Last night I had dinner with a Chinese friend who I have known for about 15 years. Even though she no longer works with me we have remained in touch through the years. I always contact her when I will be traveling to Shanghai and we also keep in touch through WeChat.

Last night we were finally able to get together for a meal. We decided to eat at a restaurant across from my hotel. This is the same restaurant that I share pictures from in my post: A Chinese Feast for the Eyes

I really like this wall that has Blue Willow plates hanging on the wall. I could have taken a picture from straight in front of the wall, but decided that the view from where I was sitting would be more interesting.

My friend brought her three year old daughter with her. I had last seen her a couple years ago, so it was nice to see how much she had grown. We got off to a rocky start as she was afraid of my beard. However, we soon got along very well and we had a lot of fun.

My friend was surprised as to how much English her daughter knew. Not the vocabulary, but the grammar. She watches a lot of English language cartoons and TV shows and has picked up the grammar on her own.

She had always just asked questions in English that needed a one of two word response. Like “What color is an apple?” However, when she started to talk to me in full sentences it was surprising to her.

We had a very nice meal together and it was good to catch up with each other and to also talk about some of our mutual friends.

The dish above was a beef dish. I am not sure what the beef strips were coated in, but they were very delicious.

We also had a very nice fish. I always like the presentation of The Whole Fish.

Now I am waiting to go to the airport. My flight is delayed by more than four hours, so I have plenty of time to get there. I think that there is much more to do at the airport though so will leave sooner than later.

At least this weekend I will not miss my Saturday. Instead I will have A Very Long Saturday as I will arrive home before I leave Shanghai.

Hopefully I will be home early enough on Saturday to get to the library. I have four books on hold that I need to pick up.

Steven