Yangshuo to Shanghai
Trip Start
Sep 12, 2008
1
12
20
Trip End
Oct 03, 2008
Shanghai,
Shanghai,
China
Thursday, September 25, 2008
We had breakfast at Bar 98 at 7am because no where is open that early, but Jason arranges it with the owner to get us there. Again we had yummy yoghurt, but also cheese on toast. Lovely, despite the fact that Chinese cheese is basically non-existant.
Then off in the bus to Guilin. Traffic was very bad when we hit Guilin, so much so that I think Jason was a bit worried about making the flight. But all was good in the end.
Landed in Shanghai, at the HongQio domestic airport. Then it took as us an hour to drive to the hotel as the traffic was so bad, at times standing still. It should have taken us less than 30 minutes had traffic been good. You are struck by the massive apartment blocks, and every window has an airconditioner unit or two. Also, we drove most of the way on an elevated road system, about 9 stories up! One point we pass a central pillar that is holding 4 different levels of roadways. Absolutely crazy. We then drive down the central road for hardware it seems! every shop sells various tools and hardware. Our hotel was very nicely appointed, and Lorraine and I had a fabulous view of the Bund and Pudong (the western side with the famous Shanghai skyline)
We then hopped in a cab to see the antique market before it closed. However, there were 5 of going and unfortunately we had to take 2 cabs. So Barb and Kay come with me. I gave my cellphone # to Jason and thank god I did! The driver goes under the river which I understood he wasn't supposed to. Then we arrive at Dai Tong Rd but it is next to the Grand Hyatt, or otherwise known as Jin Mao Tower.
Me and TV tower
Definitely nowhere near an antique market. Apparently he got it mixed up with theroad of hte same name on the Pu Xi (West) side of the river! So we get someone to write it in chinese in the Hyatt, and amazingly hire a new cab right away, then get driven tot he right place.Bar had been shopping for antique chinese locks. They are very cute, so I decided to buy one... But my willpower was low, and I bought 3!!! but they are so cute!
Then took the subway back to the Hotel. That was crazy filled with people. I think we were the only whites in the subway! It was all black heads then ours.
Dinner was at this little place and hte food was ok, but we didn't get the private room we were supposed to, and Euen was upset as a result and retired early in protest. Oh well. After, we walked down the very odorous alleyway to the main drag, East Nanching Road. We walked down to the Bund, the promenade along the river for lots of shots of the skyline and the famous old Bund buildings. Dean and Barb and Lorraine and I stayed out later, to shoot some more, then walked down our street, Beijing Rd, which was a bit sketchy at night. But we arrived back safe and sound and slept till early morn.
The architecture of all the buildings is amazing, and everyone seems to be trying to outdo one another.
