Everybody loves a bit of vintage...

Hey everyone!

Sorry it’s been *gasp* 3 weeks since my last post. Again I’ve been busy with job-hunting whilst working, but (drumroll please) you guys will be pleased to know that all the job apps and interviews have finally paid off (well for now anyway!!!). I have been offered a paid internship, which is so rare to find anyway, at an ad agency in Tunbridge Wells! Ta daaaa! The process happened so quickly, and I am starting immediately, i.e. tomorrow! So bare with me whilst I start to adjust to full time work again (it has been 4 months since I left Shanghai!) but don’t worry, I will fill you all in as soon as I can!

In addition to enjoying the glorious sunshine (spring is finally on its way yay!), this weekend I also had the chance to attend a gem of a fair that is actually run by one of my closest friends and her boyfriend. My second time attending (shamefull, I know, as this was their 14^th fair), antique vs vintage at Bourne Hall in Ewell didn’t disappoint! I bought presents galore (I would put pics up, but hey that would ruin the surprise element of present buying) and had to restrain myself as I saw so many wonderful things that I was tempted to buy juste pour moi!

If you have a love for all things vintage and/or antique-y then this is the place to come monthly as everyone is so friendly, and most importantly all the goods are genuine!!! From jewellery, to dresses, to china and much much more, be sure to leave enough time to rummage around Surrey's original vintage fair. Plus these places are so good to have a rummage around in, particularly for those who are trying to keep an eye on the pennies, as everything is so reasonably priced, and what with all the wonderful stories that surround all these objects, are excellent value for money! Just think of all the history that one handbag could be connected to?!?! Anyway, enough of me talking, the next fair is on Saturday, April 7th, so go ahead and see for yourself..!

Ooops, just seen the time - I’d best get ready for my first day at work (eeekkk!). Wish me luck! :)

Marie xox

Another weekend gone...

Wow. Time is going so quick here and I can’t believe I have already been here for more than 4 weeks! This was highlighted by the fact that it was time to say goodbye to some of the interns who were only here with us for 1 month L and welcome the new batch of November interns.  And what better way to do that than to welcome them with what Shanghai is renown for: its nightlife!  So after my last two hectic weekends away, this weekend was finally spent enjoying what the city had to offer from clubbing in M2 and The Shelter on the Friday night, to quiet and sophisticated cocktails with the girls on Saturday night at Glamour Bar, M on the Bund.  

Whilst the cocktails there were much steeper than what us interns have already become accustomed to whilst clubbing here in Shanghai (e.g. 100RMB –or £10- cover charge then all you free flow drinks), they were definitely worth the money! Oh how much we had missed and appreciated the skill that goes into cocktail making! For 88RMB a cocktail (or £8.80 which is pretty much London prices) I chose a refreshing Pear & Lychee Martini to start. I then treated myself to the wonderfully named cocktail “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard…” which had freshly crushed strawberries, baileys and vodka.  I’m craving one just as I write this!  It was a shame that the weather had been so humid that evening as the fantastic view could just be made out amongst the dense mist surrounding us.  However, I know that at least one more trip will be made here before I go just so I can sip another of those expensive and alcoholic strawberry milkshakes!

Salma & I with our Pear & Lychee Martinis <3

Although Sunday is a day of rest for most, it wasn’t for me.  I was put in charge of organising SHEX’s regular Sunday Coffee Meeting which takes place from 1pm-3pm.  Here expats are encouraged to come along to not only socialise and make new friends, but to pass on their knowledge onto newcomers (like myself hehe).  It is such a nice relaxing change from all the other events that we put on, and the caffeine was definitely appreciated!!!

After that I decided to take a walk to an antiques market called Dongtai lu near to where the coffee meeting was.  Whilst many of the things at the market were obviously copies (I think here anything over 1 year old can be considered an antique!) it was still a nice change from the western shopping malls that I normally step into.  

Although be warned - bartering here is encouraged, in fact expected, so don’t ask a vendor for the price of something unless you really want to buy it, otherwise as you walk away you will be hearing chinese obscenities shouted at you as in their eyes you have wasted their time.  It’s all good fun though, and definitely have fun when attempting to chat with the vendors - I definitely will be returning here in the next few weeks to buy all my xmas pressies!

Zai jian!

Marie xox