Imperial China Day 3
Imperial China
OAT Day 1-03 - Tuesday, April 8, 2008 - Visit the Bund - Home-hosted Lunch - Shanghai, China
New time zone, different sleep patterns! Long before the alarm we were both up, getting caught up with our emails and Gennie’s University of Phoenix class materials.
After a leisurely start we went down to the 2nd Floor for a wonderful breakfast. The selections included both western and Chinese food. Both Gennie and I tried many items and enjoyed the company of Duane and Joanne.
We also had the opportunity to talk to an OAT group whose last day in Shanghai was today. They mentioned the things they had done and the highlights. We will follow this group for the next 23 days.
After breakfast we met Matt, our OAT guide and our driver Mr. Wang to set out in a 24 passenger bus for the nine Adventure Travelers who are on this pre-trip. It was raining heavily and there was a heavy fog blocking our view of the famous skyline and river front along one of the world’s busiest ports.
Matt asked us to use our imaginations as he told us about the famous buildings that we could barely make out in the heavy mist. The wind was strong enough to turn our umbrellas inside out!
Our first stop was the Bund Waterfront District. We got off of the bus and were met immediately by hundreds of vendors trying to sell us umbrellas, rain gear, and of course Genuine Rolex watches!
The Bund is perhaps the most recognizable area of Shanghai; its art deco buildings hug the Huang Pu River and stand as a tribute to the city’s wealthy past.
Developers are breathing life into this remarkable area and restoring it to its former glory. We walked briskly along the waterfront boulevard, noticing how the European influence on Shanghai is apparent everywhere.
We stepped into the former City Hall, built in 1905 and enjoyed one of the most beautiful public buildings in the area. The bronze lions outside the building, the marble pillars from Italy, and the unique mosaic tiled ceiling were all brought from Europe.
Now the building is a state owned bank. We were able to use the free, clean, European style marble restrooms. We have learned already never to miss an opportunity for a Happy Stop!
At 10:35 we walked back to the bus. Matt gave us more information about the city and its history as we saw the many signs advertising the future Olympic Games in Beijing.
Our next stop was a visit to the Cao Yang district, a traditional neighborhood compound. This was one of the original “Workers New Villages” under the Mao years built in 1951.
We first went to the Community Cultural Center where the director, Mr. Shoo gave us information about the area. There are schools, commercial centers, hospitals, theaters, and of course entertainment opportunities. We visited the Senior Center and saw many of the beautiful artwork and crafts made by these talented people.
We experienced even more of Shanghai’s culture in this village as we enjoyed a home-hosted lunch. This is always a unique OAT opportunity to spend time with a local family and absorb the subtleties of Chinese life.
Our hostess Mrs. Yu provided us with a lovely typical lunch and Matt explained all of the dishes of the over 10 different varieties of representative cuisine. The food was served family style on a big rotating tray at the center of the table.
We learned to use the chop sticks, and I had a special remedial lesson from Mr. Wang, our bus driver. I am now able to pick up a peanut and eat rice using my new found skills!
After saying goodbye and thanking Mrs. Yu, we got back on the bus and stopped at a local market in the neighborhood. We were treated to all of the sights, sounds, and smells of an Asian marketplace.
The fruits and vegetables were lovely, so fresh and tempting. Then there were the fish, meats, and other live delicacies - very interesting and a cultural education of their own!
On the way back to the hotel, Matt explained about the program for the rest of our stay in Shanghai and optional activities for the time we will spend here in this bustling city.
We got back to the hotel in the early afternoon. As it is still raining we decided to catch up on our photographs and Gennie took a nap to catch up on sleep!
At 6:00 PM we all met in the hotel dining room for a Chinese dinner at our hotel. We were especially pleased that Matt spent time with us explaining the choices of foods, again served family style.
Our group of nine had a wonderful conversation about our previous travels with OAT and other chances to see the world. This seems to be a very likable group, and as usual; OAT travelers are well versed in politics, history, and world affairs. Always a learning opportunity!
Accommodations: Park Hotel - - - Meal: B, L, D
If you wish to travel with OAT Click Here.
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Comments
Post a Comment!Good that you are able to eat peanuts with your chopsticks now-- when you are able to eat soup (pho) with chopsticks let us know :)
Matt, our Tour Director
Bund Waterfront in the Rain
Our Group at the Community Center
Mrs. Yu - Lunch Hostess
Intersection by the Asian Market-HDR
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