Journey To The Sea

---

We went to the sea-sea-sea to see what we could see-see-see…..Do you remember the tune? If not, no worries. Quite simple really. All that’s required is a bike, some good strong legs to pedal, a bit of a snack, alert eyes to dodge traffic and people, a few hours of free time, and a “ni hao!” or “hello!” to offer in friendship. 40km round trip through villages, canal bikeways, and even a bit of forest. Now this is the way to experience a small section of China. Truly the journey is more rewarding than the goal in this experience. The view at the East China Sea, on this day, was foggy and gray. On clear days, the coast line shipping lane is in constant, slow, quiet motion. Ship after ship, tug boats galore. It’s a small boy's dream! Speaking of small boys - the best part of the trip?? I think it’s the children who gleefully run out with infectious smiles, eager to practice their English. “Hello!” “Good morning!” Never mind it’s afternoon - the pronunciation is perfect. They are just so cute! The Chinese people share this warm Saturday together sitting outside their homes talking, gathering at the community water spiket, walking along the street together (often women are arm in arm), biking, cooking at the steaming baskets.

---

Photos

Bike path along the canal
Canal on one side, village life or farmland on the other, this walkway/bike path offered a safe and scenic route out to where the canal meets the sea.

Old meets new
This is so typical all over Shanghai. The old China lifestyle exists alongside the new. Here, across the road from new apartment buildings, a farmers field is being harvested by hand.

Makin Bacon....kind of
Typical chinese style, meats and fish are hung to dry outside. It's not unusual to see entire chickens, ducks, pigeons, fish, and pork parts hanging from roof corners or the fronts of buildings.

Ghost ships
We made it to the sea!! Pleased with our accomplishment, we eat a "balance bar" snack and turn our bikes back onto the trail to be home before dark.

Saturday in the village
There's dumplings on the steamers, food of all kinds on display for sale, babies in strollers, toddlers in the "open crotch" pants, men sitting and chatting. People stare at us - probably wondering what those strange covers (helmets) are on our heads, but in no way do we ever feel in danger or threatened in any way.