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Published: April 11th 2007
Lekker!
I loved the setting! And the cappucino was scrumptious! I can not count the number of times I've been asked that today, complete with folder showing photographs of what's on offer. Also, there must be a zillion "students" in the city selling their "original" artwork!
I started the day refreshed after a good 8 hours' sleep. Dragged myself from bed, and went straight to the cafe downstairs for what turned out to be an incredibly delicious cappucino! Then off and running . . . well, let's say actively walking . . . right to the taxi stand for a trip to Yu Gardens.
What a beautiful place. Set in the middle of soaring skyscrapers is a lovely oasis of calm. That is, until the hundreds of tourists with flag-carrying tourguides descended. It's almost like a maze with little alleys carved through rocks. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and actually lingered a while, until the massive numbers of people put me off and I ventured out again.
In the streets surrounding the gardens are hundreds of small shops, all selling to the tourists. At that point, I still wasn't ready to plunge in with bargaining for things and decided to find a place to eat in Old Town.
Turns out I found the "Oldest Vegetarian Restaurant" in Shanghai in which to dine (I didn't know that when I went in, I just saw a likely looking place and headed for it!) The fried rice bears absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to what we're used to but was very good. My chopstick skills are not the best, but I managed just fine.
Then, after looking around a bit in the shops, I headed for People's Park. This massive park is beautifully maintained and a nice place to sit and people watch. Couples kissing behind umbrellas (it was quite sunny), men flying kites, all generally enjoying the day.
At this point I was in need for a western convenience (read: toilet) but was in no hurry to try the public squat restrooms in the park. I spied the Meridian center across the street and hurried over. Thanks to Keith, I had the chinese pinyin name for toilet to show the nice young woman, who indicated that I should go to the second floor. Sure enough, there were nice, clean American-style toilets, even if there was no paper. But I was prepared -- I was a Girl Scout and we're
ALWAYS prepared. (Yesterday I did not have the paper with me and resorted to skills honed in one of my favorite games, Charades. A little bit of crossed legs and unhappy face communicated perfectly well!)
Refreshed, I decided that I would head back to the hotel for a rest before the evening. This was not to be. I came upon the tourist open tram that goes down the major shopping street and hopped on. After departing the tram, I saw a store that just beckoned to me. A pair of comfortable (I hope) shoes later . . . purchased for only 5 Euro . . . I sauntered more comfortably down the street. On reaching the Promenade I made a last-minute decision to take a Huangpu River Cruise. In addition to being fun and interesting, its destination was just around the corner from my hotel, saving my sore feet for more interesting walking this evening.
I'm writing early tonight so I can webcam with my Mom later. If I have more interesting experiences tonight (Oh, I hope so!), I'll share in tomorrow's entry.
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zheng yu
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those characters mean "welcome"
Very nice blog with good pictures. Enjoy your stay!