That Was Only One Day??!

We had a very ambitious first full day in the 97 degree Shanghai heat. After touring the temple we went to a jade store where Monica negotiated the price of a pair of jade earrings down from $170 to $30. We then headed to The Bund riverfront area. After a short stroll during which Monica and Heidi almost fainted (we tried to buy umbrellas to no avail), we ate a traditional Chinese lunch. There we were introduced to the virtues of eating shrimp with legs and shell still on, which we all now agree is preferable to peeling.

After lunch, we rode a weird little train under the Huangpu River and ascended the TV Tower. From over 1,000 feet up we got a great view of the city (see previous post). We then went to the Aquarium (one of Asia's best, according to the guide books). Highlight: watching massive sharks, sting rays, and sea turtles swim directly overhead. With a little time before dinner, we attempted to swim but ran into the swim cap rule, which kept us out of the hotel pool. Another ride on the psychadelic under-river train and a short van ride north and we were at dinner, where we got a chance to learn more from Li about Chinese traditions.

Then, the highlight of an already great day, The Shanghai Acrobat Show. Really, it defies description and you probably wouldn't believe me if I tried. I will say that at one point there were no fewer than 8 motorcycles going at full speed in a small metal sphere.

As we rolled back into the hotel drive at close to 10:00, having been on the go since 5:00 this morning, eye lids were at half mast all around. I was even more amazed when I realized we have basically been gone from Portland for only a weekend.