A Vision of Shanghai
The early morning view from our hotel
Hi from Shanghai!
I’m sitting here stealing a bit of Internet on the 32nd floor of our hotel all too early in the morning. The sun’s gleaming in through the curtains, horns are starting to honk below, and I’m clutching a steaming cup of strong coffee that Walter has so kindly prepared for me. Walter’s the dining room attendant and, for the lone souls who can’t seem to sleep much in Shanghai (I being one of them), he’ll make you one mean cup of coffee at sunrise. I have so much to share with you: photos & stories. The World Expo was really incredible, the food’s been amazing, the streets are lush with leafy trees and wide-open city parks. I’ve discovered dragon fruit and boiled peanuts, and learned that scooters and bicyclysits don’t adhere to traffic laws. We’ve finally figured out how to say common phrases like “thank you” properly and are logging some serious miles in our Converse.
The day awaits, my sisters are starting to stir, and my stomach’s becoming very aware that I’ve been up since 4 a.m., so I’ll leave you for now. But first, I wanted to check in and share a few photos–a quick visual tour. I can’t wait to tell you more.
Back patio of my favorite Shanghai shop, Urban Tribe
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner: dumplings!
Health Comfort Food
Thai Carrot, Coconut and Cauliflower Soup
People describe raising young kids as a particular season in life. I hadn’t heard this until we had a baby, but it brought me a lot of comfort when I’d start to let my mind wander, late at night between feedings, to fears that we’d never travel internationally again or…
Cheesy Quinoa Cauliflower Bake
I just finished washing out Oliver’s lunchbox and laying it out to dry for the weekend. My favorite time of day is (finally) here: the quiet of the evening when I can actually talk to Sam about our day or sit and reflect on my own thoughts after the inevitable…
Stuffed Shells with Fennel and Radicchio
I’d heard from many friends that buying a house wasn’t for the faint of heart. But I always shrugged it off, figuring I probably kept better files or was more organized and, really, how hard could it be? Well, I’ve started (and stopped) writing this post…
Smoky Butternut Squash and Three Bean Chili
If your house is anything like ours, last week wasn’t our most inspired in terms of cooking. We’re all suffering from the post-election blues — the sole upside being Oliver’s decision to sleep-in until 7 am for the first time in many, many months; I think he’s trying…
Spiced Steel Cut Oats Porridge with Cranberry-Ginger Sauce
Porridge is not the sexiest of breakfasts, it’s true. It doesn’t have a stylish name like strata or shakshuka, and it doesn’t have perfectly domed tops like your favorite fruity muffin. It doesn’t crumble into delightful bits like a good scone nor does it fall into buttery…





Megan's book!
Janet
How cool! Love hearing about and seeing images from your trip. Can't wait for more! I'm impressed with your international blogging! :)
Love the Converse shot - too cute!
Denise | Chez Danisse
Fresh lychee fruit! Excellent! You didn't feel well-prepared for the bicyclists not adhering to traffic laws? Really...
El
It looks your you're settling in quickly- already have a favorite store. Keep us posted!
jennifer young
you are so lucky to be in shanghai! i just got home from beijing! really wanted to go visit the expo...!
j.
Mary
Fab photo tour, Megan! I want to eat some lychee now. Great to hear you're having a blast there. Dumplings for breakfast, lunch + dinner - sign me up. I'll bet the Chinese want your shoes...
Sanura
Love the pictures of the lychee fruit and dumplings. I'm looking forward to seeing more photos and reading about your trip in Shanghai. Have fun!
Maddie
Wow, thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures! I can't wait to hear more about your trip, but those images paint a fascinating picture of the journey. Keep them coming! :)
A Canadian Foodie
Megan! I was with you at the window hearing the honking cars as the sun rose over that massive city and you await your new adventure. I have lost toenails on trips like that... so I understand the converse treads wearing thin. Thank you for the update... can not WAIT to hear more.
:)
Valerie
Mardi @eatlivetravelwrite
Megan what an AWESOME post and such BEAUTIFUL pictures! I am speechless :-) Can't wait to read all about the rest of your trip!
Midi
Hi,I'm in Shanghai. Welcome~~If you need any helf,Please email me ~~Love your picture
Kevin
Nice post! Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting place. However, I don't think your photo is of lychees. Your pic is of wax berries (杨霉). Don't worry though, they both taste awesome!
megang
Thanks, Kevin. Wow, really?! They looked like lychees to me, but I trust you. This was the first time I'd tried them and I keep telling everyone how much I love lychee but maybe I'll change my tune now to wax berries...
Kasey
Looks so awesome, Megan! I can't wait to hear more. I was just talking with friends who told me that Shanghai may be the coolest city in the world--curious to see what your take is!