A Shanghai Tour - Day 1

I'm happy to report that Cara and Shawn's digestive systems are back to 75% operation.  They bravely crawled out of bed and onto a train to Shanghai from Hangzhou - and here we are, in Shanghai!

One of the side streets in Shanghai...

 

An overpass being built near Yan 'An road.  Here's where all of the world's steel goes!


Unfortunately, Shanghai was really socked in, so walking the Bund wasn't as spectacular as normal.  We did however see this advertisement being dramatically displayed on the Huang Pu river in front of the tall buildings.


Shawn and Cara swinging Sophie as we stroll down the Bund.


We had a lovely 3 bedroom apartment on the 25th floor of a hi-rise for about $120 US a night - the New Harbor Service Apartments. Great location - we could walk everywhere!

Next it was off to the Jade Buddha temple.  Friday was "Tomb Sweeping Day", the Chinese equivalent of Memorial Day, which lasted all weekend.  There were THRONGS of people at the Jade  Buddha temple, remembering their ancestors.

There actually is a Buddha statue made of Jade, which is over 1000 KG in weight and about 2 meters tall.  Unfortunately no photography of the Jade Buddha itself is allowed, so you'll just have to use your imagination on this one - or better yet, come to Shanghai!

LEFT: A woman prays as her wishes are burned in the urn.  RIGHT: Some decorations in the temple.


Lots of smoke in the air from all of the incense burning!


Some older ladies who were performing a dance for the crowds...


Peter and Shawn, checking out the temple.


One of the Buddha statues, and a temple hallway...


People come from miles around to this temple, to pay their respects to their ancestors this weekend.


More decoration inside this beautiful temple...

One of the more peaceful courtyards in the temple.


Smoke, smoke, and more smoke from hundreds of sticks of incense.


Once again, outside of the temple and into the fresh (or fresher, at least) air!  

This woman was having her lunch as she manned her small store.


This store, conveniently located across from the temple will sell you as much incense as you want to buy!

Next it was off to Nanjing Dong Lu, the biggest shopping street in Shanghai.  Sophie actually fell asleep!  When she's asleep (rarely) she's at least 10 pounds heavier!  It was nice to have Uncle Shawn carry her around and save our backs!

Nanjing Dong Lu, a huge pedestrian shopping street with hawkers accosting you from both sides trying to sell watches, bags, DVD's etc.  I taught Cara and Shawn how to say "Bu Yow" or "Don't Want"! so they would go away quickly!
 

Here we are off the turnip truck, gawking at the big city!


Oooh, Timmy look!  There's a picture of BRAD PITT!


People of course LOVE to have their picture taken with our blond-headed Jack.  Here he is with a baby...


... and now it is the moms' turn.


... then more people joined!  Jack was a good sport.


Shanghai's biggest Coca-Cola bottle!
 

Jack and Sophie taking a break and watching some toys being displayed.


Sophie found a boy to play with....
 

But then it was time to leave, and she wanted UUUUUUUPPPP!


The busy-ness of all of the street signs was overwhelming!


The family, posing with a statue; with Sophie...


Jack....


... and Peter!  Ugh, he's getting heavy!


Cara made some new friends.  She's going to be lead vocal in a new Chinese rock band!  We'll let you know when their debut is!

 

Chinese-style minivan!

We went to the Shanghai Acrobats in the evening, and then back to the hotel to rest for another long day touring in Shanghai!