Blogs from Huangpu, Shanghai, China, Asia - page 8

We had a pretty smooth cruise from Manila to Shanghai except for the thunder and lightning storms and a 60˚swing in the temperature in two days time. Just as we were about to leave steamy Manila we saw a van drive up and the staff started unloading white bundles---maybe 100 of them. We couldn’t figure out what they were bringing onto the ship. We later heard that the ship had sent out a huge load of passenger laundry that morning when we arrived in port. Since so many passengers qualify for free washing and ironing service, the laundry on board has been swamped. It shows the lengths to which Regent will go to keep their guests clean and happy. Recently the ship has begun serving dinner outside on the aft veranda—which to us is heavenly. In ... read more

Today we decided to explore the French Concession. The weather was miserable, heavy rain! But the hustle and bustle of the busy little side streets and unusual array of stores and restaurants was cool. Simply watching the chaos of a traffic jam was interesting, beeping and shouting doesnt always speed things up however. I was really desperate for a coffe and a cake yet this appeared to be impossible, and against my better judgement we ended up in Starbucks!! After a look around we had to head back to Yatai Xingyuang market to pick up Laura's dress, I decided to get some tailor shirts made too, all sorts available, by the time i was on page two the girls of the stall would give me more to view!! Very helpful though. It was late and food ... read more

Fanbang street had been recommended to us as Christmas street, so we ventured there, but to Laura's disapointment there wasnt a Santa in sight!!! Swedish obviously meant they got presents there not that it was actually Christmas street!! Was pretty cool though, loads of stalls and shops selling dragons and buddha's, throw in a few dresses and fake Gucci bags and jobs a good'n!! Later we went to a fake market at the Science and Technology metro station, Yatai Xingyuang market. Looked at fake jeans, watches, glasses, with every stall person trying to drag us into their shop- EVERY SHOP!!! Laura had her measurements taken to have a tailor made dress for New Years Eve, to pick up in a few days, should be good. Got home late evening and had some noodles and chilled in ... read more

a walk in Shanghai... read more