“Hello Hello” Chinese Foot Massage

November 2010, Shanghai, China

The art of Chinese acupressure massage dates back more than 5,000 years.  This technique of applying pressure to particular “pressure points” is thought to relieve tension, improve circulation, and increase overall health.  As the chart shows quite clearly, you can get an overall “tune up” from a simple foot massage.

“Hello, Hello. . .”

The diminutive, white-shirted speaker greeted and cajoled in that one simple phrase.  Inside the shop (let’s not get ahead of ourselves and call it a studio or clinic) a row of eight apparently comfortable armchairs fronted by ottomans stretched down one side.  Seated on low stools, women in well-worn white shirts kneaded, slapped, and wrestled with the feet, ankles and calves of patrons who sat sipping tea from disposable cups.  Led by Chef Dave and accompanied by Keeblero, this was my initial trip to what became known as Hello, Hello Foot Massage.

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Fresh Chinese Noodles (Lamian) & Restaurants in Shanghai, China

Living in Shanghai, China has opened my eyes to much of China’s deep food culture. China is the birth of all things gastronomic, don’t be mistaken and think the Italian’s came up with pasta, it was a spin on the ancient art of Chinese noodle making, Lamien. The restaurants I frequent around Shanghai  (Pudong) by the Expo Village have been given nick names. This is simply because we can not read Chinese, so it is much easier to just call them by a memorable or identifiable names, such as Purple Chair, Crystal Underground, Duck Face…and so on.

Lamian noodles, known in Chinese as Lamian or Lamiantiao are popular with many ethnic groups both in Xinjiang and the rest of China. The name “Lamian” means “pulled noodles”.  These noodles are the best I have ever had!  It took me a while to find a recipe , but they are made with simple ingredients. Click on the LaMian link above to read more on the process.

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Wok Cooking in Chong Ming, Shanghai, China.

Watching the Zhang family prepare food for each meal was a lesson in its own right!  All the corn husks,  twigs, and grass were kept out to dry. Mrs. Zhang used this to start the fire. The heat was transferred through a chimney flute and powered the 2 woks for cooking.  The fire was moved from side to side, and various elements were added to enhance the heat depending on the chef’s request (Mr. Zhang).

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Chong Ming, China- The Zhang Residence & Farm

I was so delighted and more honored that I was invited to Kent’s (Pastry Chef from the US Pavilion) family home in Chong Ming about an hour outside of Shanghai.  Kent invited Will Fleichman and I to come and experience the real way of Chinese life outside the hustle and bustle of the big city.

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Mutianyu-Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu), finally we meet face to face.  I had been talking about coming to the Great Wall for nearly 15 years of my life, and now I can say after today another check mark off the “bucket list”.  It is apparent that one would need months perhaps even years to truly see The Great Wall in its entirety.  The section I went to was called Mutianyu, it is nearly 2 hours outside of Beijing.  This only makes sense if you do not want to see the KFC at the bottom of the wall, like you will at Badaling section.

The Mutianyu section of The Great Wall was built along the crest of the rolling mountains and hills.  The wall appears easier to climb  than anyone realizes.  The big catch is the stairs (in some places) are nearly vertical, and were built for small Asian feet.  Well, my size 10 1/2 shoe is not the typical size for the Chinese, unless you are Yao Ming! I found myself side stepping when going vertical stairwells.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall has 22 watch towers & is 2,250 meters in length.  This is no casual walking trail.  I was simply blown away at the sheer length and detailed construction work.  It’s rumored that the thousands of men that gave their lives during the erection of this structure and their remains buried inside.

The wall was a sanctuary of sorts for the young and old.  People having spiritual moments and just looking out over the sides, others hiking as far as they could.  This is no question a magical and amazing place for all!

Now with The Great Wall off the bucket list, it was time to eat!  How convenient I spied a local pancake lady!  What a great fill up after a 4 hour journey up and down the narrow stairways and paths.  I made it through 5 watch towers in 4 hours, what does that tell you?

Correct, 2 pancakes please

The typical Chinese pancake is made with a thick crepe like batter poured over a hot cast iron circle.  The chef/vendor then slowly smooths it over with a dough scrapper (come on it’s some borderline primitive shit here).  Depending on the ingredients ordered, they are typically tossed inside and folded up and over similar to a burrito.  The only accompaniment is spicy chili sauce, yes please!

Perfect each and every time! Don’t miss out!  Be prepared for a little shaking in the legs after a trek up The Great Wall of China, each step and view is another layer of history that unfolds right in front of you!

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