Shanghai

Here is a picture round up of the touristy things we enjoyed in Shanghai.

We visited the Yu Gardens in Shanghai, a beautiful and once private garden composed of mainly water, where every symbol has its own meaning. I can see how relaxed the owner must have been as he created a very tranquil atmosphere.

 Entrance to the Garden is a bridge with 9 zig-zags

The Bund - the legendary riverside street

 The real city skyline (above) and a model of the skyline (below)

We went to the top of the Shanghai World Financial Center, a beautiful building that is currently the tallest building in Shanghai, but won't be for long as they are building a taller building right next to it. The building has a square hole at the top and the skywalk, where we took these pictures, is situated at the top of the hole so you are standing on glass looking down. The architecture in the whole city is just astounding, especially considering majority of the buildings were built in the last twenty years.

That's how high up we went!

Shanghai on Dwellable

Casa Felix

On my last evening (or night, as this city eats and sleeps very late!) in Buenos Aires, we went to Casa Felix. This may have been the highlight of my trip! Casa Felix is a "closed-door" restaurant, a common theme in this area. Chefs invite diners into their home a few days a week to enjoy a pre-set menu. Casa Felix has been featured in several major publications (which inadvertently attracts a lot of American tourists). An interesting choice by the chef is to feature only pescetarian dishes, which is rare in such a meat-centered country. Chef Diego Felix and his wife Sanra (a San Diego native) invited us into their home with two other staff members. They treated us to a welcome drink in their backyard, where they grow many of the herbs and vegetables used in their dishes. We enjoyed the 5 course meal on their patio with just 6 other tables. We finished our meal with Yerba Mate - an herbal tea that is quite popular in South America. I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting the area! The chef also does a summer tour of California, if anyone is interested, the contact info can be found on their website: http://colectivofelix.com/casa-felix/

Tasty herb and rum welcome drink

Herbs growing in the backyard

Enjoying my last night with my beautiful sister

Bori Bori, a Paraguayan dish of corn and fish

Mbeyu - a version of fried tofu

Mint and Melon Granita

White Fish with Cauliflower puree and Root vegetables

Pear Cake with Lemon Ice Cream

I can't believe it has been a week since this dinner! I am ready to go back...who wants to join me?

Sights & More Food

Here are various pictures from my phone and camera from my amazing Spring Break.

My first sunset in South America overlooking Rio de la Plata

Chivita - a Uruguayan sandwich with beef fillet, ham, mozzarella, bacon and eggs

Ceviche

Obelisco de Buenos Aires

Cementario de Recoleta

Grilled Filet, Short Ribs and Chorizo

Brownie Torta (with dulce de leche and meringue) - my favorite dessert here!

Burger (very American of me...)

Beautiful Dessert Display

Afternoon Tea with a small chocolate treat

Just some of the beautiful greenery in Buenos Aires

Empanadas - Roquefort/Celery & Carne at a great, local spot - La Morada

More Awesome Desserts

Argentina is known for a great steak selection

Enjoying my Lomo Steak

View from a lighthouse overlooking Rio de la Plata