A rainy day post...

This morning, I woke up with the full intention of packing my bag and taking my second try at gaelic football (www.shanghaifootballclub.com). Well, I took one half-eyed look out the window and it looks like I’ll be staying in instead.

I have one favorite neighborhood in Shanghai where, once I’m inside, it doesn’t feel like I’m in China at all. It is a little place off of Taikang Lu (泰康路) called Tianzifang (田子坊). I first came here back in 2007 as a student, but the place has really expanded since then and is now a maze where you can lose yourself for an entire afternoon.

Tianzifang started out as a residential area slated for demolition in 2006. Saved from its fate by a few influential artists, it has since been renovated into a dynamic neighborhood of art galleries, unique boutique shops, sidewalk cafes - even a pay-per-hour pottery studio where you can paint your own tiles.

Kommune cafe is famous for their coffee, lattes, ridiculously huge cappuccinos, hot chocolates…you name it. I’m personally not a coffee drinker, but everyone tells me good things. Their menu is a little expensive for simple sandwiches and sides, so I guess you’re really paying for the nice outdoor patio and cozy environment inside.

A 35 RMB cup of tomato soup, a 30 RMB iced tea, and a 30 RMB latte. Yikes.

My favorite store in Taikang Lu (Tianzifang, Taikang Lu, it’s all the same to me) is Ecogoods, a tiny white storefront atop a small staircase. They sell all kinds of little home goods, like tin cups, wooden baskets, drawer pulls, and wooden kids’ toys. It is like a nautical, French-style Ikea (with prices to match). If only I had a country house to furnish!