Shanghai

Trip Start Jul 12, 2007

Trip End Jul 22, 2007

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Flag of China Shanghai, China
Saturday, July 21, 2007

Giant skyscrapers with illuminated neon lights is one way to describe the spectacular Shanghai skyline at night....this is the Chinese version of New York City. After we checked in to our hotel, we were anxious to view the well known landmark of Shanghai, "The Bund". The Bund was the heart of colonial Shanghai, one side is the Huangpu River and the other side is banks, offices, and clubs that are grandiose symbols of western commercial power.
At the Bund you can see across the river to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the first modern tower to rise above the rubble of the peasants homes. This tower is Shanghai most recognizable icon but certainly not the tallest tower in town. The Jinmao Tower, standing 1,379 ft. tall cost $450 million dollars to construct and incidentally was designed by American architects. At the 88th floor, you can look out over the Huangpu River in the enclosed viewing area. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to explore this tower....we were looking for a place to relax and have an icy cocktail.
On Saturday we made a decision to forego the tour and venture out on our own. We took a taxi down to the Yu Gardens and Bazaar which is known for teahouses, gardens and shops peddling touristy kitsch. After leaving the gardens we followed the self guided directions of my tour book for a 2 mile walk through the "Old City". Exploring the old city by foot allows you to really feel the pulse of the people and the neighborhoods they live in. We glanced into their homes, their businesses and their kitchens while they cooked the afternoon meal of dumplings. This small part is all that survives from the traditional city as Shanghai recycles the older buildings into entertainment districts for shopping and dining. Sounds like Smart Growth and Urban Planning to me.
The day was starting to heat up and we were dripping in sweat, we decided for pizza and air conditioning before heading back to our hotel for a rest before dinner. It is our final night in China and I wanted it to be a memorable one. In my tour book I found a fancy Italian restaurant, Casanova, located in the French Concession area of town. Dinner was incredible, I had Spinach Ravioli with crab bisque and asparagus and Kyle had Pasta with lamb ragout. Feeling like we hadn't bought enough souvenirs, we headed back to the bazaar for some last minute purchases....I mean after all, I can't spend Yuan in California.
We have had a richly rewarding experience traveling through China the last 10 days getting a glimpse of their ancient culture, local neighborhoods knowing they still hang their laundry outdoors, seeing groups of men sitting outdoors every night with their shirts rolled up around their stomach playing cards sipping on TaoTsing beer, make-shift street restaurants are very common and abundant, knowing that having a 2nd child in China bears heavy fines by the government, all the locals carry jars of tea to drink throughout the day, traditional Chinese medicine still exists, people worship Mao although he has been dead for over 30 years, but most importantly, the Chinese people take pride in their country, rich in history, wars, and trade....China has become a powerful nation which recognizes the importance of western democracy and capitalism. As I leave China, I am reminded how proud I am to be an American. Now as the Chinese say....I hope you have had a pleasant and safe journey. &nbs p;

Whats Next?
Christmas - New Years in San Antonio
Next summer maybe Brazil, before the Rainforests disappear..