Saturday, September 19, 2009
11:43pm BST
I had trouble sleeping last night; I woke up about three times throughout the night, then again at 6am and could not get back to sleep. I went downstairs to the fitness center in the hotel to start moving my muscles after the long flight. Everything felt stiff and it was hard to get my body to wake up. After the gym, I headed back upstairs to the lobby for a little breakfast with some other dancers. Today is a free day, but there is an optional class being offered at a studio about twenty minutes form the hotel. Most of the company opted to take the class and, though we were tired and groggy, most of us found it a huge help take class sooner than later. Even if it feels like it’s going horribly, you just have to get moving. I know I feel like a total mess after long flights, especially when I’m getting used to a new environment.
Jennifer Stahl, Clara Blanco, Alexandra McCullagh, and Ludmila Campos are off to class on the first day.
After class, the bus headed back to the hotel and the dancers mulled over what to do with the rest of our free day; many wanted to walk around, exploring different neighborhoods and drinking in the culture. Shanghai is actually far less of a culture shock than I thought it would be. I have found it an easy enough city to navigate for a newcomer and thoroughly walkable, with roman characters on most of the street signs. As everyone went their separate ways, we were told to keep in mind the departure time for the bus to the American Consulate, where there would be a reception held in our honor.
A back alley in Shanghai
The reception was beautiful and was held out on the lawn under, what I was told, uncharacteristically beautiful Shanghai weather. San Francisco Ballet was there not only as an honored guest but, to help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the inception of San Francisco and Shanghai becoming sister cities. This partnership was instituted by then-mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1979, and was intended to promote cultural and commercial ties. After a toast, followed by some American and traditional Chinese food, the dancers headed back to the hotel. Feeling terribly tired, I fell right into bed.
One Comment
hey, how did you fnid these traditional lanes of Shanghai community? As a native Shanghainese, I myself even feel it hard to name a few considering the old neighbourhoods were pull down by city planning bureau/under reconstruction decade ago.
My office, located in Shin Tian Dee area, is 10 minute walk to JW marriot. It must be on the Lonelyplanet’s recommendation list. Remember to try the restaurant called “Jade”. Though it’s operated by Singaporean, the taste of Shanghai Dim sum there is unforgettable, I bet. See you on 23rd night, I have booked the ticket a month ago!