We flew into Shanghai and were disappointed to note that the grey smog and cold seemed to be present. However we soon cheered up after having an evening cruise down the Huangpu River to admire all the lights and sky scrappers (the guide said we were seeing the ‘highlights’ of Shanghai). We found this really spectacular. In a country which we have found drab, bleak and grey (apart from a few exceptions) the bright lights and the amazing skyscrapers were honestly breathtaking and really grabbed our attention. It happened to be Chris’s birthday that evening and it was a wonderful way to spend a birthday evening. At one point some fireworks went off also (well done to Ruth for arranging this!).
The next day was spent walking round the museum (apologies to anyone cultured but we found this a bit boring we really were not interested in collections of ancient Chinese coins, sculptures, pots, paintings ... in fact 4 floors of it (the ancient Chinese costumes were quite interesting as they looked like Star Trek costumes)). Anyway we managed to get a pass out so Chris could have a fag!.
After this we went down to the Bund (financial district opposite all the sky scrappers) and watched a Chinese commercial being filmed during which the actors were clearly freezing (it passed the time!).
We then took a ride on the fastest train on earth the Maglev train reaching a speed of 431 km per hour (thats 270 miles per hour to any maths teachers reading). It was a strange feeling especially when it tilted and when another train came past in the opposite direction - several swear words were heard in the cabin.
In the evening we went out for a “hot pot”. No nothing like Betty in Coronation Street. The guide had been raving about this for weeks. Basically it was like a fondue where everyone got an individual cooking pot (half spicy, half coconut milk) and you had to cook stuff in it. It was not a great success, they made us wear frilly aprons (we noted that none of the Chinese were wearing these!!), we were concerned about how long to cook the raw pork and chicken for so ended up overdoing it. Plus boiled lettuce is not really a good taste. Still it was an experience!!
We are now beginning to flag on the tour. It has been nearly 4 weeks and we are getting a bit sick of getting on and off a coach and being told where and when to eat. Plus its all Chinese – we don’t want any more sweet and soar food for a considerable amount of time after this. Also one particular person on the tour is really beginning to grate on the old nerves. In fact although India and Nepal were very hard work and sweaty we did actually really enjoy it compared to this tour. India was a real shock to every sense. China is not, its so Westernised (in many respects they have overtaken us). We are definitely not taken by China. Still not long to go now and we will be relaxing on that Borneo beach!!.
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