6 July 2015 – First Day in Shanghai

I got moving early primarily because I couldn’t fall back asleep.  I showered, dressed and headed up to the eighth floor for breakfast.  I wanted to get there a little early because we were scheduled to meet with our tour leader at 8:00 am.  I think that this tour will be successful based on his no nonsense attitude; namely warning about spending too much money too soon. I don’t remember all that he said. I meant to have a little notebook with me to take notes but I forgot.

At about 9:00 am we walked over to the Bund which is right outside the hotel, which is the Fairmont Peace Hotel.  We staid long enough to take a few pictures and then headed back to the hotel where the bus was parked owing to the rain.  

On the Bund looking across the Yellow River

Looking across the river

Me on the Bund with other side of river in background

Looking down the river from the Bund

Hotel on the left - Originally built by Sassoon Family

 Square devoted to first mayor of Shanghai

Our next stop was the Shanghai Museum, which has a nice collection related to Chinese art. I went through most, but not all, of the galleries. I particularly liked the Jade and Ceramics Galleries.

Shanghai Museum

Next stop was lunch.  The food was good and there was only one dish that I couldn’t eat; namely, pork dumplings.  We were given a choice of beer or soda with the meal although tea was included. 

After lunch, we went to the old Chinese City.  The construction was what we think of as typical Chinese construction.  The whole area consists of relatively small shops.   

Old Chinese city of Shanghai

Old City of Shanghai

Central square in old Chinese city of Shanghai

We were taken into a typical Chinese garden which consists of many small buildings. One was the family study with Ming Dynasty style furniture.  Nothing was in a straight line to prevent ghosts from entering.  There were ponds with Koi Fish, which are considered lucky.

In garden originally built by merchant for his family

Koi Fish in pond

Dragon (in garden) with four claws (5 claws would only be permitted for Emperor)

 

Second Dragon

Flower that is Shanghai flower

After we left the garden we went to a Tea House.  This was originally schedule for Beijing, but our tour leader felt that we wouldn’t have the time.  I bought some green tea for Marcy.

In Tea House - Tea that becomes a flower

Serving tea

When headed back to the hotel where I loaded my pictures to Picassa and wrote my description.  I actually rested for a few minutes. I dressed and headed to the 9^th floor for dinner.  I spent most of the meal speaking with two sisters from Sachcasiwan.  Dinner was followed by a very good acrobatic show performed by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troup.  Unfortunately I was so very tired I kept falling asleep!