Favorites from China: China Shots #5
China is where I live, and the old city of Shanghai is all around me. Here are some street scenes from my neighborhood and a short walk away.
A street scene in the alleys of old Shanghai near Laoximen and the South Bund Fabric Market, March 2012.
The same alley as above, a few moments later. I love the Coca Cola sign
You've heard of Beijing roast duck, but in my opinion, Shanghai-style roast duck is even better. Here a smart vendor has his ducks all in a row ready for roasting. That's Jeff Lindsay in the photo (he's the one not on a hook, though he usually is on the hook for something). Street scene from the back alleys of old Shanghai near Xiaonanmen and the South Bund Fabric Market, March 2012.
It's all about fashion in Shanghai, and fashionable warm flannel pajamas that can be worn freely in public, even on a scooter ride, are a crucial thread in the fabric of Shanghai culture.
Three wheeled vehicles for delivery goods are a vital part of Shanghai street life.
Jewelry being sold on the street in front of the South Bund Fabric Market, March 2012.
Wonton wrappers are being made on a spinning griddle in Laoximen, on the street behind our home. Two or three of these thin wrappers can make a good substitute for a flour tortilla shell, when fried lightly and used in quesadillas or tacos. Tip for foreigners craving Mexican food.
From a second-story vegetable market, one can look over the bustling street market on little TangJiaWan Street in Laoximen, right behind the complex where I lived in Shanghai, March 2012.
At a fruit shop in the old city of Shanghai in Laoximen (Hefei Road), a woman carves a pineapple for immediate eating.
Another view of the pineapple carver. It's tough work but makes eating pineapple much more convenient.
Eggs, dates, seeds, and other dry goods being sold in the old city of Shanghai near the Xiaonanmen.
Baked goods being offered at a shop on TangJiaWan Street behind our apartment complex in Shanghai, march 2012.
TangJiaWan Street also offers a lot of fresh seafood. I've bought salmon, shrimp, crab, and other seafood there.
Another view of the wet market on TangJiaWan Street. The stairs in the back go up to a hidden huge vegetable market that has the best prices and most crowded aisles in town. Love the experience of shopping there, but shopping is definitely a contact sport in that crazy place.
Another view of shopping on TangJiaWan Street.
A fish monger on TangJiaWan Street in old Shanghai.
Fresh meant being sold on TangJiaWan Street.
Fresh fish on TangJiaWan Street, March 2012.
Street scene in old Shanghai, near XiaoNanMen, March 2012.
Clothes are being dried, hanging from second-story windows in old Shanghai, March 2012.
Fresh fish being sold on TangJiaWan Street, March 2012
Street vendor on Hefei Street.
A meat monger on TangJiaWan Street.
TangJiaWan Street.
Hot cakes are selling like, uh, hot stuff on TangJiaWan Street. These are really tasty.
Fresh meat again.
I love the clothing and fabrics that hang over the back alleys in the old city.
Alley in old Shanghai.