WOW Shanghai 2010 - 2nd Sept (Meeting the others)

We had already met the Kinsers last night. Today, we were going to meet the others putting up at the apartment. The first ones we met were Cynthia Skublak & Anne (both from Toronto). They helped organise us into groups of 4 to fit into taxis which would then take us to (1) a shop selling dance shoes & dance wear & (2) the Old Temple for a spot of shopping & lunch for some.

As the other instructors appeared from their apartment units, I finally got to meet them in person: Jo Thompson, Rachael McEnaney, Kate Sala, Scott Blevins & Niels Poulsen.

Niels, Anne, Allan (my husband) & I got into one cab. During the journey to the shoe shop, we began chatting with Niels & told him that we were looking forward to his trip to JB this December at the Lim sisters' Dance 4 Peace event. Again, we found this choreographer to be nice & friendly :)

At the shoe shop, everyone got down to the business of selecting dance shoes. It was a tiny shop, & we packed it full of people...lol. You can just imagine how stuffy it was in there, with the intense Shanghai heat outside. I met Evelyn & Linda from Penang, both busy looking for shoes of course.....especially Evelyn :) Everyone bought more than one pair as the price was much much lower than what we would pay back home.

After more than an hour in the shop, Allan & I together with the Kinsers, took the elevator downstairs. While waiting for the others to complete their shopping, Allan & I had a local packed economy rice lunch, while Jo got her coffee.

When everyone had gathered, we again took taxis to our next destination.

Picturesque view outside the Old Temple

A looooong queue for dumplings.

Street scene outside the temple area

Those who hadn't had lunch went to a restaurant while we & the Kinsers decided to browse & shop. I couldn't shop much in the sweltering heat so after having purchased one pair of pants, Allan & I decided to call it a day and headed home to shower, rest & recharge for the night event: Open Dancing!

Jo Kinser looking pretty for Open Dancing at Sports Hotel

We had a quick dinner and then it was Open Dancing at Sports Hotel, just a few blocks down from where we were. The cab fare was RMB12 (RMB1.00=MYR0.46), which is the base rate one pays the moment you hop into one.

The gathering at Sports Hotel was like a reunion of sorts. Friends meeting each other again after a long while, like Yuki & I. Online friends meeting each other for the first time in person......oooh! the room was fully charged with excitement & anticipation of FUN, FUN, FUN!

I was thrilled to meet Hiro & Yuki again after such a long break. The last I saw them was in Japan 2008 when Hiro invited me to Tokyo for his event.

So happy to see you Yuki!

Group pix with Jo Thompson (L to R: Hiro, Jo, Evelyn, myself & Yuki)

The 'twins' from San Francisco: Sue & Kathy

Pix of the WOW Shanghai instructors:

Back row (L to R): Lina Choi, myself, Marilyn McNeal, Kate Sala, Niels Poulsen, Jo Kinser, Rosie Multari & Scott Blevins.

Front row (L to R): Judy Chen, Kathy Chang & Sue Hsu, Rachael McEnaney, Jo Thompson & John Kinser.

Missing in the pix: Jennifer Choo (she was at dinner)

Groovin' time!

With Lilly Lee from Taiwan

Rosie Multari & her husband Bruno

The gang from Malaysia with Marilyn McNeal & her husband

Happily posing for a shot with Scott Blevins

Lilian Lo, Jo & I

Judy Chen, the organiser

Patty Wu. An excellent dancer with an equally excellent memory.

Janice strutting her stuff with Kathy Chang to her left & John Kinser in the background.

I had a great time all in all. Met lots of people, made new friends, connected with old friends. A great start!