In search of local, organic, sustainable food...

As awareness of food safety and sustainable issues grows in China, more organic, local and sustainable options are popping up. On Saturday, we gathered together with friends to tour an organic farm, visit an urban farming initiative and eat delicious food at 2 restaurants that feature local, organic food. There are many more places to explore and investigate when it comes to local, sustainable options, which, for foodies, is good news.

Korean late-night archery...

We've been busy with work for the last little while and I've been delinquent at posting photos of our recent adventures around Shanghai. As always, there are so many great options for food and fun in this city, and we've been sampling food at new restaurants like Sichuan Citizen, beer at places like Liquid Laundry and going out to do fun things like see a British production of The Tempest at the Lyceum Theatre and biking to explore new neighbourhoods in Jinqiao. This weekend we also enjoyed a fun night on the town with good friends, sampling excellent beers on tap at Daga Brew Pub and infused vodka cocktails at a very funky, tiny bar called Magpie and then stringing up some bows at a late-night Korean archery place on the Pudong side of the river. We're amazed that each time we go out we find new places to enjoy. It will be awhile before we run out of fun things to do in Shanghai.   :)

Yunnan: Day 6 Shika Snow Mountain

For our last day in Yunnan, we had planned to take the cable car to the top of Shika Snow Mountain (4500 metres) and then do a 15-km hike to a lake. Alas, driving winds and snow at the top thwarted our efforts and we decided to enjoy the summit and then retreat to the relative warmth of the cable car. Why hike when you can't see the views, right? At least that's what how we rationalized our decision to avoid hours in -12ish celcius weather. It was still awesome to see the mountain, and a nice way to spend our last morning in this beautiful part of China.

Yunnan: Day 5 Flaneuring around Shangri-la

Blessed again with gorgeous blue skies and sunshine, we spent day 5 wandering around temples and monasteries in laid-back Shangri-la. The biggest monastery is called Songzanlin Si and is 300 years old; 600 Tibetan monks live and worship here and it was a magical place. The town of Shangri-la is fringed by snow-capped mountains and truly lives up to its heavenly name.