Glamour on a Shoestring

One of my favorite things to do in Shanghai is to attend the occassional author's event at the Glamour Bar at M on the Bund. I've heard M. Butterfly playwright David Henry Hwang, former governor ("colonial oppressor") of Hong Kong Chris Patten, and David Almond there in the past. Last week was my first visit to the new Glamour Bar to hear Tony and Maureen Wheeler talk about how their honeymoon turned into the world's largest guide book publishing company, Lonely Planet. They even had complimentary reprints of their first guidebook, published in Syndey back in '72. I didn't get a copy, because free things don't last long in Shanghai.

For those familiar with the Glamour Bar, check out their new look. Expansive, but relaxing, even before the requisite beverages.