Shanghai

Back into Shanghai Saturday for a visit to the Bund (famous skyline on river/bay area). Then a quick walk to the Peace Hotel for a piece of Chinese history, and a great elevated view of the Bund. Saturday night we enjoyed fine dinning at Mr. Pizza- pizza with a Chinese touch.

Sunday morning we had a wonderful time bargaining at the market, and we had to buy two new suitcases to get all the new stuff home. The market is a great place to do shopping for the holidays, if only it were cheaper to get to China.

College Connection

After 4.5 hours of airline delays getting from Beijing to Shanghai, it was early to bed. Friday morning we took off early for Nanjing, 2.5 hrs by speed train, west of Shanghai. I met up with a soccer teammate, from college, now working in Nanjing. It was great hanging out with a familiar face, and seeing his world. He was a great guide, and full of info about China. Thanks for your perspective and time with us tourist Mr. Longe!

The Forbidden City

The Forbidden City was a great experience. If you've watched the Last Emperor, so much of the city has a familiar feel to it. It felt as if you were walking through such a rich history- except that the whole place is under construction for the Olympics in 2008. Hopefully they will be done in time, so those tourists don't have to fight the construciton to get a photo.

The afternoon we spent walking around the Summer Palace. My hopes of a tranquil stroll through a quiet place were shattered after pulling up and seeing all the tour buses in a huge parking lot. Despite the crowds- there was still much beautiful scenery to take in.

We ended the day at one of the markets. Bargaining for everything from a Yao Ming jersey to an extra suitcase to take all the "good buys" home. Chances are good to hit up one more market in Shanghai.

All day Thursday was spent in route from Beijing to Shanghai- which included 3 hours of sitting on a grounded plane- not fun. But intersting to see the locals get worked up.

Tomorrow- Adrianne and I head to Nanjing to meet up with an old soccer teammate from college. Looking forward to hang'n with a local, as he's been here for about a year.

China Update

Adrianne and I decided one trip to the wall wasn't enough. So we went back to the Great Wall at Simatai. Simatai is about 3 hrs away from where we are staying and it is a lot less touristy. The climb is also more challenging- but was a welcomed workout.

We had a local guide us on the wall, and we bought a couple t-shirts from her at the end- one because our clothes were drenched in sweat, and two because we were her only chance to make any money the whole day. We finished the climb and returned to the valley in just under 3 hrs. As we were coming down the clouds started to roll in, and no sooner did we get in the car- did it start to down pour. It was a huge thunder storm- and just 2 days ago a girl had been struck by lightening and killed on this section of the wall. After a four hour trip home, nearly getting stuck in a mud puddle, and a couple detours- we made it back a little tired and passed out early.

Tuesday we had the opportunity to go with Adrianne's mother to a meeting with one of their suppliers (the reason for their trip to China). It was great to sit and hear both sides interact. Not much was lost in translation, but the language differences provided an interesting meeting. Once the discussions were over we took a factory tour. It was raining, and the workers were on lunch break- so we didn't see much. I was able to photograph the toured areas though. The group we meet with took us out to dinner at another one of the famous duck restaurants. The food just kept coming out. I sampled duck tongue, liver, and stomach. Just can't get enough of it. Glad for the opportunity to try new things.

On the Wall

The first meal in China, last night proved interesting. I have acquired a taste for duck hearts and feet. I'm sure there will be more adventurous tasting to come. The food here seems to be more of a mental battle than actual taste. Helps to have a chaser as well.

We spent a foggy day on the Great Wall. Pretty amazing to be walking on a piece of such unbelievable history.