F1 Shanghai

[Nantucket Red]

Thanks for your helpful advice!

Jodum - This is actually more about she and I spending some precious time together than about the GP. We'll have a good time regardless of how boring it is, believe me. And this will be our first of many GPs around the world, no doubt.

trafficjam - About how long will it take given typical traffic conditions? I've been told elsewhere that it's about an hour. Not worried about the tickets.

Douglas - Just the kind of advice we need about the situation on the ground. We've explored our options and the Westin it is. Assuming the legions of hookers don't proposition men with their wives, which is in essence how I will be. Mrs. NR is a formidable blonde and unless the hookers are incurably stupid (not unlikely), they'll know better than to risk a tangle with her and give us a wide berth.

Have been advised elsewhere to hire a car to take us from door to door. No doubt pricier than a cab, but you get what you pay for. Will inquire with the concierge about the options. And thanks for the warning about the traffic.

We could always go back for the Expo the following month if we decide we're interested.

 

[Acephale]

I don't think anyone actually goes to a GP to watch the race as it is practically impossible to follow it at the circuit... you need to watch it on TV later to find out what if anything actually happened... it is more a case of it's on and there and thus why not... and really some things should be done at least once in a lifetime... just to hear the screech and squeal and the smells and atmosphere...

After all as with life it is not necessarily about the destination but the journey.

 

[chas]

I went to the Montreal F1 in 2008 and am very excited to go back this year. It is an awesome party. The race is fun to watch if you have good seats but the current rules do make it boring as there is very little passing. I actually think qualifying is more exciting in some ways.

Regardless, the cars are unbelievably cool the quality of the eye candy is off the chart (as mentioned above, think exact opposite of NASCAR). I would recommend attending a F1 race to anybody who has not been.

Have fun in Shanghai!

 

[Douglas]

You're welcome. Please let me know about the hookers in the lobby - I will be very curious to see if that has continued. It has kept me away my last two visits, which sort of sucks because the heavenly beds are awesome.

Also be advised that the Bund is currently totally closed off because of the Expo - they're doing some serious rebuilding and reconstruction. I don't know whether or not it will be back open by the time of the GP but my bet is probably not, which sort of sucks.

Anyways, have fun!

 

[Nantucket Red]

Douglas, thanks again and will do. Good to know about the heavenly beds. Looking forward to that.

Too bad about the Bund being closed off, but for a first time trip it will be a fun adventure regardless.

 

[trafficjam]

Bund is supposed to re-open in a couple of days, so that'll be nice, at least. Distance to the track is, oh, let's say an hour and a half and a 25 dollar cab fare.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by maomao1980

SH GP is really really really really fuking boring, you've been warned.

I was warned.

Shanghai is truly an amazing place and We'll be returning.


Douglas, seems like the hookers are at least being more discreet if not almost completely absent there. Were amused by the "mini Dubai" lobby atrium. Loved the Westin, although We quickly soaked up their entire stock of Veuve.

 

[A Y]

Well, you did get an exciting race. No idea what it was like IRL.

--Andre

 

[Nantucket Red]

In other news, was fed pigeon in an olde clock tower with a gargoyle.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by A Y

Well, you did get an exciting race. No idea what it was like IRL.

--Andre

Indeed. Got lots of photos too, but film photos, so will have to wait to see them.

 

[Toiletduck]

darn, missed ya.

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by Toiletduck

darn, missed ya.

Perhaps we could arrange a Shanghai SF get-together for next time. Thinking of going back there a bit over a month from now.

 

[Douglas]

Hm, yeah, I'm planning to be back in a few weeks.

Disappointed to hear I can't troll for short-time love in the Westin lobby anymore. Srsly, though, thanks for the update. I will re-consider the hotel. The beds are freaking divine.