Travel day

Sunday, October 20, 2013
Shanghai, Shanghai, China
We spent most of today traveling to Shanghai. Our day began with a Tai Chi lesson from a master then right to the bus to the airport. Jenny, our local guide, truly is impressive. She spend the time describing China and all the changes that have occurred from 1949 and how each generation has struggled, both good and bad. Her parents generation, those that were small children when the revolution came are struggling the most now. Their vision and dreams are not what they see now. She recalled one of her first "guiding" experiences, when elders in a village begged for money from American Tourists. She asked "Why are you doing this? You don't need the money" the reply was " They are Americans" and Jenny said "yes, but they are humans". The villagers responded "no they aren't, they are evil". Talk about propaganda. She has discovered over her experience that Americans are very similar to Chinese. We are kind, love our families and are decent human beings.

We had another Chinese flight with shoving and pushing etc . James reminds us " It's not wrong or right, it's just different."  How true. Each flight is jammed packed, not a seat to be had. After a long bus ride from the airport, we arrived at the Peninsula hotel. This place is fabulous. One needs a orientation meeting to explain how all the bells and whistles work. (seriously, with a powerpoint presentation)

We went to dinner at the "M" on the Bund. A section along the river where all of the colonial buildings from the British, French and American built during the 1840's. The views across the river are spectacular.

Then we strolled along the river, back to your hotel and saw no less than 4 brides getting their photos taken in the street. Interesting customs. It's not wrong or right, just different : )

Comments

2025-02-17

Comment code: Ask author if the code is blank