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Meet some Gubei expat residents

IN 2009, animal lover Marvin Manalac and his wife Julia founded a non-profit animal sheltering and care center in Shanghai. Jaiya's Animal Rescue, named after Marvin and Julia's baby daughter Jaiya Kristina, who passed away from SIDS that year, is dedicated to rescuing and taking in stray animals from the streets.

Once a month, the group holds an Animal Adoption Day in the Gubei area. After an adoption event that took place earlier this month, Marvin and his charity group managed to find 15 rescued animals new families.

"We believe every animal deserves a safe, secure and loving home," said Marvin. JAR's next Animal Adoption Day will be held on April 3 on Hongmei Road.

Q: How long have you been holding Animal Adoption Day in Gubei?

A: JAR's Animal Adoption Day started in April last year at the Papa's Biertube restaurant. I held adoption days prior to Gubei, but as JAR was getting bigger and more potential families came to adoption days, I decided to find a new venue to hold the event. Luckily, the owners of the restaurant kindly wanted to support my group.

Q: Why do you choose to hold your charity day there?

A: I chose Hongmei Road because many foreigners eat and meet friends on the street. It was a good place to have my group receive exposure and raise awareness among passers-by of what JAR does in the community.

Q: Three words to describe your impression of Gubei.

A: Lively, convenient, cultural.

Q: What's the best thing about Gubei?

A: Ample amount of restaurants and shopping facilities.

Q: What's your favorite place there? Why?

A: I like to go to the Mandarin City swimming pool in the summer.

Yuzo Furukawa is a Japanese doctor working at the Gubei branch of Body & Soul Medical Clinics.

Being interested in traditional Chinese medicine, he came to Shanghai to learn more about Chinese culture. He now holds a Chinese doctor's license providing TCM treatment for Gubei residents. When asked if it is difficult to communicate with Chinese patients, he denied that it was - in fluent Chinese. In his view, Gubei is a place combining modern and traditional, from the latest trendy shop to classical Chinese restaurants.

Also, he loves the living tempo of Gubei, which is much slower than the city center.

Q: How long have you lived in Gubei?

A: One month.

Q: Why do you choose to live and work in the Gubei area?

A: There's an international school for Japanese students. They need my medical treatment.

Q: What's your favorite place in Gubei?

A: Shuicheng Road S. near Hongqiao Road. There are so many good Japanese restaurants there. Especially, some good Japanese grills.

Q: Where do you go to loosen up after work?

A: I go to the park, breathing in the fresh air.

Q: Three words to describe your impression of Gubei?

A: Slow, international, old and new.

During the day, Charles Carrard works for a wine import company in downtown Shanghai. After work, he takes off his tie, rolls up his sleeves and greets customers in his own French restaurant in Gubei.

Wanting to create a new concept of French restaurant with fine cuisine at a great value, Carrard opened his own last year serving authentic French cuisine at reasonable prices. As a wine aficionado, he also lists an extensive range of unique wines for his bar in the restaurant. Carrard spends about five to six hours every day in his family-style restaurant, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. "Delicious food and good quality wines are supposed to be shared with family and close friends," said Carrard.

Q: How long have you been running your restaurant in Gubei area?

A: I opened my French restaurant with my cousin in Gubei last November.

Q: Why did you choose Gubei?

A: I didn't want to set my restaurant in the former French concession, which is dotted with various French restaurants. And I wanted my restaurant near Hongmei Road because many expats and rich Chinese live there. So I chose Wuyang Road in Gubei. It has many Japanese, Koreans and Taiwanese here who are excellent wine lovers. People would say Gubei is a little remote and far away, but I have to say that's totally not true.

Q: What's the best thing about Gubei?

A: It's quiet and tranquil. It has beautiful green land and other convenient facilities.

Q: What's your favorite place in Gubei?

A: A Vietnamese restaurant on Yaohong Road and Wuyang Road. It has fantastic Southeast Asian cuisine and thoughtful service. Besides, it opens late at night.

Q: Where do you go to loosen up?

A: I often go to grab a drink in Gubei's small Japanese bars. Have a glass of whisky, stretch out and have some fun.

Q: Three words to describe your impression of Gubei.

A: Quiet, not-Shanghai and tasty.










 

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