Hongqiao Bird and Flower Market

Our school librarian, Barbara, arranged a little foray into the Hongqiao Bird and Flower Market.  About 20 of us went to this market which does indeed sell flowers and plants (in amazing varieties) and birds (as well as turtles, squirrels, rabbits, and fish).  I was looking for home decor, however.

I found an amazing dining room table, and was hoping for a real steal...  It seats 8, is intricately carved, and has a built-in lazy Susan.  Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed as the asking price is the equivalent of $28,000.  Maybe I can have a reproduction made!

The market has just about anything you can imagine.  I ended up with a table and chair set for my front balcony and a painting for my bedroom.  Since my bedroom walls are made of concrete, I need to wait for maintenance to come hang it for me.

We left the market to go to a street lined with restaurants and bars a few blocks away.  As it happens, this street is next to the pearl and silk markets.  I guess that will be another weekend.  Anyway, we found a Persian restaurant with seating on the street.  I had a lamb stew, and we also nibbled on bread, yogurt with cucumbers, hummus, and a chicken salad.

 

 I ended my day with a trip to the Bamboo Spa where I had a great manicure and pedicure.  My feet haven't looked this good for quite some time.  The entire procedure, which took about 90 minutes, cost half of what it would have in the states.