China...what about it?

We are pleased as punch about our apartment. Good. Everything about this trip has been exciting thus far, and wondering what was next?...didn't scare us at all. Bring it on!

We have to hail our first taxi. We are on our way to dinner and drinks. There are people everywhere! It's almost 9 p.m. I've gotta remember where I am. Shanghai, China. 20 million people. Crazy taxi drivers. Now, when I tell you, our lives were in the hands of a none caring, no driving ass China man! The streets are full of other taxi drivers just like him, people are riding bicycles and scooters, pushing carts and walking, and let's not forget the REGULAR drivers. Lord today!! The streets are narrow and guess what? They don't give a damn. They will run your ass over, okay? They don't pay attention to the stop lights. They don't pay attention to anything or anybody! Your life is in danger, I tell ya!

We safely make it to our destination...Bar Hulu. Nice. Really nice. From the minute the doors were opened for us, we were the royal guests. These people know how to do it up! We arrive upstairs to observe luxury. Tables adorned with linen napkins, flatware that could be used as mirrors and spotless wine glasses that await the elite. We are shown the deck where that same skyline that I marveled on the way in from the airport seemed much closer now. It was maaavelous! The air was a lil' chilly, so we chose to dine inside...this time. We all knew that this place would be revisited as soon as time permitted.

The waitstaff was eager. We ARE foreigners no doubt. Their pleasure was ours for the taking. A bottle of red wine arrived and the menu was our heart's desires. WOW! From the appetizer...seafood soup...to the entrees...steak, lamb, chicken, halibut with trimmings...to the dessert...the darkest chocolate mound of sweet something surrounded by ice cream and a platter of skillfully sliced fruits...AND another bottle of wine...we were knocking on heaven's door!

Let's not forget about our 18 month old...Mr. Miles was da man! His new nickname became "Mack Miles" because he wooed every lady and woman who met eyes with him. We said he was a cutie...and he certainly stood by that! He was hand fed until he couldn't hold his lil' head up any longer. He was then swept away by a group of giggling China women to a room off our eating area for a quick nap. He had babysitters at his beckon call. Da man!!!

The chef made his way to our table for introduction, as well as, the DJs and any other person who was 'somebody'. They all had to shake hands with the American blind bass player, spike-haired drummer and families. These guys were in Shanghai to change any attitudes related to our music...our culture. They were here to create magic.

Bar Hulu turned out to be one of several clubs owned by the man who invited us to China. We looked forward to being a part of the opening of his new venture...Brown Sugar Shanghai. If there was any comparison, our knocks were heard at heaven's door.