BMW masters cup

T: Guess what! I got us all free tickets to the Master's cup!
K: Awesome!
K: What sport is that?
T: ....


My dad likes golf. "Like" is probably an understatement judging from the multiple weekly tee times and $ he's invested into equipment and those funny golf jackets with elbow length sleeves. So when my parents came to visit us in SH, my mom naturally gravitates towards shopping, and we were thinking of an activity my father would enjoy. Golf. So T heard about BMW giving away free tickets to the Masters Tournament here in Shanghai, and reserved us 4 passes for the whole weekend!

The tourney was at Malaren Park (English name, not chinese for "Spicy people" as I supposed) out in Pudong at the very end of Line 7, Meilian lake. The event provided free shuttles direct from People's square,  and then we were on our way! It was party cloudy with a light drizzle. When we got there we had to walk about 15 minutes through a construction one to a magnificent resort-like place. Huge banners of the head lining competitors rippled every 10 meters. We would get to see the top 3 golfers in the European circuit! (Out of some 27 players, including Chinese, and other nationalities- it wasn't clear what made it "european")

There was a tented area where all the sponsors showed their wares, giving out free iphone4 cases, putting competitions, and even a mini go-kart track for kids to practice driving.

I'd never been to a Gold tourney before, but was surprised at the number of young families there- babies and toddlers being pushed around the greens (were which very far apart!) and the volunteers would wave their "quiet" signs at them when the Golfers tee'd off. The older kids enjoyed running in the big open spaces picking plants and touching the fresh cut grass!

Homes for sale- almost all were empty.

Dad and T got to talk to one of the golfers- who overheard them speculating the situation, about rules when the balls get stuck in awkward places.

Quiet!

I wish I had brought my raincoat. Fortunately T and my parent came prepared with umbrellas!

Dad and Timon

Even though a cloudy day, the clean air and smell of fresh cut grass was wonderful. I hadn't seen a sky that big in a long time!

Also noted, Malaren park's website advertises Shopping outlets, which are actually 15-20 minute drive away, 5 blocks from the Meilian metro stop. It didn't look very populated when we drove by, but apparently many were enjoying the lake/park, renting boats and walking perimeter of Meilian lake. 

Australia trip part 1

We flew out Thursday evening and arrived in melbourne just after lunch. It was freezing. Frigid! My luggage didn't make the plane, and we were exhausted and hungry. Unfortunately, the "central" airbnb we stayed at had nothing in the neighborhood- it was a 25 min walk from town, totally residential. And freezing. Did I mention it was freezing? I'm talking 50 or below. We were both underdressed, and furthermore, underpacked. I didn't even have luggage to pile on more layers, so I took to wearing Timon's. After sorting out where my luggage was going (we waited, it didn't show and we were eager to see the city) We headed off into the city!

We were told stores and cafes were 2 tram stops...but we didn't feel like waiting in the cold and we walked briskly and found ourselves in town relatively quickly. We found a Salvo's (salvation army) where I tried to find a coat or sweater- but alas nothing fit me.

RMIT

 We stopped by Vic's market- a huge covered wet market, where they were packing up. We shared a bowl of lentil soup then trotted on towards Swanson st, to see the bath house then detoured to RMIT college which had a really cool exterior and interior architecture and design. Bright colors, geometric shapes, a bit cave like, and we spent some 20 minutes charging phones and trying to figure out the bus system to get to fitzroy- a hip area of cafes and boutiques. Evenutally we found a bus, which required  a jaunt up swanston through the city center, past museum, China town, and alas a Target! We went in and bought sweaters. It never felt so good to be wearing 3 layers and no be able to bend your elbows. 

RMIT

We hopped the bus to Fitzroy (it began sprinkling!) and we evenutally met up with two of our friends, one who moved to Amsterdam 3 years ago so it was a jolly reunion (and she had a guide book!)

The bride and groom to be texted us to meet at Cookie, back on swanston, so we cabbed back, only find crowds of people! We ended up at the 10th (?) floor rooftop cinema/bar thing, which had a very cool view. They were showing snippets of music videos- basically the history of music videos accompanied by music. it was peculiar and interesting. and cold.