The Whore of the Orient...Paris of the East


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Asia » China » Shanghai
October 21st 2007
Published: December 14th 2007
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This blog posting is incredibly, irresponsible late. With that said. Let's see how much I can remember. Arriving in Shanghai - quite easily - both Dave and I carried minimal carry-ons. *Unlike my usual large backpack - a very limited amount of clothing packed into a small area* We found our way quickly through the Shanghai airport - taking a bus to the MagLev (Magnetic Levitation) train... Read Full Entry



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Back to the BundBack to the Bund
Back to the Bund

Despite the first night's clouds, I could not spend enough time staring out at the futuristic Pudong scene.
Holy Flying Fish!Holy Flying Fish!
Holy Flying Fish!

Two bright orange, ghostly fish flew in the sky above us from some invisible string as we wandered up to the promenade at the river. The fish followed us until we lost interest and focused our attention on Pudong. Five minutes later, the fish navigator found wandered near us and I lusted for several minutes over a kite.
Fish fansFish fans
Fish fans

kite appreciation moment.
The journey has only begunThe journey has only begun
The journey has only begun

Sneakers and slippers.
Shanghai Grand TheaterShanghai Grand Theater
Shanghai Grand Theater

'The Crystal Palace' - to the west of Renmin Square
Our Mother-country CompanyOur Mother-country Company
Our Mother-country Company

A familiar face near the Renmin Square subway stop.
European Remnants.European Remnants.
European Remnants.

The witty Image Title takes seconds to devise. No, no, thank YOU.
My voluptuous buildingMy voluptuous building
My voluptuous building

I used the ripples as a landmark so often that Dave decided I owned the building. Pointing it out after we returned back from the Old Town, "Well, if your building is here, we should be heading this way to get back to the gelato cafe." Ah, glorious.
Nan Shi - the Old TownNan Shi - the Old Town
Nan Shi - the Old Town

I believe this is a photo from the YuYuan Gardens in the Old Town, but I'm not quite sure. Dave? Hmm....
A small alleyway with laundryA small alleyway with laundry
A small alleyway with laundry

Chalkboard artistry - of the Pudong view.
A persuasive argument for vegetarianismA persuasive argument for vegetarianism
A persuasive argument for vegetarianism

Like many other animals held captive in the Old Town, these ducks had their legs tied behind them, looking quite resigned - abject surrender to their futures in ovens. It seriously upsets me, and I do plan to limit my meat intake, but, oh man, Peking Duck is so delicious. Epicurean hypocrisies.
Nooks and cranies.Nooks and cranies.
Nooks and cranies.

These places, quiet pathways, can be found just a step away from the crowded Old Town marketplace.
Tea House HostessesTea House Hostesses
Tea House Hostesses

....a bit too expensive, the Lonely Planet recommendation didn't suit us, but the hallway paintings were lovely.
From Konglish to...ShanglishFrom Konglish to...Shanglish
From Konglish to...Shanglish

We found many hysterical, slightly off, signs while wandering around the Bazaar near the YuYuan Gardens. The Nanxiang Steamed Buns (xiaolongbao = dumplings), and their vinegary soy sauce, were as delicious as the touristy bazaar was tacky. Thankfully, after devouring the dumplings, we bee-lined into the gardens.
Shady AlcovesShady Alcoves
Shady Alcoves

Hundreds of pumice stones surrounded beautiful ponds, flower and rock gardens protected by weeping willows.
Temple Kitten Protects Ancient SpiritsTemple Kitten Protects Ancient Spirits
Temple Kitten Protects Ancient Spirits

She's alert, despite her misleading snooze position. Dave had to wait around, memorize the poorly written English signs around the gardens and sigh over dramatically for several minutes until my cooing ceased. Those ears, those whiskers...missing Willow.
Image Title of RedundancyImage Title of Redundancy
Image Title of Redundancy

Caption of DOOM.
Performance ArtPerformance Art
Performance Art

The real impersonation required a camcorder, which I'm planning on buying for our India trip, because this just doesn't do the moment justice.
Lanterns galloreLanterns gallore
Lanterns gallore

The red of the lantern stands for solidarity, the round shape represents the repetitive nature of life and the importance of pumpkins in Chinese society, the yellow tassels remind us to honor saffron above all else, and they hang down reminding us to take careful consideration before picking out foot coverings, or the present day term, shoes. no, nope, I have no idea.
Ooooo cameraOoooo camera
Ooooo camera

Just to give you an idea of 1/4th of the trip - Dave looking around for the next adventure, and I'm fiddling with the canon powershot.



17th December 2007

Brielle the pictures are beautiful!
As is the woman taking the photos... :) It looks wonderful! I can't wait to hear more. Get in touch! xoxox <3, Rachel
18th December 2007

Have a good time Brielle & David
Don't do anything thant we would not do, but please enjoy the freedom of travel while you are there. Good photos and comments, thanks Brie, Tomas

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