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Published: March 19th 2011
This morning after breakfast, we decided to take a walk to the Bund Riverside area. It was a lovely spring day; the sun was shining, so it wasn't as cold as it has been for the past couple of days. Walking the streets of Shanghai is quite an experience, as there seems to be very little regard for the road rules and pedestrians are on the lower end of the pecking order. You learn quite quickly to not only look left and right, but to look behind, in front and every way in between. Pedestrian crossings are just lines on the road, and not the sanctuary that we take for granted in Australia.
We found by accident, the Bund Sightseeing tunnel which is a tram ride under the river. The amazing thing though is the kaleidoscope of laser and neon lights during the journey. It showcases Shanghai's allegiance with the water, sun and air. We took a little walk around the other side of the river near the convention centre and tower.
Our 35 minutes trip to the port from our hotel took us past a conglomerate of high rise apartments. Balconies crammed with airconditioning units and laundry flapping
in the slight breeze. This soon gave way to the wharves with containers stacked sky high waiting to be loaded on the ships; no doubt taking all the Made in China apparel and appliances to countries such as Australia.
We reached the port where the Azamara Quest was waiting for us; we were greeted by no less than 10 staff, who welcomed us with open arms. Our luggage was whisked away and after we did the obligatory paperwork we were on board within 15 minutes with a welcome glass of champagne in hand. The staff and crew are among the friendliest I have come across. Very impressed with our stateroom and buffet lunch.
There are quite a few Aussies on board and in particular have met a couple from WA who we seem to have a bit in common. Not the least that their daughter, Stacey, is a nurse working in the mines!! Plus the fact that they both like a drink or two.
I have signed up for the boot camp on board which starts tomorrow at 7:00am. The trainer says that the program is designed to burn 700 calories in the 30 minutes session -
Smokers corner - Quest
This lovely corner of the pool deck is the only place on board that smokers can partake of their habitso I'll see how I go.
Dinner was superb; and from speaking to others who are on back to back cruises, the standard is consistent. I am afraid that this ship will spoil us for other lines in the future - it is definately 5 star all the way!
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Chris
non-member comment
Hi Lynelle and Barrie, Missed you last night at the Stockman. Your travel blog is very good, I think maybe you could get a job as a travel writer Lynelle. The ship looks great. Looking forward to your next blog.