Lovely Jesse arranged for our baggage to be collected and taken to the airport, checked in and boarding passes issued. We then had time for a leisurely breakfast and an 8.30 departure. When we arrived at the airport, just had to produce passports to check in – extremely smooth. JC/Jesse was an excellent tour guide, excellent English, idiomatic almost. Good sense of humour, efficient, made my life very easy and all loved him. Flight to Shanghai left and landed on time. We have experienced virtually no delays at airports either leaving or arriving. Were met by our guide for the next few days, Vivian and taken to the Pearl Tower. There was great excitement on our drive in when we saw the Maglev Train (431 km/h) pass - too quickly for a photo. The sky was clear so we could go to the top level of the Pearl Tower, and on to the sky-walk. Excellent views of Shanghai but a wierd feeling standing on a glass floor so many stories in the air. Lots of laughs when people were eventually brave enough to step out. We visited the Bund then, the waterfront walk along the Huangpu River. On my last visit it was teeming with people but this time it was almost deserted. Lovely cool breezes and good views. Had dinner at a restaurant nearby. We checked in to the Shanghai Wyndham Grand Hotel. Hotel rooms are huge and luxurious. I had a lovely view of the suspension bridge and river.
Just a little anecdote - at lunch and dinner, we are served Chinese tea, beer and soft drink. The Chinese beer is very light but some people like to drink half beer, half Sprite. At one of our first meals Hughe was trying to explain this to the waiter who obviously hadn't seen anyone do this before. The waiter watched as Hughe told him to stop at half a glass of beer, point to the Sprite, and fill up the glass. Hughe held up his thumb and said "Spot-on". Much hilarity after this as when asked what they wanted to drink, lots of people said "Spot-on". Was called that from there on.
Just a little anecdote - at lunch and dinner, we are served Chinese tea, beer and soft drink. The Chinese beer is very light but some people like to drink half beer, half Sprite. At one of our first meals Hughe was trying to explain this to the waiter who obviously hadn't seen anyone do this before. The waiter watched as Hughe told him to stop at half a glass of beer, point to the Sprite, and fill up the glass. Hughe held up his thumb and said "Spot-on". Much hilarity after this as when asked what they wanted to drink, lots of people said "Spot-on". Was called that from there on.
Jan and Tony on the Skywalk
The Bund and River
Lola and Kerry with the Pearl Tower in background
Looking down at my feet - the ground far below - Sky Walk
My attempt at Maglev Train photo - nice bridge
