[My Weekender] with Ivette Morales

A Bund birthday with Ivette Morales - Aug 22, 08

One of the few Cubans in Shanghai, Ivette is a violinist in the middle of a career break after sustaining an arm injury. In the meantime, she's studying Chinese in Shanghai and "dancing, always dancing!"

After being out of Shanghai for almost two months and spending my birthday out of town, I just can't wait to go back and celebrate it (albeit late!) with my dear friends back in my favorite city.

A usual weekend for me in the city starts any day of the week depending on the events Shanghai has to offer. Usually, I love to wait until Thursday night to start the weekend but when my dear friends Laetitia or Deisys SMS me, telling me that a Moet & Chandon party is on, or the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show is happening, I sacrifice myself, put on my high heels and can say nothing else but, "yes, dear I'll be there..." What are friends for, right?

This weekend I will be flying in from Montreal on Thursday afternoon... despite the jet lag that's when the weekend will start!!!

It's always a nice surprise to see my driver waiting for me at the Pudong Airport with a bunch of beautiful white lilies. Once at home, I know I will be assaulted with happiness by my two big golden retrievers... so pleased that their dreadful and lonely summer is now over.

Manicure, pedicure, a good massage and a little walk in Xintiandi, "to officially land in town," will contribute to ease the fatigue and get me ready for the events ahead.

A few text messages to set times and places to plan the night. After such a long time, dinner with the girls is a must. T8 sounds like the perfect place. I love the food there. It is always a pleasure to see my friend Walter and the welcoming glass of champagne he always has to offer me.

Laris will be the first after-dinner stop. We all love the martinis and the two-for-one deal is always quite appealing (I am a girl, what can I say...).

Martini in one hand and mobile in the other, tracking the rest of the "locos" is not an easy job, but for sure I know that MAO is the place to find them all... catching up after many hugs and kisses in between dancing, drinking and of course, taking many pictures will be just fabulous.

After a while and not too late, a girl has to do what she has to do, and of course to me that is going to Bar Rouge. I'm in love with the place and with the people that work there. They spoil me every time as soon as I walk in... When I arrive at BR, my girlfriends tell me: "Girl, now your home!" ...And they are absolutely right!

Waking up on Friday morning won't be easy but I will have to meet my dear friend Deisys who as a birthday gift is organizing my birthday party. A lot of shopping and last minute planning will be happening after drinking a double espresso and a croissant at Paul.

Even more difficult will be going back to One Wellness gym that afternoon, and meeting my friend and personal trainer Murat for a killer one-hour session but heyyyyy... The Riviera Pool Parties are happening Saturday and I just have to be there! I'm sure he will help me to burn out all the foie gras and poutine I have been eating for two months in Montreal... well, at least I hope so!

A quick late lunch or early dinner -- well, whatever it's called at 5pm -- will take place at The Fountain, Xintiandi. Then I will head home all the way to Hunan Lu in Kangqioa... a nice glass of red wine and lying in bed with my two big dogs -- watching movies will wrap up a perfect Friday night.

Saturday is my big birthday night and I should be taking it easy that day... but how can I miss joining Ben and Stephane @ the Purple Mountain Hotel for some great beats and Mumm Champagne!!! I do plan to escape not too late that afternoon to get ready for my party.

Mesa Manifesto will be the place where I expect to find some of my friends to celebrate with and of course this is all possible thanks to Deisys... Gracias amiga!

Hoping for a limo ride and heading to The Bund, Bar Rouge... where else! I'm sure that will be a long sparkling night! I can't wait to see Jessica and to celebrate my birthday with Vica... she will also be celebrating hers!

Almost every party in this town has an after party to follow. Mine will be at Dragon, and it will go on till well after sunrise... after all, I haven't partied for two months and that is a long time!

Sunday morning, sunglasses on and off to my favorite brunches in town at The Westin or M on The Bund. I still haven't decided yet. Will leave it to the spur of the moment! A nice brunch with the girls and a refreshing mimosa will make for a perfect slow Sunday afternoon, as we laugh about all the silly things we did the night before!

After a long drive back to Pudong on Sunday afternoon, I will just fall in love with my pillow and will stay there forever... or at least until Chinese class Monday morning.

I'm sure I will see you this weekend at the Pool party or later Moulin Rouge @ Bar Rouge celebrating my b'day bash!

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