Shanghai. Wow! Absolutely amazing. The skyline is beautiful, and growing by the day. 21+ million people, and it’s not even the largest city in China. Amazing! So many things to do and see, and so little time. We were off the boat by 9:00, and walked from the new cruise terminal to the main downtown pedestrian mall on Nanjing Street. It was about a two mile walk from the ship, but lots to see along the way. We had a beautiful view of the Shanghai skyline from the bridge crossing the river into the harbor. Once on Nanjing street, we found the subway station, which we intended to take to the station where we could transfer to the Mag Lev train which runs between downtown Shanghai and the Pudong Airport, about 40 miles away. We found that navigating the Shanghai subway system was much easier than we’d expected. There are numerous ticket kiosks, with touch pad screens, which can be interchanged between Chinese and English. Very user friendly. Our fare for the 10 minute ride from Nanjing to the Mag Lev station was the equivilent of about $1.20 for the two of us.
The Mag Lev was amazing. This is the fastest train in the world, and makes the 40 mile trek from Shanghai to the airport in just about 7 minutes, reaching a top speed of 431Kph, or about 265Mph. Well worth the $10/person fare for a round trip.
We returned to the Nanjing station, strolled to People’s square, and generally took in the busy Saturday atmosphere in the pedestrian mall. Along the way we stopped at a shopping mall, about 8 stories, with hundreds of mom & pop shops selling everything from “genuine” Rolex watches to electronics, silk clothing, leather goods, etc. You name it, and it was for sale in this building. Merlena bought a beautiful silk jacket which she plans to wear for tonight’s formal night.
We definitely wish we’d had more time to explore Shanghai, but I guess we’ll just have to come back. At sea today, heading for Okinawa, then to Taiwan, then to Hong Kong.
Did you go on the Mag Lev? Amazing speed, we need something like this in CA. M, can't wait to see the silk jacket. I bet it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHappy Sailing.
Merlena did you find DK lying on the floor outside your cabin throwing money up in the air?? Very cool!! That should buy a few trinkets along the way. DK, post a picture of Merlena in her silk jacket...keep have fun, love, Cyn
ReplyDeleteHey Guys... I look forward to your posts. They're fun for me to read and they will help you to remember, after you return home. Sounds like your having a wonderful adventure. 直到我们再次见面...BC
ReplyDeleteI would love to see some pix of life aboard your ship, room, pool area, etc.
ReplyDeleteHey There. My first day back at work in 3 weeks.Cathy Frost showed me how to work this thing and sign up. I am so computer challenged.
ReplyDeleteLove the blog!!! What a trip you are having. I am sure that when you return you can make some extra money in your retirement at a travel guide or consultant at the local agencies. Better yet, you can get free trips on cruise lines. YOu as a travel guide and merlena as a art lessons person!
Ask Merlena to check her email. I need a fashion question answered. Cant wait to see the jacket.