Day 8 - Shanghai

 Everyone happy today because it’s SHOPPPING (almost all day). Went to Nanjing road in the morning – spent  1 1/2 hrs shopping. Everyone was happy with their bargains, From there to Old City God’s Temple (really a market) for more shopping then to see the Yuyuan Garden. Here we had lunch. Garry, Jude, Trish and Cath went independently to travel on the 431km Maglev train to the airport and back. Vivian organised for them to get to the correct station by cab. They then met us at the restaurant for lunch. It rained while we were in the market so sellers did a big trade in umbrellas AUD1.50. Afterwards we went to another market, indoors this time, where there was LOTS of bargaining and people came out laden down with packages. Everyone had plenty of fun and were certainly pleased with their purchases. Garry not so happy as the handle came off his suitcase.Lots more luggage weight going home than coming over!  Dinner at our hotel. Everyone happy to stay in tonight. Trish's birthday so had a card signed and Vivian organised a cake. Many commented how good Vivian’s contribution has been as well as the skill of the driver. All drivers so far have been extremely skilful which they need to be, driving large buses where most times traffic is chaotic. Many times they were cheered and clapped when performing a difficult or cheeky manouvre. Not once were we lost. Even traffic so far, though chaotic, has not been too bad with no major holdups. Have only seen a couple of minor bingles.  Certainly the traffic is not as bad as last time in I was in Shanghai.

Local houses viewed from my hotel room

Marsha shops and bargains

Haircuts on Nanjing Road

Garry had a suitcase but it got away!