http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/lilleysmith/ Travel adventures in journals and photos from lilleysmith en-us Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:26:11 +0000 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:26:11 +0000 Well we are on our way We left our friends in Shanghai and headed home to Texas.I think this photo of Brent in the airport says it all.McDonalds PSP game travel...What a great trip The Chinese people were delightful interesting polite and friendly. We made some new friends and what a great travel experience to have with my son.He told me right after our trip to the Great Wall one of hi http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-349787.html Our last day in China was restful well at least Brentley's last day in China was restful. He slept most of the morning and then went out for some last minute shopping. I packed and then Sheri and I went back to the fabric market to pick up an item I had purchased.I had originally wanted to bike to the sea however we had run out of time BUT Sheri who was an incredible hostess and I still http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-349783.html Although Matt was off to work and the kids were off to school Thanksgiving in Shanghai was still a great occasion Brentley and I had made it back to our friends' home were rested and ready to see more of the city.We headed to the wet market for a bit of window shopping and then Sheri took us for a quick walk along the Bund. The air was crisp and our steps were quick. We did take a peek insid http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-349207.html Up early once again to squeeze every possible thing into our 3 day trip in Bejing.We checked out of our hotel and headed to the Temple of Heaven for a tour and a bit of exercise. The locals congregate around the park near the temple and play games and exercise. This is not only a way for the Chinese to exercise in the fresh air but to also socialize. Many come here in the early mornings. On ou http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Beijing/blog-349199.html We were up early dining in the hotel for breakfast. An interesting buffet with all the western tastes we are accustomed to plus extras the Chinese throw in ... like noodles rice and a little bit of fish of unknown variety. We are staying at a Holiday Inn so although there is a Chinese flare IT IS A Holiday Inn. Susie and Jong pick us up for our first tour of the morning. Tian' an Men Squa http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Beijing/blog-348922.html We left Shanghai late Monday morning for Bejing. Our guide Susie and driver Jong picked us up at the airport in Bejing and we immediately went right to the Summer Palace for a tour. This huge grounds called Yihe Yuan please don't ask for a pronounciation was an imperial retreat and served as a park for early dynasties. The present layout is courtesy of the Emperor Quianlong who reigned from http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Beijing/blog-348919.html It rained today. We did a bit of market shopping and rested and regrouped... we are off to Bejing for a few days... Will probably not blog until we return.... http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Beijing/blog-347837.html I got up early on this day to do a lane walk. There are a few published books that give historical walks throughout the city and I wanted to take one. Brentley was out late the night before with Tyler and his friends so he slept in. My friend and hostess had household things to do so I set out on my own. Ty drove me to Hongkou in the north French Concession area of Shanghai. I was dropped off http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-347615.html Our adventure started with a 2 hour trip outside of the city to visit a pretty little water town called Xitang. Xitang was established about one thousand years ago and in someways has most probably maintained its charm. Today Xitang is a living museum where there is a modest charge for admission. We think the money is charged to help with the upkeep of the city but it's not like a local sat d http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-347241.html Okay have I explained HOW BIG THIS CITY IS There is no way one can drive from one end to the other because you can't find the other Tall buildings construction in preparation for Expo 2010 apartments shops and people.. it just goes on and on...We started our day by heading to the French Concession area on the west side of town for a Dumpling Class at a restaurant. Brentley was thrilled to http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-347227.html Our day started early. Brentley shadowed his friends at school. They both attend an international school here in Shanghai. Sheri and I started with a morning work out at the gym in her compound then onto the west side of town to a pearl market. WOW it is overwhelming... pearls and more pearls and pearls anyway you want them We were so caught up in the moment that we stayed there all morning http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-346582.html Our first full day in Shanghai was full of sights smells and sounds. The temp is about 60 degrees here today and some sunshine which I am told is a blessing because sunny days can be few. The morning began at 7am surprisingly both Brentley and I were quite rested and ready to take on this city of 13 million plus it could be because of our one hour massages we received upon arrival After seei http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-346179.html Well one would think that we may have some trouble with connections in a foreign country but not us... we almost missed our flight at DFW due to a terminal and gate change. We finally figured that out when no one was sitting around us we were the last two people on the plane BUT WE MADE ITSeventeern hours later we are here... Shanghai will never be the same poor folks... Pictures tomorrow aft http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/China/Shanghai/blog-345850.html