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| October 19, 2004 — Day 2
Longbai Hotel views were impressive. But although the hotel was 4 star, maybe in China they should have a 6th star for: Does the air conditioner really work? It was a question that came to mind in every hotel we stayed in. Maybe they just close down the system at the end of the torrid summer months or maybe I'm just one of those crazy Canadians that loves cool, cool nights. (But I digress - let's get on with the adventure.) Touring the city we got our first taste of China's traffic techniques. Cars, cycles of all types, and masses of people coming from all directions. It would be a nightmare for a Canadian driver. Yet, their defensive techniques I call "the chicken game" seem to work. Amongst some fairly primitive living conditions we viewed amazing office structures on our way to “the Bund” — a river front promenade that serves as a splendid vantage point to view the colourful traffic on the Huangpu River and the modern development zone of Pudong. We had our first brush with China's many street vendors including some demonstrating wonderful kites. The Shanghai Patriotic Promotion Site was an impressive structure but not getting much attention. Next it was off to the Shanghai Museum. Here we explored Chinese peoples' costumes and carved artifacts. We managed to visit first class exhibits of furniture, graphics, jade, masks, metalwork, pottery and personal stamps before descending to the inevitable museum store. Outside, we enjoyed a visit with some school children eager to practice their English and have their picture taken. Meals were always an adventure. For lunch, an exterior elevator took us up to the floor below the restaurant so that we could have the experience of walking through a sales area in case something should catch our fancy. Later, for supper we were greeted by staff wearing roller skates. Our afternoon started with a visit to the Yu Yuan Garden As described on their web site, The Yu Yuan, or "Yu the Mandarin's Garden", is characteristic of the architectural style of the Ming dynasty. It is a private garden in the southeast of Shanghai, with a history of more than 400 years. The Garden, reminiscent of those in Suzhou, features more than 30 halls and pavilions. It is divided into six parts, each separated by a white brick wall, the top of which forms and undulating gray dragon. Each part of the park, although divided, has a balance and harmony creating a unity of expression. Next we had some free time to check out the shops before attending the evening Shanghai Acrobatic Show, Fantastic yes, but not even the excitement could keep some us from dosing due to jet-lag. |
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