Two

It’s not the number of weeks I've been here, or the number of near death experiences in taxis.  It’s the number of lives I lead.  One is mostly normal and laid back.  The other can probably best be described as addictive - maybe even obsessive.  It’s golf.  Moving to Chicago from Arizona was hard enough, but China?  I've golfed in rain, snow, indoors, and now…China!  I’ll keep this topic short; since I know it’s a selfish one (hang in there we’ll get to the food soon).  The driving range was packed despite how expensive golf is here.  Everyone had their full catalog of Nike clothes on, tour staff bags and pro-style irons.  I’m not judging though.  Finding like-minded crazies 7,000 miles from home is exactly what I needed. 

Saturday I went out to “the Bund” to see the skyline.  It’s impressive considering Shanghai didn't have a skyscraper before 1980.

After taking the required tourist picture I headed over to the City of God Temple (Wikipedia says it’s over 600 years old).  Most of the shops inside are tourist traps, but it’s cool to see nonetheless.  If you end up going please avoid the following: people asking you to join them at a tea shop (scam), people asking you what kind of watch you want to buy (fake), and people pushing selfie sticks in your face (nobody should own those).  Like a perfect American I found a Dairy Queen and Starbucks.  I’m sorry.

I then spent the rest of the night at a new microbrewery called Liquid Laundry.  Evidently the owner and brew master, Michael Jordan (not that one), is from Portland.  The beers were really good, experimental, and comically named (Breast Milk Stout, Oh My Gourd pumpkin saison).  The brick oven put out some great pizza too.  

Last but not least was Sunday night dinner.  This spicy tofu is sinus clearing, lip numbing heaven.  I’ll try to get more local fare this week.  I’m starting to feel guilty – and have been reminded a few times – pizza isn't Chinese.