[My Weekender] with Hong Fei

Hong Fei is a Trading Specialist, working for an Australian Trading Company. She’s also a part time student.

I was flattered when Hien asked me to write the "My Weekender", but I seriously don't have the writing skills, so I politely "hinted" that I would not be able to do the article. "We have brilliant editors", was his reply. So, here I am.

To be honest with you, I don't really hit the night club scene these days. Sure. I still go out on the occasional weekends with my 'crazy girls' to places like the new Muse or M1NT or Richy, but I much prefer cozier gatherings in nice jazz clubs like JZ, The Cotton Club or House of Jazz & Blues. Actually, my friends are always complaining, as I take courses on weekends (personal interests), and don’t have that much time to play. During my rare down time, I find myself enjoying the very cozy and studious Colourful Cafe on Yuyuan Lu, where the famous writer Eileen Chang used to live. Or, on a nice breezy day, I like an early drink -- my absolute favorites are cosmopolitans in the garden of el Willy or on the deck of Mediterraneo.

I also enjoy sitting in Jing'an Park on a Saturday afternoon (or any afternoon if I’m not working) watching people and couples passing by, kids playing in the garden, smiling in the sun -- so adorable!! People playing cards or Chinese chess with circles of people gathered around them whispering and watching the action…

And now, let us talk about food. I try to eat healthy, though many of my friends are fervent dessert lovers, so we compromise by me having a smoothie at Element Fresh whilst they indulge in their sweets. Spicy food is where my predilections tend towards and I often frequent little Thai restaurants. There's also some good spots on Tian Zi Fang, and I have my yakitori spot in Hongqiao. As for late evening dining, I challenge anyone to find a better lamb shish kebab spot than the amazing corner stall between Yuyuan Lu and Zhengning Lu – which conveniently happens to be very near to my place.

But all this food and no exercise would just be too decadent and excessive!!! So, every chance I get, I make time to hit the local gym next to my apartment followed by a soothing massage at Butterfly. I love going to the spa, but, between work and weekend studies, it’s a luxurious treat which I can't afford too often. When it does happen, however, I enjoy the Easten Rome on Jiangsu Lu with my friends.

So... I enjoy a wide spectrum of activities in various interesting venues on my weekends. But then again, I suppose that this is what the new Shanghai is truly about: something for everyone!!