圣诞节快乐 (Merry Christmas)

This Christmas isn't the first time I've been away from the holidays but it is the first time I've celebrated in a country that doesn't really celebrate Christmas. According to other foreigners it's only been in the past few years that China has started to celebrate the commercial side of Christmas. The only decorations are at the shopping malls. They also play Christmas carols, mostly in english. What's really interesting is that even though the decorations are commercial the music played is often religious; but since it's in English they don't seem to notice. 

I tried really hard to make this year feel Christmasy. I'm so thankful that I've been able to find the things I need to celebrate it from all the way on the other side of the world.  

The mall near my house has pirate themed Christmas decorations. Not sure how pirates and Santa mix but they gave it a try any ways. My favorite is that on the entrance to the mall there is a big "Merry Christmas" sign that has "Hell" written all over it.  Merry Christmas... go to hell?

Outside another mall, they must have a fairy theme

Day and night views of the tree located at the main subway station. 

Only outside tree I've seen.  

Reindeer on the tree display 

I wrapped some tinsel and lights together to make this mantle decoration. It's right next to a mirror and when you turn all the lights off it reflects back like a fireplace. It's probably my most favorite decoration ever. Think I might keep it up all year. 

PRESENTS!!! Well, have of them I bought and wrapped for myself but it's still fun to have something to open Christmas morning. 

To all my friends and family around the world Merry Christmas!!! 

Grandpa Rollie's Famous Fudge

One of my favorite Christmas traditions was when my Grandpa Rollie would make the most delicious homemade fudge. I looked forward to it every Christmas. It's always been my favorite Christmas treat. 

Last Christmas I was so excited when I received the recipe and would be able to continue the tradition where I am. So all the way in China I was still able to find the ingredients I needed to make the fudge this year.  I'm excited to share this family traditions will my friends here in China. Everyone gets fudge this year!

           

               Yummy Chocolate

Melted Sugar 

FUDGE! 

High-Rise Happy Hour Hopping

This past week my work sent me and two of co-workers to Shanghai for training. Since I normally have to work evenings this felt like a mini vacations. I got to go out and see some of the local night life but my favorite thing was hitting up the bars in the five-star hotels downtown. 

A co-worker and I first went to the 91st floor in the Shanghai World Financial Center, sometimes called "the bottle opener". There is an observation deck on the top of the building but getting a drink in the restaurant was actually cheaper. With that said, drinks were still pretty expensive, even my mock-tail was pricy but it has by far the best views in all of Shanghai. The view includes downtown, the Huangpi River and The Bund. 

Shanghai World Financial Center

View from the Shanghai World Financial Center

Jin Mao Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower

View of The Bund 

Next we went just across the street to 87th floor of the Jin Mao Tower. Their service was by far better and the views were just as spectacular. Shanghai is an ok city during the day but at night it comes alive with lights and color.

Jin Mao Tower 

View from the Jin Mao 

SWFC and Jin Mao 

 I had such a great time feeling like a jet-setting, globe trotting, happy hour hopping socialite. Anyone is welcome to come join me next time ;)