The new year has started at a fast pace. The rest of the week at Brown Sugar was just plain ole' fun...okay? I played the 'big girl' and hung out thru Saturday night. It was Sarah's 26th birthday and it was not to be missed. Brannen planned a surprise shindig at the club and invited all the folks we had met along the way during our stay. She was indeed surprised. From the chocolate cake to the last song...was memorable.
Wink, the sax player, invited us all to dinner on Sunday at his place. We woke up to a rainy, gray day, but nonetheless, we made our way. Wink's wife, Apple, is Chinese and was excited about the menu she had planned. They have a 13-month old, cuter than cute, baby girl named Vastyne. I've never seen cheeks as rosey. The food was delicious...ribs, macaroni -n- cheese, and salad...to live for. LOL. Miles had the golden opportunity to get his 'mack' on with Vastyne. They were made for each other...believe me. Wink and Apple have a beautiful apartment...one that we would consider if Shanghai was to become a place to call home.
Time is drawing nigh for our return to the States. There's so much to do with so few hours, it seems. It's Monday already. We need to get back to the fabric mart to pick up Dwayne's outfit. We do. It's exactly what he wanted. Wow! We make our way to a few more places before heading home for a nap before he goes to work. I've gotta start making to-do lists. Ya'll know how I am...need I say more?
Dwayne described this week as his 'best'. He has swooned every person who entered the doors of that club with his bass playing, cheek solos, percussion and singing. One night unsuspectedly, Dwayne moved over to the drum kit with bass in hand and brought the house down. There was chatter in Madarin like I'd never heard. He caused quite a stir...and I loved every minute!! The thought of us leaving is unsettling. Oh well...who knows? Shanghai may not have seen the last of D-Madness. Only time will tell.
I have the task of packing...you know I brought our entire closet and bathroom. LOL...LOL...Hell, I wanted to be prepared!!
Having the opportunity to come to this country was a blessing in itself. Meeting and sharing with all the wonderful people upped the ante. If it's in God's plan, we may return at some point in time. We are ever so grateful...for the joy of the experience and the pain of having to leave it behind.
We love and miss you all. See you soon...smooches...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
New Year Happy!
D-Madness has taken Shanghai by storm I tell ya! These people have added his name to their language and they actually say it clearly! LOL.
Another day off for him and we have errands to run. I told you that I would not think of going back to the fabric mart without him. His God given day of rest would be the opposite. He was stunned by the smell of leather as we entered the mart. I got a kick outta that one! LOL. We found Mary and she was glad to see the both of us. I quickly tried on my outfit and allowed Dwayne to 'braille' my suit for approval. It was perfect! No alterations needed. Oh my! We have found the promise land!
It was Dwayne's turn to be measured for his vest and pants. We opted to do without a coat this time. He has a thing for vests...so be it. He chose his fabric...by touch, of course. Nice...very nice choice. We promised to return at the end of the week for fitting and pick up. I managed to convince him to take a stroll with me so that he could check out some of the other shops. He was overwhelmed. Trying to describe everything to him was tickling. His only response was "yea...okay" and I was alright with that. We did find him new glasses from one of the outside vendors. Now THAT was fun. It's a bargaining mad house. They give YOU the calculator to key in your price. Then they counter. You counter. They counter. You counter...and it's a deal! See? He's got some really nice ones...we did good. We hurried to get away before we spent everything we had...and that's real easy to do over there. We stopped by a few more places before heading home. Our day was productive.
Back to work for Dwayne on Monday. A couple of rehearsals were scheduled to prepare for the New Year's Eve show. The owner requested a few tunes, so they needed to have their stuff together. I don't make it to the club every night...no need. He's working...and we appreciate each other's space. This week I opted to wait for New Year's Eve. Reservations were actually over-booked, so my seat was at the bar. No biggie. The bartenders love me as much as Dwayne, so my wine glass was never empty. LOL. The club was ready to usher in the new year. Party favors were at our disposal. I noticed the balloons attached to the ceiling with a net, as I enjoyed my wine. I knew at that moment that 2009 would be welcomed in grand fashion in Shanghai, China, if no where else in this world. LOL. Once again, outside the club was wilder than Christmas Eve. There was a live concert going on at the entrance of Xintaindi...a local Chinese band. It was waaaay too much for me. I was glad to be inside.
The show was really, really good this night. The All Stars were hyped and were at their best. Indeya and Meachie were right there with them. It was magical. There is a segment in Meachie's set when he sings "Purple Rain" and goes down into the audience and hands out roses and sings to screeching ladies. Just as he was back on stage and about to finish, Dwayne announces that it's our 6th year anniversary. Oh boy! I'm called to the stage and Meachie dedicates "Always and Forever" to us. The man sang that song...okay? I was so taken by that surprise...one of the MANY reasons why I love Dwayne. Right before the countdown to the new year, they asked folk to come on stage and I was first in line. I was so hoping to be near Dwayne to wish him a happy new year...and that, it was.
We had no idea that Shanghai, China would be our place of residence when 2009 arrived. We certainly...and most graciously...began the new year happy!!
Another day off for him and we have errands to run. I told you that I would not think of going back to the fabric mart without him. His God given day of rest would be the opposite. He was stunned by the smell of leather as we entered the mart. I got a kick outta that one! LOL. We found Mary and she was glad to see the both of us. I quickly tried on my outfit and allowed Dwayne to 'braille' my suit for approval. It was perfect! No alterations needed. Oh my! We have found the promise land!
It was Dwayne's turn to be measured for his vest and pants. We opted to do without a coat this time. He has a thing for vests...so be it. He chose his fabric...by touch, of course. Nice...very nice choice. We promised to return at the end of the week for fitting and pick up. I managed to convince him to take a stroll with me so that he could check out some of the other shops. He was overwhelmed. Trying to describe everything to him was tickling. His only response was "yea...okay" and I was alright with that. We did find him new glasses from one of the outside vendors. Now THAT was fun. It's a bargaining mad house. They give YOU the calculator to key in your price. Then they counter. You counter. They counter. You counter...and it's a deal! See? He's got some really nice ones...we did good. We hurried to get away before we spent everything we had...and that's real easy to do over there. We stopped by a few more places before heading home. Our day was productive.
Back to work for Dwayne on Monday. A couple of rehearsals were scheduled to prepare for the New Year's Eve show. The owner requested a few tunes, so they needed to have their stuff together. I don't make it to the club every night...no need. He's working...and we appreciate each other's space. This week I opted to wait for New Year's Eve. Reservations were actually over-booked, so my seat was at the bar. No biggie. The bartenders love me as much as Dwayne, so my wine glass was never empty. LOL. The club was ready to usher in the new year. Party favors were at our disposal. I noticed the balloons attached to the ceiling with a net, as I enjoyed my wine. I knew at that moment that 2009 would be welcomed in grand fashion in Shanghai, China, if no where else in this world. LOL. Once again, outside the club was wilder than Christmas Eve. There was a live concert going on at the entrance of Xintaindi...a local Chinese band. It was waaaay too much for me. I was glad to be inside.
The show was really, really good this night. The All Stars were hyped and were at their best. Indeya and Meachie were right there with them. It was magical. There is a segment in Meachie's set when he sings "Purple Rain" and goes down into the audience and hands out roses and sings to screeching ladies. Just as he was back on stage and about to finish, Dwayne announces that it's our 6th year anniversary. Oh boy! I'm called to the stage and Meachie dedicates "Always and Forever" to us. The man sang that song...okay? I was so taken by that surprise...one of the MANY reasons why I love Dwayne. Right before the countdown to the new year, they asked folk to come on stage and I was first in line. I was so hoping to be near Dwayne to wish him a happy new year...and that, it was.
We had no idea that Shanghai, China would be our place of residence when 2009 arrived. We certainly...and most graciously...began the new year happy!!
Monday, January 5, 2009
Christmas China Style
There's no turning back now. Brown Sugar is the hottest spot to be seen. Dwayne is off on Sundays and he couldn't wait to be able to sleep in. This man is working hard for his money...lol. He deserved a day of rest. Me? I opted to give him some space and made plans to meet a new friend to go on another Shanghai venture. This trip would take us to what's called the 'fabric mart'.
The taxi ride was lengthy, but it gave Anne and I a chance to chat. She is originally from Paris, but came to China for school. She has a masters in Chinese language and works as a Cross Culture Communication Consultant. Okay? Hmmm. She also sings R&B with a brother and his band at one of the Shanghai Marriotts. She's been here for ten years and can speak this language like a champ. They work Monday thru Saturday, so this was a play day for her. I was glad.
We arrive at the fabric mart and once again...vendors galore! We made our way to the front door and all I could do was cover my mouth...it was stuck in the open position! lol...lol...Clothes and fabrics of all sorts were everywhere! This is where you come to have your clothes made...anyway you wish. You can design them yourself, bring a picture from a magazine, or bring something from your closet that you'd like to have replicated. Yes! Leather, cashmere, wool, silk, denim...suits, dresses, coats...I kid you not. Now just tell me...where in America can we get this kinda hook up? Anne and Carlton have been coming here for some time now and they have their own tailor...Mary. We get to her shop and she welcomes me with a hug and a tape measure. She was ready to get me started. I obliged...chose my fabric...and left promising to return in a week to pick up my tailor-made pant suit. Yep...just like that! All I could think about was bringing Dwayne with me the next time. He could not miss out on an opportunity to have him a tailor-made 'something' from China...no way!!! We wandered around gawking for the next hour or so...and this was on the third floor only. Anne admitted that she usually runs in to see Mary and runs out. She was so tickled to be able to walk around and check out some of the other shops. Oh, there must be 50 or so shops per floor. It's just an amazing set up. There are things that you can buy that's already made, but to have the option of picking your own fabrics and designs? Get outta here!
Christmas Eve was the big night at Brown Sugar this week. We were prepared for the masses. There were very few spots in the city that were not decorated for the holiday. This gave me mixed emotions...I wanted to be home...I couldn't think of a better place to be other than home...woe is me! Xintaindi was almost frightening! They had parties going on in every establishment there. It took us a few minutes to get thru the crowds. A party was going on in Brown Sugar as well. The show was rockin' and the Christmas spirit was alive in Shanghai.
We invited the Temples over for Christmas dinner. I had shopped a few days before and found everything needed for our non-traditional menu. Fried catfish...yep...Brannen found filets in the supermarket near their apartment...salmon pasta...yep...I prepared this dish at Dwayne's request...garlic mashed potatoes and a small salad bar. They prepared and brought veggies...bok choy with mushrooms...YUMMY!! We ate until we needed a nap, but the fellas had to work. After we saw them off, Sarah and I contemplated going down to the club...what the hell...Miles and his babysitter were tucked in for the night...why not? This was turning out to be an everlasting party...okay? We had a great time and so did everybody else! Christmas 2008 is one for the books. Thank you, Jesus.
The taxi ride was lengthy, but it gave Anne and I a chance to chat. She is originally from Paris, but came to China for school. She has a masters in Chinese language and works as a Cross Culture Communication Consultant. Okay? Hmmm. She also sings R&B with a brother and his band at one of the Shanghai Marriotts. She's been here for ten years and can speak this language like a champ. They work Monday thru Saturday, so this was a play day for her. I was glad.
We arrive at the fabric mart and once again...vendors galore! We made our way to the front door and all I could do was cover my mouth...it was stuck in the open position! lol...lol...Clothes and fabrics of all sorts were everywhere! This is where you come to have your clothes made...anyway you wish. You can design them yourself, bring a picture from a magazine, or bring something from your closet that you'd like to have replicated. Yes! Leather, cashmere, wool, silk, denim...suits, dresses, coats...I kid you not. Now just tell me...where in America can we get this kinda hook up? Anne and Carlton have been coming here for some time now and they have their own tailor...Mary. We get to her shop and she welcomes me with a hug and a tape measure. She was ready to get me started. I obliged...chose my fabric...and left promising to return in a week to pick up my tailor-made pant suit. Yep...just like that! All I could think about was bringing Dwayne with me the next time. He could not miss out on an opportunity to have him a tailor-made 'something' from China...no way!!! We wandered around gawking for the next hour or so...and this was on the third floor only. Anne admitted that she usually runs in to see Mary and runs out. She was so tickled to be able to walk around and check out some of the other shops. Oh, there must be 50 or so shops per floor. It's just an amazing set up. There are things that you can buy that's already made, but to have the option of picking your own fabrics and designs? Get outta here!
Christmas Eve was the big night at Brown Sugar this week. We were prepared for the masses. There were very few spots in the city that were not decorated for the holiday. This gave me mixed emotions...I wanted to be home...I couldn't think of a better place to be other than home...woe is me! Xintaindi was almost frightening! They had parties going on in every establishment there. It took us a few minutes to get thru the crowds. A party was going on in Brown Sugar as well. The show was rockin' and the Christmas spirit was alive in Shanghai.
We invited the Temples over for Christmas dinner. I had shopped a few days before and found everything needed for our non-traditional menu. Fried catfish...yep...Brannen found filets in the supermarket near their apartment...salmon pasta...yep...I prepared this dish at Dwayne's request...garlic mashed potatoes and a small salad bar. They prepared and brought veggies...bok choy with mushrooms...YUMMY!! We ate until we needed a nap, but the fellas had to work. After we saw them off, Sarah and I contemplated going down to the club...what the hell...Miles and his babysitter were tucked in for the night...why not? This was turning out to be an everlasting party...okay? We had a great time and so did everybody else! Christmas 2008 is one for the books. Thank you, Jesus.
It's Showtime!
The crowds at Brown Sugar have become larger since the doors opened a couple of weeks ago. Word is getting around and there is an inside cover spread about the grand opening on Friday in one of the largest magazines in Shanghai. The top brass has sent out invitations to the 'who's who' in the city. This place will make its mark in Xintaindi...for sure.
It's my first night out to actually see an entire show. The club looks elegant. The aroma from the kitchen is mouth watering. Oh boy! County girl gets another view. Brown Sugar is a jazz restaurant and bar, so the band kicks off the evening with some Miles Davis and David Sanborn. Awesome. Indeya does her set first and I am totally blown away. Dwayne had already shared his view of her singing ability with me...all good. Now I saw what he was talking about. This sistah came to party and did she ever! She's a gorgeous queen with a diva attitude to match. All I could say was..."I wanna be like her when I grow up"...lol. Meachie takes the second set to another level. R&B had taken the spotlight. He also came to party and capture the hearts of us lovely ladies. The third set featured both vocalists doing duets and showing off individual talents of the Brown Sugar All Stars. This is where the oldies but goodies start flowing. Everybody shouted and sang along if they recognized a tune. Dwayne was in his zone and nobody could touch him! He had those Shanghainese in the palm of his hand!! By the end of the night, I was speechless. I had witnessed profound professionalism among a group of musicians and vocalists who had become a family right before my eyes. It was pure pleasure.
The rest of the week went by quickly. With Friday finally here, I found myself getting dolled up for this big event. Dwayne and Brannen had to reserve seats for me and Sarah. This was huge! Of course Dwayne has to be at work about an hour before show time. This night would be a little different. When we arrived, I had to compose myself as we walked up the stairs. There were people EVERYWHERE!! Oh my! You know it has two floors and there was standing room only. The band wasn't due to go on for another 45 minutes or so. WOW!! Dwayne couldn't believe all the hustle and bustle around him. We had to almost fight our way to the green room for him to settle in. My goodness! I found our table without incident...praise God...and was ready for the complimentary champagne being poured. This place was a fire hazard...if you ask me...lol...lol. Nobody cared. These people came to party hearty and eat like kings and queens. This was one night where they were dressed to the nines and money was no object. TV cameras were rolling and the spotlights were busy. Country girl didn't miss a thing! The show was a success and Shanghai had officially welcomed Brown Sugar and family to Xintaindi.
It's my first night out to actually see an entire show. The club looks elegant. The aroma from the kitchen is mouth watering. Oh boy! County girl gets another view. Brown Sugar is a jazz restaurant and bar, so the band kicks off the evening with some Miles Davis and David Sanborn. Awesome. Indeya does her set first and I am totally blown away. Dwayne had already shared his view of her singing ability with me...all good. Now I saw what he was talking about. This sistah came to party and did she ever! She's a gorgeous queen with a diva attitude to match. All I could say was..."I wanna be like her when I grow up"...lol. Meachie takes the second set to another level. R&B had taken the spotlight. He also came to party and capture the hearts of us lovely ladies. The third set featured both vocalists doing duets and showing off individual talents of the Brown Sugar All Stars. This is where the oldies but goodies start flowing. Everybody shouted and sang along if they recognized a tune. Dwayne was in his zone and nobody could touch him! He had those Shanghainese in the palm of his hand!! By the end of the night, I was speechless. I had witnessed profound professionalism among a group of musicians and vocalists who had become a family right before my eyes. It was pure pleasure.
The rest of the week went by quickly. With Friday finally here, I found myself getting dolled up for this big event. Dwayne and Brannen had to reserve seats for me and Sarah. This was huge! Of course Dwayne has to be at work about an hour before show time. This night would be a little different. When we arrived, I had to compose myself as we walked up the stairs. There were people EVERYWHERE!! Oh my! You know it has two floors and there was standing room only. The band wasn't due to go on for another 45 minutes or so. WOW!! Dwayne couldn't believe all the hustle and bustle around him. We had to almost fight our way to the green room for him to settle in. My goodness! I found our table without incident...praise God...and was ready for the complimentary champagne being poured. This place was a fire hazard...if you ask me...lol...lol. Nobody cared. These people came to party hearty and eat like kings and queens. This was one night where they were dressed to the nines and money was no object. TV cameras were rolling and the spotlights were busy. Country girl didn't miss a thing! The show was a success and Shanghai had officially welcomed Brown Sugar and family to Xintaindi.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
