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It all started on the flight over from Sydney. My friend is a flighty with Qantas but was not on my flight so she left a message with the Cabin Manger requesting I be looked after. Not only did I get the window seat I requested but I got it over the wing at the emergency exit - ahh stretch my legs all the way AND I got to sit next to Shane (nice guy).
It started slowly, both of us happy to read, then, "yes please, I'd love a glass of bubbles".
The crew were fantastic, out to make sure I was being looked after, so of course I roped Shane in on the Shenanigans. Two of his colleagues came over to join us in drinks - just as I got my duty free french bubbles.
It turned out Shane is in Shanghai on business and will be there the whole time I am, so of course we make arrangements to hook up.
I had an early night after landing because I really wanted to get 'up and atom' early the next day, and what a day!
30 degrees and no humidity, just the way I like it.
First job, get to a bank, second job, get a sim card for my mobile. I was soo happy just to wander around without a plan and just let it happen. I wandered into a school orchestral concert, then wandered up Ninjing Road - 'mind blowing. This has been turned into a pedestrian thoroughfare and has a great buzz to it. It's also where I met Linda, her boyfriend and his mate. They were all in their early 20's and were holidaying in Shanghai over the Labour day holidays. They helped me get my sim card then suggested I join them as they were off to a traditional Chinese tea tasting. Wow, what a treat. We tasted tea that was good for your complexion, another helped fight against cancer, another helped with strength. We all learnt so much about Chinese tea and Chinese traditions. My favourite was the fruit tea so I bought a tin, knowing I'd love it on my trip. After tea we said our goodbyes, exchanged phone numbers then moved on.
Within 5 minutes I met a young artist and
agreed to go to his art space. It was a little school actually and they were water colours - so gorgeous but as today it was a no thank you to the art & off I went again.
I headed straight for the Bund, I could see the giant oriental Pearl Tower from town and I just wanted to get closer. Wow!! It was just so gorgeous here. Lots of people (what do you expect in a city of 19 million people?). I was so happy just to wander around with my camera in hand for hours.
I ended up wandering back to my hotel at about 5pm & to tell you the truth I was quite surprised I was able to find it. Within a few minutes Shane called to see if I was up for a night out - 'woohoo, you betcha'!
I met them at their hotel (fancy) & then we all went off to the German beer hall. Beautiful building, I think it was an old embassy. Good band & the beer was served in Monster Jugs - of course I stuck to drinking vodka. What a
fun night - before you know it our table was having a "sing off" with 2 other tables and we win with 'Waltzing Matilda' - Yippee. 24hrs in Shanghai - so far, so good.
I got up and was out the door by 8.30 on Tuesday. Today I had a plan - I was heading to Pudong area to see Shanghai from the other side of the Huangpu river. My book said a great view can be seen from level 54 of the Grand Hyatt so that was where I headed.
Had a huge western breaky with coffee and heaps of water (cleanse the liver) for A$15 and the view is to die for. I just sat there for hours taking it all in. When it was time to move I was off to Yuyuan Gardens, according to my map this is going to be a big walk and today is another 30deg day. I took the sightseeing tunnel back the other side - unbelievable. I don't know what they were on when they designed the light show - soo out there & so worth it.
My feet are
really getting tired now but soldier on I do. Eventually I find my way to the gardens but do ya think I can find anywhere to sit? Keep wandering, keep moving, so tired so I've decided to head back to grab an nana nap. I love it here, there's so much to take in. The gardens look so new & green but the buildings are old and dry. I'm just taking random streets and heading in the general direction needed and voila - I know where I am. Grab food and more liquids and back in the room.
Woh - must have been tired coz napped until the next morning!
Up bright and early and out the door - today I'm heading to Jade Buddha Temple and my book says its a big journey but I'm up for the walk. Strolled through Renmin (peoples) square. Got my camera out just as the government workers were coming outside for their morning stretch class. There was about 100 of them in their identical black suites. The park also contains the Shanghai museum, Grand Theatre & Exhibition hall so it's quite big and very manicured. I've decided
Jade Buddha Temple
A wonderful place to sit and ponder to just try and head in the general direction of the Jade Buddha and just take everything in. 1st stop Starbucks - coffee and food (funny as I never go to Starbucks at home)
I walked passed everything - florist street, food street, construction blocks. It's taken me by surprise, there are so many tree lined streets, it really is so beautiful. I stand out to all the locals though and have already been asked a few times if I'm from Italy or Spain. The little kids are quite intrigued by me. Eventually though (after a 4 hr walk) I have found the Jade Buddha and am so gad I'm here. It's just so peaceful - Monks running around (on mobile phone) on their way to prayer. Locals burning incense and praying to their gods. Built between 1911 & 1918 with its 2m high white jade Buddha, it is just so moving. I was lucky enough to be the only one upstairs there for a while and was quite mesmerised by the emotion of it all. This is a wonderful place for me to sit and ponder and rest my weary feet.
The journey
back didn't seem to take as long. Got chatting with another local whilst watching a trumpeter on the roof of a shop & he walked me home so he could practice his english.
Tonight I ventured out with all my camera gear to take some night shots. So off again by 5.30pm and heading straight for the Bund to pick my spot So many people here at night but I got some great shots - now get all my gear home safely before it gets too late.
Tomorrow I leave for Beijing at 11am so need to get packed and ready for the next adventure......
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Dee Montgaue-Jones
non-member comment
Woo I want to go.
go girl looks like a great trip, I want to go to China Now.