Hey Mister, you want girl? Hey Mister, you want watch? You want watch? Postcard? Hey Mister!! Hey Mister!! Coming to Shanghai, I knew I was a duck out of water. Or maybe I'm just wearing down after two weeks of travel. But my Shanghai guide - and the sights, sounds and smells of a city of nearly 20 million - brought wonder and the passion for travel back into my soul.
My one day with a guide led to walks in ancient gardens, fountain squares, a fabulous museum, mesmerizing acrobatics and a world-class waterfront full of Chinese tourists enjoying their largest city. I have discovered one problem on this trip ... attempting to eat my way across China. As a child, I was taught to always eat everything on my plate. And in China, once you clear your plate they bring more. Ack!
I've gained more than a few kilos and it shows. But the food is so wonderful and the people who bring it always smiling. There are a few exotic dishes I remember that will make even Brad's mouth water. I wore a figurine of the happy smiling Buddha around my neck yesterday that I picked up in Tibet. More than one shopkeeper commented that I'm looking a bit like that Buddha. Time for some kilometers on my bicycle.
Enough feeble attempts at narrative prose. There's a big city out there and I've learned enough about it to return to the waterfront for perhaps a river cruise, to the Shanghai Museum for a visit of more than just 90 minutes; and maybe, if I get adventurous, a trip to the zoo for some Pandas.
Love to all ... Doug (Happy Buddha)
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