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Published: April 19th 2009
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Maglev Reflections
The first of many reflection photos no doubt Shanghai - First 2 days Its hard to believe that day 2 in Shanghai is already drawing to a close. We stepped off the plane into China full of anticipation but also with trepidation. This is a destination we have both longed to visit but never quite found the courage to journey here. We were also a little worried about so many of the comments posted about Shanghai regarding food, accommodation, people...the list goes on. So to the myths about our hotel, the Bund Riverside and China
1) The beds are hard but comfortable
2) The staff are friendly and helpful
3) The room is clean and smoke free
4) The all you can eat buffet breakfast is awesome
So in short, its a great hotel, everything we could have asked for in starting our journey in China. Moral of the story...don't believe everything you read in recommendations by overly whingy travellers.
and as far as Shanghai itself goes
1) The food is awesome...dog tastes okay
2) The people are lovely and welcoming...all these street vendors know us like long lost friends
3) The pollution is as bad as everyone tells you...but the when the
wind blows some other unfortunate city cops it.
4) The toilets...better than Sydney...you can pee anywhere you want to and babies...well we ain't going there but the pictures do tell a story.
Mistakes have been made Richard should probably have switched off his mobile while flying and it beeping upon approach was probably not worthy of his arrest
Brent should learn not to confuse the poor immigration officer by throwing his return ticket at her when clearly she didn't want it and it is probably not a good idea to stack the luggage trolley beside customs causing our backpacks to fall on the floor
The card for the subway goes on top when entering and in the machine when exiting. Failure to follow this clear instruction results in the barrier striking you in the nether regions.
Our hotel room is on level 15... the keycard to the door does not work in Room 906
When the hotel tells us to exit from door 3 and walk straight, they mean to walk straight...not to the right
Everyone seems to own a poodle...some with pink ear tips
The Highlights Getting up at 5am and walking down to
Peoples Square to watch the Tai Chi which includes the use of fans and swords.
Playing Badminton in the Square with a 60+ local and teaching him a lesson...(that is teaching Brent the lesson)
Walking through the old housing estates of Shanghai marked for demolition within 3 years time.
Being offered female services within 30 seconds of leaving the hotel but it taking 2 minutes 45 seconds for a Rolex to be offered.
Just being here, feeling at ease almost instantly and enjoying exploring.
We are navigating the city okay, the street and train signs are in Mandarin and English...Ticket Machines however are only in Mandarin.
The Urban Planning Museum...an Architects uber utopia...Brent was over it after the first 2 hours
The low points The touts are going to get to us
Brent continues to have a very annoying cold...but it's improving
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Patrick Jansen
non-member comment
Dogs?
Don't tell your kids that you were eating little doggies, mate! ;-) Wish you all the best and an eventful and insightful trip. I expect detailed reports on how accurate the Books by Min Chen and El Kahal have been.