From Shivers to Sweat

Day 5 and travelling from 10 C to 28 C and 80% humidity in under four hours was a bit of a shock to the system and a challenge on selecting the right clothes. Layers are the secret, which we quickly shed as we exited the plane. 

We decided to skip the speedy 431 kilometres per hour mag-lev train and take the slower subway into Shanghai. The subway system is first class and easily ridden by anyone who has some experience in riding the subway any where else in the world. No problem finding our hotel. Having visited Shanghai on several occasions and kinda knew our way around. 

We selected our hotel as it was close to the international cruise ship terminal, our departure point for Japan in two days hence. Upon arriving to our room and setting down our luggage, an annoying buzzing noise started up. It was difficult to determine where it was coming from but it did seem to becoming from the cooling system in the ceiling. I went down stairs reported the problem and ten minutes later two maintenance men showed up. The crawled up into the ceiling and tapped and pushed everything in sight but failed to stop the buzz which was now becoming quite annoying. I went back downstairs and requested a new room which was quickly granted. We grabbed our luggage and headed downstairs to a new room. The annoying buzz follow us down the hallway, into the elevator and into our new room. Seemed the whole hotel had a problem.

Our new room was even more opulent then our first room. A corner suite on the 12th floor with floor to ceiling windows on two side and dramatic views of Shanghai and the Pudong. Except for the annoying buzz, everything was perfect. Or was it? 

As we sat enjoying the view, Nonie suddenly jumped up, ran to her luggage, ferociously ripping things from her bag, emerging with a hand full of buzzing electric toothbrush. Problem solved.

Day 6 dawned with clear blue skies and high humidity. We quickly opened all the curtains of our room so we could enjoy the magnificent views and let the sun shine in. In just a few minutes, the temperature of the room went from 22C to 32C. The AC unit struggled to lower the temperature for the next two days without much success despite keeping the curtains fully closed for the rest our stay.

Today, we were headed to Hangzhou today to spend time with more of our extended Chinese family, Abbas and Solmaz.  Hangzhou is located 50 minutes from Shanghai by high speed train. Like most train stations in China, Hongqiao Station is a very busy place requiring much patience and standing in line. Getting into the right line is very important as we have learned over the years. No seats were available but we were able to purchase standing tickets. We could easily stand for 50 minutes. We have had friends travel on standing tickets for trips lasting over 24 hours. 

We found some room near the back of the car at the opposite end from the washrooms. Tip, always try and get seats away from the washrooms. Shortly after the train departed a young East Indian man stood up and offered Nonie his seat. Nonie took him up on his offer and for the next 45 minutes I learned more about her benefactor. He was from India and currently living in Shanghai working in his family’s textile business. The area Around Hangzhou is one of the main textile areas of China but it was unclear if he was buying or selling.  None thinks he was selling cloth made in India to the Chinese. 

Abbas was there to meet us at the station along with another addition to our extended Chinese family, their daughter Maya. Maya was very shy and clung on to her father. She rode in the back of the car with Nonie and became quite anxious and started to cry. Abbas stopped, parked and tried to calm her. She was fine as long as he cuddled her but when he tried to place back in her car seat, she was having none of that. It seemed we were at an impasse. Nonie’s grandma instincts kicked in and reaching into her bag pulled out a small gift that we had brought for her, two dvd’s of Peppa Pig.  I just so happened that Peppa was Maya’s favourite cartoon. A connection was made, smiles all around and the drive resumed over excited discussions of the adventures of Peppa Pig. 

Brunch was ready for us when we arrived. We introduced Solmaz and Abbas along with most of our extended family to the concept of brunch. Solmaz had prepared pancakes for us, something  else she learned from Nonie during one of our many brunches.  

After brunch it was off for a car tour of Hangzhou. We had visited previously so headed out of the city and into the hills surrounding the city. Tea orchards/plantations/farms/field were everywhere, pouring down the terraced slopes like green waterfalls.

A stop at a small village where we enjoyed the freshest cup of tea ever. From tea bush/tree/shrub to tea pot. Then it was back to Hangzhou for dinner and on to the train station and Shanghai. We had seats for this trip.

Day 7 was a busy day. On to the Japanese consulate to pick up our rail tickets, confirm ferry tickets and physically walk to the ferry boarding area. Despite verbal directions from the ferry people, we wanted to be 100% sure of where were going. A habit developed in China after a lot of lost time and missed appointments. By the end of the day we were 93% sure we knew where to go as ferry signage was none existent at the cruise terminal.

The rest of the day was spent with a walk along the Bund. A surprisingly clear day with nice views of the Pudong.  The Pudong is a recently created(20 years or so) modern neighbourhood located across the Huangpu River from the Bund.

At night the buildings are lit up with 40 story images projected on the sides of the high-rises. Very stunning. Picture compliments of Wikipedia. I could never do it justice. 

It was then on to what had been advertised as Old Shanghai. Basically, a giant, refurbished souvenir market with way to many tourists. 

Along the way we accidently stumbled across the real "Old" Shanghai.  After some desultory souvenir shopping it was back to the hotel to prepare for our next adventure. We are off to Japan tomorrow.