Passing the Time in Shanghai

Life has been much too busy lately, between work and a few other projects I have on my plate, so I haven't had much time for typing up longer updates, as is my style. I have been able to enjoy some different places and activities in Shanghai recently, so at the very least, I will post some pictures so everyone knows I'm still having fun these days, despite the busy work grind!

I went to an English Corner (for locals to practice their English with foreigners and make new friends) in a very random, kind of run-down part of the city and, lo-and-behold, the coffee shop is a almost perfect replication of the coffee shop featured on the Friends TV series. The coffee shop's TV was locked on repeat episodes of Friends, the coffee (I was told by those who imbibe) was good, and the event was fun. So interesting to see a place like this that felt, really, like it was lost within the city: a real hole in the wall.

Here's a view from my apartment with the sunset; the weather has been getting warmer and we are able to enjoy more sun on a daily basis.

This past Sunday afternoon, I went with my German roommate, Fabian, for some rock climbing at the Shanghai Indoor Stadium. It was certainly the biggest wall I've ever looked upon, not to mention been on. But I made it up all the way - two times!...on the beginner course. When I tried a more difficult course, I could only go about 1/3 of the way.

Kind of looks like I'm going up the side of an apartment - but scaling buildings is more for my firefighter brother to do!