DAY 1 SHANGHAI

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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 seeing our friends off to their job and school, Sheri (our generous hostess) and our driver Ty (certainly not how you spell or actually say his name) took us for a morning trip to the fabric market but first we stopped at the local grocery to hit the ATM and check out a few things, kinda your typical Walmart or Super Target. Then onto the fabric market. WOW, 3 floors of tailors, fabrics and anything you can imagine just ready to be sewn to your satisfaction. After a few stops and bargains (Sheri speaks Mandarin and is quite a bargainer), we were off to the upscale Xin Tiandi area of Shanghai. Lots of young affluent Chinese here, very trendy and great classy shopping along with eateries. We stopped at the Crystal Jade where we had an incredible Cantonese fare. Noodles, spring rolls, lemon chicken, etc. YUMMY! Then we toured the west of the city, Shanghai's buildings are exquisite and incredible. The city is preparing for the 2010 Expo and all the streets are being repaired and construction is intensive. Shanghai completely surprised me, it is soooo cosmopolitan. Tonight Brentley and I will venture out on our own to a nearby shopping plaza. Our hosts' I-E (housekeeper) has prepared a wonderful meal for us and we will dine on authentic spring rolls and stir fry. -

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Photos

Brentley and hosts
Hanging out

Shanghai
The Bund in Putong

Sea food Restaurant
Want to choose your on catch? The fresh fish in a tub outside the restaurant - served in no time at all.

Yangpu Bridge
Built in 1993, this bridge is one of the world's longest cable-stay bridges and connects Pudong where we are staying and the newer part of the city to Old Shanghai.

Comments

[Karen]

Wow!
Your pictures look great. What an interesting city, how amazing that you're really there! It's interesting to me that the "Super Target" has words in Chinese, numbers in "English" and an "exit" sign with the English word "exit"! Is it weird not to hear or see English anywhere? I remember feeling out of the loop in Germany since i couldn't read nor understand much. Hope all is well and remember my story when you look at that "fresh" fish!!!!

[Christie]

Awesome!
Keep it coming. It is a wonderful rendition through fresh eyes, filled with verbal and literal images that share the adventure! Love, Christie