Girl, That's So... Shanghai, China!

My marathon day in Shanghai did not slow down, I continued to do the most, at all costs! '武康大楼‘ or nah? I made those 'French Concession' views happen even though time kept on ticking! 'Pie Society' hooked me up, big time! As night fell, it was time for a show from the West End! '伦敦西区?' I said it! 'HUNT酒吧' did the damn thing! Sleep must be for the weak? Yes, Shanghai! 

After my meeting with '静安寺/Jing'an Temple', from Line 2 to Line 11, I was able to reach '交通大学/Jiaotong University' station for my next point. The humidity of the heat was killing me, I wanted my photo and I wanted to finally get that pie in my life! Of course, Wukang Mansion deserved my attention, I would be gracious even still. A protected heritage building in the former French Concession? Yes, this former 'celebrity house' works for her tourist coins because tourists from far and wide want to snap a photo! I saw this 'Flatiron-ish' building because it reminded me of the New York City icon. The gag is that during my time stomping around NYC, I never actually went to the 'Flatiron Building' once! Shanghai was about to snatch that claim, she unapologetically aligned the stars for me to have that experience in China's most cosmopolitan city! The Big Apple missed out! I waited for those traffic lights with the heat of the day beating down, the crowds weren't maddening but they were enough! Shanghai, I so did this for the plot!

Designed by Hungarian-Slovak architect, 'László Hudec' became the mastermind behind other Shanghai built icons from 1918 to 1945 with Wukang Mansion completed in 1924 during Shanghai's boujee heydays! In recent years, buildings like 'Wukang' have been protected because they ooze a European edge, money talks! You know those bloggers adore buildings in China like Wukang for their 'content for clout', acting as the photographic 'cherry on top!' I for one have been to Paris and other cities that ooze sophistication but I could see how much of a pull it would be to show those from the domestic market a slice of Paris of New York City with the domestic economy supported at the very same time! I had secured my photo, the humidity followed me left and right and I needed some air conditioning in my life! I found a coffee shop but I wanted a cocktail lounge, I was able to order a can or two of '啤酒/Beer' to cool me down! I needed to eat once again, from Filipino fare to something closer to home, so I moved on again. 

Of course, I love Chinese food but my heart sings when a hearty pie comes into my life! Being the centre of my world, Shanghai always serves up delicious western food, that June 2025 visit was no different! I had been told about the mystical sounding 'Pie Society' by my friend, Andy. That Bolton lad had told me about those life-changing pies served, breaking the every day cycle of rice and noodles, I knew what I wanted! Ordering the 'Steak & Guinness' pie had to be done, did I want mash and gravy with that order? Are you mad?! I ordered the lot, I was excited, I wanted it immediately! Pie Society saw me making some crazy tracks from 'Wukang Mansion' but I made it, my show beckoned but I had time for something to eat, again! My pie was served up not long after I had ordered, refreshing those summer settings I went for a cheeky Stella Artois for my nerve. Tucking into my pie was like an event, I had smashed that pie within seconds but lovingly savoured every bite! The filling was flavoursome, rich and hot, freshness I did notice! 

Getting every drop of gravy off the plate with a fork was arduous. You know that I asked for a spoon because come hell or high waters, I wouldn't be leaving a drop on the plate! The gravy tasted better than any 'Bisto' mix, I had not tasted gravy for the longest of times, I needed to return to Shanghai sooner! That was an order! Time was not on my side, I slipped into a DiDi taxi with my tea leaving me satisfied. I had love for that part of Shanghai but little did I know I would be back a few hours later, across the road at a certain nighttime venue! My taxi took me back to my hotel because I needed to refresh before my West End show started, I didn't have much time but I would make it work. I had thus far had an amazing day, I had not had a second to think and that filled me with a thirst to see more, I had done the most! Refreshed and ready, I was about to unlock the location around that newly booked hotel. My previous accommodation from November 2024 was around the corner from that Campanile Hotel. I wanted another pie! 

My theatre tickets had been booked for a minute, I was majorly excited to see another 'West End' show in China! Ningbo had served theatre and also Hangzhou as well but I wanted to try Shanghai, I wasn't ready for that theatre venue in the big city! 'SIX: The Musical' had been a success in the UK, especially within the 'West End' circuit but people knew about this show in China? Very much so, they did! This 'Royal' musical had been doing the rounds within China and I wanted a slice of the action. Would I make it to the 'Majestic Theatre' on-time? I speed walked between the interchange station and through the streets, I was determined to fit everything in and be punctual. Yes, I snatched my tickets without much hassle and took to my seat, I was impressed with the venue! Ningbo and Hangzhou had nice theatres but they had been dry, I saw a guy walking between the rows with a basket of wine! Was I dreaming or was he just dreamy? Both, I bought a bottle of red and white wines, I felt like I was back in the UK! Damn! 

Telling a revved up version of events by the former wives of 'King Henry VIII' as a musical, I had no idea what to expect! Phones were kept away, people were there for the show and that was refreshing to witness! The six former wives sang their way through that almost two hour show, from upbeat numbers to a sombre bar or two! 'Catherine of Aragon' did the most! 'Anne Boleyn' lost her head! 'Jane Seymour' died after giving birth to Henry's only son! 'Anne of Cleves' made her voice heard, Henry's disdain for her appearance didn't please her! 'Catherine Howard' played against the rules, she did though! Finally, 'Katherine Parr' survived being Henry's final and sixth wife, missing out on real love! The audience understood the humour, it was great to see the Shanghai Huns who were sitting next to me laugh along with the gags! I left that theatre with a feeling of light, it was an injection of culture for me! Going into the night, the night was still young! To be hungover or not the next day? Shanghai saw me risk it all! Maj, I will be back! 

I had been out all day and for some of the evening, did I fancy going 'out-out?' I did actually! After leaving the theatre I kidded myself that I didn't have a plan, I topped up with a can of Corona from a theatre facing shop. That can made me do it! Finding myself at 'HUNT' for the second time wasn't part of the plan, I had first visited during November 2024 but I had drank too much! I was able to make peace with that venue, I didn't quite have the 'fear' about my previous visit to HUNT but after a few beers I was able to calm down. Seeing the venue from a different point of view. I had arrived just as the quiz was wrapping up, it was time for a few drinks and a little shimmy on the dance floor! I surveyed the bar, I wasn't looking for a piece of action, I just wanted to judge. Those first drinks turned into more, I embraced those Saturday night settings. If truth be told, I was actually being sensible, that was a big thing for me! My nights in Ningbo have been mostly at home since that shady bar closed, Shanghai got me out! 

Boozy? I was getting sozzled and the day had been longer than the Yangtze River, something had to be done about that! I finished my last drink and left HUNT to do its thing, I am sure I will be back at some point soon. That wasn't a question! Crossing over the road before the bell rang for 'last orders', I was able to enjoy one final drink of the night! I ordered and enjoyed a pint of Guinness, it was an Irish themed bar after all. Needing my sleep, I had snatched Shanghai from so many more avenues than previously before! The hangover hurt the following day, I didn't need telling twice, drink less! I will never learn, from what sleep I was able to get, I felt that progress had been made, I didn't feel bad like I had done during November 2024. Heading back to Ningbo was the done thing, I needed to make the coins to fund the next Shanghai weekend! I knew that 2026 would see me return to Shanghai with purpose, I was in no rush! Wukang looked great, the pie tasted sublime but I wanted to see that show bad! S, blame it on the juice! 

No Need For Introductions! 

Desperately Seeking Adventure