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May-May January '97
Hi, boys and girls, it's May-May back again! Happy 1997 to you all! Lots to tell
you about goings-on about Shanghai, my social calendar is just packed with
activity! Starting with the new Irish pub on Taojiang Lu called O'Malley's. Now,
you've just got to go and see this place, it's a beautiful old house in the
middle of the consulate district, which means all those mysterious diplomats
gather there for their confidential discussions. But don't be too suspicious.
Maybe they are cultural attaches! O'Malley's is different from most bars in
Shanghai - it doesn't have a single focus. There's nooks and crannies all over
the place, and as you know, I just love nooks and crannies! Everyone is going to
choose their own favorite corner, I've already chosen mine! The decor is
wonderful, but I have to say the Guinness looks a lot more real than those
barrels balanced on the beams overhead!
I went for a walk yesterday near the Jingan Temple on Bubbling Well (that's
Nanjing Xi Lu these days), near the bombsite that will one day soon be the
Jingan subway station, and came across a very clear young man writing with his
feet! Now, I really admire people who can do interesting things with their toes.
I knew this man once who... but never mind, I'll save that anecdote for my
memoirs! Anyway, I got my trusty photographer to take a picture of this young
man and gave him masses of encouragement. No arms, but what wonderful
calligraphy! If you can offer him a job, you'll find him not far from the
Paramount Nightclub, pen-in-foot ready to sign his employment contract!
Speaking of unusual people, did you see the wonderful performance by Jin Xing
(Gold Star) at the Majestic Theatre recently? Jin Xing is a choreographer who
does modern dance vignettes which, speaking as a woman, really speak to me!
Which is very interesting, because Jin Xing is not what you would call
all-woman. She started out life as a man, you see. Anyway, her Sunflower
performance was just stunning and you must go and see her next performance when
you have the chance. It is modern dance of an international standard, and Jin
Xing looks so slinky as she prowls about the stage. I'm just glad I don't have
to compete with her on everything. Or maybe I do!!
Who is the best saxophone player in Shanghai? Now, this is becoming a really
difficult question, but I think I will vote for Zhang Xiaolu, a young student at
the Shanghai Conservatory of Music who plays jazz in a number of my favorite
haunts with different bands and musicians. Not only does he play, but he also
says he teaches. I think he just means the saxophone, but I'm hoping I'm wrong!
Byeee!
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