room & amenities:
I booked their signature room Grand Deluxe River View King + club access but surprisingly was given a free upgrade to Grand Suite View King. The room is located at level 85. You need to use your room card to access the floor level. The room is quite big. It is 65 sqm. It has a nice dining room, a living room, a working desk area besides the dining room, a large bedroom and a large bathroom. My room has the bund view. But you are get to see different view in this room. I am able to see the lower part of the Huangpu river from the window at the working desk area, slightly upper part of Huangpu river from the window of the bathroom, another part of river side from living room window. Both day and night views are quite stunning. The bed is rather comfortable. The pillow is just nice. You have 2 large LCD TV. One is the room, one in the living room. DVD player, sofa, arm chair, a working desk. Fresh fruits (4 pieces) everyday. However, there is no complimentary English newspaper provided. Good thing is the complimentary internet in the room. It is rather fast and easy to connect. The wardrobe can be open from the room side or from the bathroom side. They even provide Yoga mat! There is also a coffee marker for brewing your own coffee.
Bathroom & amenities:
The bathroom is big. Standard items are provided. Toothbrush, comb to name a few. It is packed nicely in a travel pouch which looks neat. The towel is huge and good. Bathing toiletries are from Molten Brown. It has no rain forest shower but has a 3 pieces shower head at different height aiming at different parts of the body. Bathtub looks nice too. You can also access your clothing to the wardrobe from the bathroom side.
Service:
Grand Hyatt staffs are friendly. They greet you whenever they see you. At level 85, there is even a lady station at this level. I think she acts like a butler for this level. As I book club access, I was sent to level 83 for personalize check in. The check in is fast and staffs speak good English. This hotel provides down service which I like. When I come back hotel every night, the room is prepared for sleeping. Mineral water is left at the bed side and slippers on the floor. However, no chocolate is provided. I booked the club access and so you can access the club floor at level 83. You will have your breakfast there. Though it is quieter but I recommend you go to level 55 cos there are more varieties. 11am to 4pm is afternoon tea and they will provide some cookies, biscuits and fruits for you. During this time, it is rather empty. 5pm to 8pm is evening cocktail. You will get to drink red wine, whiskey, martini, fruit juice, soft drinks etc... There are also many nice little finger food serve such as bao, chicken wings, sashimi, ham, bread, cookies, cakes, meats, etc... You can have them as your dinner!
Facilities:
They have swimming pool, whirlpool and Gym. The swimming pool is located at level 57. I went to swim at night. As they light up the swimming pools very brightly, it is not easy to see the night views outside. You end up seeing your own reflections. I particularly like the changing room. It is very big like a maze! It has many lockers, several bathing room, toilets, massage room, steam room, whirlpool and even a relaxation room! I was the only one in the relaxation room and it is nicely dim inside. There are many inclined seats for you to rest and enjoy the night views of lower part of Huangpu rivers. A small fridge is provided for you to access icy cold face towel to freshen up. It is pretty quiet and very enjoyable.
Surrounding:
The only down part about this hotel is that it is always very busy and crowded in the lobby. There are always many people lingering around the lobby and at entrance of the hotel, there are also a lot of people. There is a sort of shopping mall beside Jin Mao but inside is mainly food, dental, salon, gym. Nothing much. But a 5 to 10 mins walk get you to IFC mall which is a very upclass shopping area. You can get your Gucci and LV there. If you need more affordable shopping and eating, walking another 5 to 10 mins down the road get you to Super Brand Mall. If you need quick bite or buy stuffs in middle of the night, you can cross the street to opposite Shanghai World Financial Center where you can find food and a 24 hours family mart convenient store. As this is a rather downtown area, there are no inexpensive local eateries around. If you do not take breakfast in hotel, I think the best alternative is Super Brand Mall. Nearest metro station is Lujiazui Station which is about a 5 to 10 mins walk and outside IFC mall.
I feel the overall setting of this hotel is more for family. It is also very busy which I dun really feel exclusive enough. If you prefer a more upclass feel and quiet surrounding, I would not recommend this hotel. Other than that, this hotel is great.
Location:
It is at Pudong area and situated at the top of Jin Mao building.
Room & amenities:
I booked their signature room Grand Deluxe River View King + club access but surprisingly was given a free upgrade to Grand Suite View King. The room is located at level 85. You need to use your room card to access the floor level. The room is quite big. It is 65 sqm. It has a nice dining room, a living room, a working desk area besides the dining room, a large bedroom and a large bathroom. My room has the bund view. But you are get to see different view in this room. I am able to see the lower part of the Huangpu river from the window at the working desk area, slightly upper part of Huangpu river from the window of the bathroom, another part of river side from living room window. Both day and night views are quite stunning. The bed is rather comfortable. The pillow is just nice. You have 2 large LCD TV. One is the room, one in the living room. DVD player, sofa, arm chair, a working desk. Fresh fruits (4 pieces) everyday. However, there is no complimentary English newspaper provided. Good thing is the complimentary internet in the room. It is rather fast and easy to connect. The wardrobe can be open from the room side or from the bathroom side. They even provide Yoga mat! There is also a coffee marker for brewing your own coffee.
Bathroom & amenities:
The bathroom is big. Standard items are provided. Toothbrush, comb to name a few. It is packed nicely in a travel pouch which looks neat. The towel is huge and good. Bathing toiletries are from Molten Brown. It has no rain forest shower but has a 3 pieces shower head at different height aiming at different parts of the body. Bathtub looks nice too. You can also access your clothing to the wardrobe from the bathroom side.
Service:
Grand Hyatt staffs are friendly. They greet you whenever they see you. At level 85, there is even a lady station at this level. I think she acts like a butler for this level. As I book club access, I was sent to level 83 for personalize check in. The check in is fast and staffs speak good English. This hotel provides down service which I like. When I come back hotel every night, the room is prepared for sleeping. Mineral water is left at the bed side and slippers on the floor. However, no chocolate is provided. I booked the club access and so you can access the club floor at level 83. You will have your breakfast there. Though it is quieter but I recommend you go to level 55 cos there are more varieties. 11am to 4pm is afternoon tea and they will provide some cookies, biscuits and fruits for you. During this time, it is rather empty. 5pm to 8pm is evening cocktail. You will get to drink red wine, whiskey, martini, fruit juice, soft drinks etc... There are also many nice little finger food serve such as bao, chicken wings, sashimi, ham, bread, cookies, cakes, meats, etc... You can have them as your dinner!
Facilities:
They have swimming pool, whirlpool and Gym. The swimming pool is located at level 57. I went to swim at night. As they light up the swimming pools very brightly, it is not easy to see the night views outside. You end up seeing your own reflections. I particularly like the changing room. It is very big like a maze! It has many lockers, several bathing room, toilets, massage room, steam room, whirlpool and even a relaxation room! I was the only one in the relaxation room and it is nicely dim inside. There are many inclined seats for you to rest and enjoy the night views of lower part of Huangpu rivers. A small fridge is provided for you to access icy cold face towel to freshen up. It is pretty quiet and very enjoyable.
Surrounding:
The only down part about this hotel is that it is always very busy and crowded in the lobby. There are always many people lingering around the lobby and at entrance of the hotel, there are also a lot of people. There is a sort of shopping mall beside Jin Mao but inside is mainly food, dental, salon, gym. Nothing much. But a 5 to 10 mins walk get you to IFC mall which is a very upclass shopping area. You can get your Gucci and LV there. If you need more affordable shopping and eating, walking another 5 to 10 mins down the road get you to Super Brand Mall. If you need quick bite or buy stuffs in middle of the night, you can cross the street to opposite Shanghai World Financial Center where you can find food and a 24 hours family mart convenient store. As this is a rather downtown area, there are no inexpensive local eateries around. If you do not take breakfast in hotel, I think the best alternative is Super Brand Mall. Nearest metro station is Lujiazui Station which is about a 5 to 10 mins walk and outside IFC mall.
I feel the overall setting of this hotel is more for family. It is also very busy which I dun really feel exclusive enough. If you prefer a more upclass feel and quiet surrounding, I would not recommend this hotel. Other than that, this hotel is great.
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