Shanghai

Hard to know where to start when talking about two weeks in Shanghai. I really am not a huge fan of big cities, so I went not expecting anything too different, but there is really a very unusual and interesting vibe about the place. I could talk about the amazing architecture, fascinating buildings (new and old), the great shopping, the temples, the coffee, the technology such as the magnetic "MAGLEV" train (which took us over 30 kilometers in 8 minutes at a speed of around 300 kmph), the view from the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower.






I could also talk about the fascinating European mix that I have not yet seen in any other mainland city in China, yes there is a big European influence in the businesses, the fashions, the food and drinks available, the buildings old (such as the French Concession area and the Bund)






and the new.


There is also still old China in some Hutong areas and of course temples etc. Unlike Yichang food (Hot and Spicy)the food in Shanghai is very sweet. The transport system is amazingly good especially when you consider that there is well over 20 million people in this city.

I was suprised at how clean everything was....Apparently much is being done to make sure that Shanghai looks perfect for the world Expo which they are hosting later this year, if it's to do with that, I'm not sure. Overall the people there seemed very friendly and helpful, all willing to happily help when I asked for directions to places. I was suprised at the amount of English that most shop assistants could speak, in Yichang most people shy away from any English even though they all learnt it at school.
Of course I must mention Nettie's family who were kind enough to let me join in with their Spring Festival celebrations, her sister and brother in law who warmly welcomed me and happily showed us around all the sights.