Back Into The Shanghai Swing, The City's Revolving Door

11/3/2013

With birthday boy and friend, Redic.

The way we got back into the Shanghai lifestyle was literally hitting the ground running. It was astonishing to be out of the loop for a month, to only then come back realising the intense pace this city moves at.

No sooner had I taken out my Australian Vodafone mobile sim card and replaced it with my China Mobile one, the texts came flooding in. Already the next seven days had various invites to a number of events and activities, not to mention the start of work. We had to be cautious, of course, otherwise we risked burning out quicker than our fading tans.

One soiree we could not miss was our good friend Redic’s birthday celebration. He was turning the big 4-0 but his appearance could quite fool you into thinking he was actually ten years younger. Or, as he put in, “I’m 27 with some extra change…”.

Choosing Mimosa, a local wine bar near his home, an intimate crowd of people were all enjoying the RMB 100 free flow of wine and tapas as we stepped into the cozy venue. Behind the counter was the owner and, who it turns out, was someone I had met a few months earlier at the launch of Studio Ebony – Shanghai’s first black hair salon. I immediately recognised Sylvie’s side-shaved-head as we greeted each other French-style with a kiss on both cheeks. Having a successful background in fashion, including studying at the London School of Fashion, she is now living out her dream of opening her own F&B outlet.

With Sylvie, owner of Mimosa.

Redic thanks everyone for coming out to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Judging by the décor, drinks list and food menu – she’s onto a winner here. And despite its overtly European feel, she mentioned that her Chinese clients actually outnumber the foreign ones. A DJ friend of Redic’s was playing a varied mixed of house music (in all its different guises) with a smothering of old skool Soul, R&B and even some dancehall. Dimming the lights and turning down the music, a cake with candles appeared prompting a lively rendition of “Happy Birthday” after which Redic gave a short but animated speech in his own unique style.

Being in a room full of creative people, everyone started badgering Redic to sing a song. It was like he was prepared for the request. Asaph, both his songwriting buddy and guitarist, uncover his acoustic guitar while Redic snuggled up with another musical friend of his, Dana. Both of them first arrived in Shanghai during the 2010 World Expo and have since made their mark on the local and national music scene in China.

They proceeded to do a brilliant rendition of “Just As Long As You Are There” off Redic’s soon-to-be-released album and one of my favourite cuts from his project. Catching up with a number of people that evening was great. It got us back into the swing of living in Shanghai once again.

Another aspect of being in such an expat city like Shanghai is the ever-revolving door. And by that I mean, there’s a constant coming and going of people. Already this year we have bid farewell to two good friends, David and Pascale, who are now on missions down in New Zealand.

With US singer Dana.

Waiting for Carlos and Oly to arrive. (left to right) Alejandra, Carlos, Fernando, me and Lezil.

Now it was time to send off Carlos and Oly – a couple from Mexico who we met through the Church we attend in Shanghai. Their five year stint in China was coming to an end and they were returning back to their native Mexico.

The whole evening was brilliantly organised starting with the whole surprise aspect. A group of around 25 friends (including Lezil and I) clandestinely met at the couple’s compound where in the middle of the grounds was a club house. Whilst Carlos and Oly were being driven off somewhere, the finishing touches were added to the Hollywood-theme decorations in the room. Clapperboards adorned each round table and cinema-style boxes of popcorn were placed by each seat.

In the far corner a buffet was being set up by Gabriela Fernandez – a successful Mexican food entrepreneur in Shanghai – and the smells from her cuisine were extremely tantalising, so much so that many of us went into overdriven eating away at the popcorn snacks. Shouts of “Ya llegan…!” (they are arriving!) were our starting orders to all hide behind a couple of big screens. The moment the main door to the club house room opened, we all jumped out in one big chorus of “sorpresa!” (surprise!).

Carlos was first through the doors as we all stood in a semi-circle applauding enthusiastically. It was like some kind of presidential reception as he went around thanking and hugging each person there. Meanwhile, the lovely Oly was still standing by the entrance completely overcome with emotion. Eventually after a few minutes with her close friend Ceci, who incidentally was one of the main organisers, she walked in with a tissue in hand to be given some flowers and again meeting and greeting everyone.

Everyone hiding behind the big screens.

With the leaving couple - Carlos and Oly.

Mexican banda music starting playing and we didn’t need any encouraging to go and line up for the buffet once we were told the food was ready. It was a delicious selection of many Mexican favourites – tacos, arroz, flautas, ensalada, salsa picante and more. There was plenty for people to have two or three helpings (there goes our calorie count for the day!). As we neared the end of our munching, the entertainment provided was of three traditional dances from the Veracruz region of Mexico with my favourite being the candle dance.

Throughout the entire choreography, the two ladies held one candle in each hand and balanced one perfectly on their head. There was such poise and grace as they effortlessly drifted across the floor. Although I’m not Mexican, it was still a proud moment to witness a fellow Latin American culture’s vibrancy and creativeness.

Then followed a mock ‘Academy Awards’ ceremony with all our gifts we had brought acting as a prize for each category. And of course, Carlos and Oly won each prize!

A traditional candle dance from Veracruz, Mexico.

'Gagnam Style' makes an appearance among the Salsa and Mexican music.

The night became more interactive as we played a mass-version of movie charades. The slight twist in the game being that whoever in the team guessed the movie title correctly, won an actual DVD. Lezil and I came away with copies of ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Argo’ which had recently won Best Picture at the real Academy Awards.

As is expected when any sizeable group of Latinos get together, the dancing shoes coming out. Salsa music, Mexican banda music and even Korea’s ‘Gagnam Style’ had us working off our Mexican dinner in no time.

I’ve said this before, but having a close-knit community of people from South America in Shanghai is a real blessing. And it also provides Lezil with yet more exposure to the culture in preparation for when we eventually make the trip down to Ecuador to see my folks and extended familia. Carlos and Oly – you will be missed!