Mad About Shanghai

Foot Massage : A Simple Indulgence

Being a runner, a long distance one,  one of the simple indulgences which I enjoy most is a foot massage. Especially in winter, soaking your tired feet in wam water with someone massaging them is more than welcome.

Of course, there are plenty of spas in Shanghai which offer foot massages, from the economical no-frills type to the luxurious pamper-yourself-silly type.

Talk about cheap foot massages, I have actually tried one costing RMB25 at a friend's neighbourhood one. It was actually quite good. So, never write those economically priced ones off !

I had a few interesting experiences too. Once, some muscles in my shoulders felt relaxed when when a specific area of the foot sole is massaged instead. I think there must a be a corresponding nerve interconnected somewhere. It was certainly a funny sensation.

Another time, a masseur asked me if I just had too much to eat before dropping by their premise. I replied "yes" and asked her how she knew. She touched a section of my foot sole and told me that the specific area she was massaging felt rough. Apparently, that was a sign of a full stomach. Amazing.

Also, in one of the shops I tried, I saw a line item in the menu offering massage with hydraulic oil ! I am not sure whether its a Chinglish printing error or really its done with industrial oil but I never tried it.

My favourite place to go for a foot massage (I cant remember the name of the shop) is one directly opposite Rendevous Hotel in Yan An West Road. One of the reason is because there is a nice cafe nearby where I always pop by after.

Of course, not everybody can handle a foot massage. Some Westerners I know actually decline to try saying that the experience is awkward, uncomfortable and painful.

However, I can assure you it is not as "bad" as it seems. For me, I just look at it from the angle of an athlete having someone to help relax the muscles after some hard training.

Trust me, it is actually quite refreshing and reinvigorating.

So if you are visiting Shanghai or  China for the first time soon, try it!

Onitsuka Tigers Store in Shanghai

I like Onitsuka Tigers sneakers. I was at Times Square waiting for a friend when I saw the official outlet for the Tigers in Shanghai . I walked in to check out the Mexico 66. Apparently, this branch retails almost the entire range.

Just in case you are wondering if getting the sneakers in Shanghai would be cheaper compared to Hong Kong, USA or Singapore. The answer is no. The Mexico 66 is about 800 RMB which makes it about the same as the official retailers in those countries.

However, I think the store is still worth a visit for those looking for exclusive variants of the Tigers usually not found online.

Fabric & Tailor Market in Shanghai IV (Supplementary Tips)

Following my previous post on my "adventures" at the Fabric & Tailor market here, I came across a using article on how to get the best out of your tailoring experience there.

You can read the article here:

http://chubbyhubby.net/travel/style-expert-tells-how-to-get-the-best-from-custom-tailors-in-asia/

Fabric & Tailor Market in Shanghai IV

It has been some years since I last visited the Fabric and Tailor Market in Lu jia Bang Road.

You can read about my previous experiences here:

Fabric & Tailor Market in Shanghai II (Part 1)

Fabric & Tailor Market in Shanghai II (Part 2)

Fabric & Tailor Market in Shanghai III

Needing a new set of business shirts and pants, I made by way there.

As I stepped in, I noticed that very little has changed. The place is still packed with tailors and shop owners busily trying to get customers to try their service, especially in the first level.

I made my way straight up to my usual tailor.

After walking a few rounds, I could not find that stall I usually patronised. I wondered if he has moved ? I then saw a one very similar to that I usually visit. The layout and size looks the same but the owner tending the stall is a different person. I figured that the owner probably sold the business to someone and this person took over. Just as I was about to go into that shop, I decided to circle the place one last time.

And I found it !

As I walked in, the owner immediately recognised me as I usually make many shirts and pants at a go.

Very quickly, I selected the materials and opted for five shirts and two pair of pants. We quickly agreed on the "friendship" price. Apparently, there was a small price increase. Shirts are now at RMB110 each and pants about RM250. (His price is a bit higher than other stalls as he is confident of the workmanship)I agreed.

As usual, the items are available a few days later. I collected them and very pleased with my haul.

The fabric aside, the tailoring skills are very good given the price paid. In fact, I saw a similar design in Zara at Pudong Supermall a few days later. That cost RM350.

So, here you go again, in case you need the details:

Da Shanghai MJ Dress (大上海服饰)
399 Lu Jia Bang Road
371, 3F
Tel :02163775856
Mobile: 13524325665
email : mj_shirt@163.com

Disclaimer :I have not tried other stalls in the fabric market, so I cant say this is the best one. But I am a satisfied customer from this stall.

Mona's Boutique

I have a friend, Mona, who not too long ago, opened a boutique near Huaihai Road, at the stretch where the the Cinema City is.

Having not seen her for a long time, I gave a call to meet her for a cup of coffee. But before coffee, I went to her boutique and took some photos. There is a nice florist just below her shop too.

More Christmas Decorations in Shanghai

Christmas Decorations in Shanghai Shopping Malls (Part 2)

The final product:

Christmas Decorations in Shanghai Shopping Malls (Part 1)

Lat minute touch up by the contractors at Kang Hui Mall:

Shanghai Mobile Snapshots : Autumn Wear

From one of my favorite brands. 

Very smart suit with an even smarter overcoat.

Taken in Nanjing:

Ferrari 458 at the Chengdu Motorshow

Pic from my friend, Dan

Over 300 luxury cars sold at the event!