Shanghai Scene - Random but Important Stuff

The Pork Dumpling

Gym didn't do extensive enough research on this topic. Don't get me wrong, quite a few pork dumplings were consumed by the Gymster while in Shanghai. The winner of a mid-range sampling of these delicate, umami-tasting, steamed treats was the offering from the Din Tai Fung restaurant in the mall at the base of the Shanghai World Financial Center. These delicacies arrived appropriately hot, in their bamboo steamer and each piece was perfect, there were no holes in the rice dough. To Gym's surprise, not only was there a nice pork and chive filling but there was also some "soup" inside. The liquid remained inside throughout the cooking process allowing for a pleasing squirt of the essence of this artwork, before one bit into the meaty filling. The dough itself was almost translucent and it had you wondering if the filling was wearing enough clothes, however, the dough was sticky and chewy and satisfying. Delicious!

Congee

Gym first discovered congee in Hong Kong in 2011. He does not seek it out in Canada because he believes it won't be the same. And at home, Gym has no time to sit down and savor a steaming bowl of this breakfast porridge eaten by literally billions of asians every morning. Gym's personal goal was to savor a bowl of this glorious gruel with a century egg. Low and behold that condiment as well as several other new ones were available in Shanghai. Gym became hooked on edible peat moss, fermented tofu and pickled knot roots. Together with a good congee these condiments make a meal that is so satisfying!

Congee and the wonderful condiments that you can choose to add to it. Gym was fortunate
to also be able to sample century eggs and the cheaper salted duck eggs.

China Eastern Airlines

Gym and his fetching travel companion have been on many airlines. Some have been accepted by both travelers as top notch. Included in this category are Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines and Air Canada. (Gym also likes Lufthansa but Mrs. Gym thinks their staff are a little stiff). Now China Eastern is not in that gold medal group but they are not as terrible as all the comments you read on the internet. They were trying hard in Gym's opinion. At the end of this trip Gym will do up a final report on the airline so that his readers can get an unbiased view. Stay tuned!



The Washlet

One of the most amazing learnings of the stop in Shanghai was in the bathroom of the hotel at the Four Seasons Shanghai. Gym and his lovely wife had never seen anything quite like it. It is purpose-built, yet very comfortable. It is very technical, yet simple to use. It welcomes the user as the user comes into the room. It also cleans itself. What a machine! Gym fell in love with it. Yes, we are talking about the Toto S550E Washlet. This baby has a remote controlled bidet. Gym was afraid at first but got hooked after the first time he held the remote in his hand. And it's green too!

"Ecology-minded luxury in a slim design, this WASHLET features the technologically advanced ewater+ system, which mists and cleans the bowl with electrolyzed water after every use. Fully automated, including remote control and heated seat."

What a beauty!

Gym had heard toilets were a big thing in the orient and now he understands why.


This post is being published from the Maldives where Mrs. Gym is getting that beach time she so clearly requested. Gym will provide a final piece regarding the Maldives in short order.

Stay tuned!