A Quarter Roast Duck In China
It has been a long time since I took my first out of the country trip. Although I do not have any photos of it, I still remember everything like it was yesterday. Let me tell you how it started. I've been going around the Philippines, seen several mountains and islands, but never saw what's outside of it. One day, I woke up and told myself it's time to explore other parts of the world. And where did I go? Shanghai, China!
The first country I wanted to visit was somewhere I do not know anyone nor do I speak the language. It was more of a thrill for me that I would be a complete stranger to the place and will try to meet people on my own. So I booked my flight, went to Shanghai, and there I was. Stayed in a hotel where the only english speaking staff works at night. I was briefed on the tour itinerary and had to wake up early the next day, but guess what, I DID NOT JOIN ANY OF THE TOUR!!!! Instead, I went to the hotel lobby, asked the concierge to write down in Chinese all the places I wanted to visit, which includes the market, Yu Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower, and asked for advice as to where the locals would normally eat and drink. With the list in hand, I started to walk the city for 8 hours (Walking around a place is the best way to get acquainted with it), eating in local food places in between to rest as well. On my way back to the hotel, I passed by the market, buy me a 6 pack and a quarter of roast duck, then enjoy it in my room at night. This I did everyday for 3 days while I was in Shanghai. 1st day of walk was towards North, 2nd day South, and 4 and 4 for East and West. Luckily the hotel was near the market, so I always had my fix of 6 pack and a quarter roast duck :)
Local food places are very cheap in Shanghai, you can either have street food or go to local small restaurants (Carinderia), either way, it is really cheap! As a tip, for street food, must tries are Sheng jian bao (Dumplings), Shansi leng mian (Eel Noodles), Cong you bing (Scallion Pancakes), Mala tang (Spicy Noodles), Stinky Tofu (The name speaks for itself), and so on. As for the local Carinderias, you will have so many food to choose from, may it be vegetables, chicken, pork, beef, or seafood. Any 2 viands with unlimited rice and soup is roughly 10 Chinese Yuan (Php 70). It is a disneyland for Chinese food lovers like me. And of course, before you go back to your hotel, drop by the market and buy a 6 pack and a quarter roast duck.
Overall, Shanghai China was a fun trip. Traveling solo has always been my preference and is more practical for me. In my opinion, there is not much to see in Shanghai and it's very populated. However, food was what made me smile while I was there. So on my way back to the airport to get back to the Philippines, I went to the market, bought 2 roast ducks for 200 Chinese yuan (Php 1,400), packed it in my luggage and devoured it with my family when I finally reached home :)
P.S.
There are no photos in this article as back then I thought it was a great idea not to take photos and just remember everything in my head (Which was of course not a very smart idea)
