Sunday Markets

Shanghai is having the most amazing weather! Warm, sunny and without the humidity of summer. So despite the late night after the St Andrews Ball, and quite weary from the Gay Gordons and the Dashing White Sergent, it was the perfect day to go out on the bike. Also wanted to try out my new telephoto 300ml lens, with some secret shots.
Everybody out on the streets lunching and making the most of the unseasonal heat and sunshine

Headed east along Fuxing Rd towards the old town, aimlessly turrning off when a street looked interesting and beckoned me. Found myself down some small lanes, overcrowded and full of interesting characters.

All the bedding airing in the sun and a great wash day, as always

Taking in the washing on the long poles

And the fish out to dry aswell

Started snapping away, but soon became the centre of attention, the old guys interested in my pics and started offering to pose for me!

A chance to paractice a few words of chinese, and smile a lot!  It was great, all really friendly and happy sitting out in the sunshine, watching the world go by, chatting or playing cards or checkers.

Cycling does help to blend in with the general chaos going on, despite being blonde I seem to have blended in with the crowds. Most people, but not all, are happy to have their pics snapped.

Carried on down some fabulous market streets. Everything and anything on sale.  Great vegetables, blue eggs,  pulses, sprouting beans.

Chickens dont come any fresher than these,

Snipping the neck with large scissors, shocking but quick..

Also can be used to clip nails...

Some marvelous pancakes-great technique

Hairy crab season, along side all the flapping fish, and ducks.

Lots of noodles and other pasta being made, fantastic to watch the dough being cut

pressing the dough??

These were fritters filled with black bean paste and although a little greasy, were very delicious for a weary cyclist.

Too much washing up!

Happy knitters

 Or maybe not....

Never miss and opportunity for a snooze in the sun

A watched kettle..

Sunday best

Catching up with the homework..

What can I say, chicken in a bucket?