Nowhere in Shanghai were old customs still so visible as in the various modes of transportation. Here then is a sampling of the carts I photographed. Some of the carts were heavily laden and pulled by men on bikes. Double click on the photos to get a closer view.
This 17 second video shows the various modes of transportation at an intersection.
After we visited Renee in the hospital, we strolled through Xin Tian Di, a renovated district full of fancy shops and restaurants. The facades of old buildings remain, but everything else is modern.
We ate our first Chinese meal, which was elegant and delicious. About six waiters and waitresses hovered over us, catering to our every whim. They were mesmerized by the kids, and two even got to hold Jacob, giggling all the while.
Our last stop was the electronics market, just across the street. We strolled through three stories of densely packed shops, all containing bargains for the Western tourist.
This You Tube video is long (about 6 minutes), but if you view half of it you'll get an idea of our walk.
With so many people and children in one apartment, we had to take care of laundry every day. The stackable washer and dryer were in a convenient spot next to the kitchen, and the washer worked very well.
But ask Carol about the dryer, which never quite dried our clothes, even after they had been hanging outside until almost dry. We used the "dryer" to soften clothes and reduce wrinkles, but mostly we had to hang our clean wash on the balcony for thorough drying.
In the streets and outside their windows and balconies, the Chinese hang their laundry in plain sight, inlcuding bras and underwear. Oh, my.
1 1/2 minute video of a walk through old Shanghai.
Our last evening together consisted of a delicious Sechzuan meal paid for by Oma and Opa, and a stroll down the famous Nanjing Road shopping district. The still photos don't do this road justice, so I have included two short You Tube videos.
The flaming dish is three times cooked pork. The top crust was so mouthwateringly crunchy that I could have eaten the entire dish by myself. Little Jacob was strapped into his high chair with a napkin, otherwise he would have slipped right through. The "cheesy" looking mound is actual a noodle dish with a thick cream sauce. Whoops, I included the same dish twice. The crispy toasted sesame pockets could be filled with the crispy fried onions and fish (?), which tasted remarkably similar to the tiny fried Indonesian fish Bopie loves so much. Nanjing Road has to be experienced to be believed. Paul, when standing away by himself, was accosted by several young women. We observed this first hand, much to our surprise, as they didn't seem put off at all by his Chinese haircut.
Here's a one minute video, sight, sounds, and all.
And this 2 1/2 minute video shows the Coca Cola sign (our favorite) in the middle of its run.
Walking to the restaurant, the buildings were so modern and the signs were so colorful. You can see the solar sensors for the street light if you look closely. I recall a woman walking her dog at this point. The only place pooch had to poop, was a tiny plot of grass at the base of one of these signs.
Throughout our trips together, the kids were so well behaved and accustomed to going places. Maddie ate the food and tried a bit of everything. So impressive for one her age.
A shrimp dish, which was delicious. Carol liked it best of all the dishes and ate a couple of portions. There was so much food, we couldn't finish it all.
As you strolled up Nanjing Road, which was cordoned off from traffic, men and women weaved in and out of the crowds on wheels attached to their shoes that flashed with colored lights. They kept approaching us to sell us a pair. Can you imagine Paul, Carol, or auntie on one of those things? We'd be dangerous!
Sunrise, view from Jacob's room (Vic's room during the visit)
We are 20 floors up; look down and you can see the men working, and the shanties where they sleep.
View toward the road from the balconey.
View of the grounds
This is Matt and Renee's apartment building; their apartment is on the corner, 20 stories up.
Bird's eye view of the grounds
You can see the rectangular "cut outs" that light the garage below these grounds.
Children's play area from above.
The grounds and play area.
Maddie hanging on tight, and coming down the rope.
View from the balcony over neighboring towers.
Vic taking photo of self from the balcony and into the living room.
Living area from the entry way; Maddie is watching a tape.
Living area from the dining area. The actual seating area was quite cozy.
View from the kitchen through the dining area and to the living area. We would stand in the kitchen and close this door and call folks back in the States.
Looking out over new towers; the stove is on the left.
Alcove, Jacob's chair, and water bottle, just adjacent to the kitchen door.
Matt feeding Jacob; the kitchen is in the background.
The dining table was made of frosted glass and wood. This was our last breakfast: Renee bought Indonesian rendang, and noodles.
Getting ready to leave for the day.
Light fixture in living room and Jacob's room.
Study area, and children's play corner.
The green pull out couch made a very comfortable bed.
Indonesian and a lot of stuff in between, and nuttier than fruitcakes. Those who marry into our family beware. But, we have kind hearts and souls, and will give the shirts off our backs to those we love and cherish.
The Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River
We strolled along the river, with the Pearl Tower in the background. The air quality was so poor, that it was hard to see its top.
River walk
We boarded the ferry along with a couple of hundred Chinese.
The ferry ride was short. The captain had to wend his way between barges. Very different from Hong Kong.
This is the HuangPu river.
Our destination was Old Town. You can see The Bund lining the water way.
We ate our first Chinese meal, which was elegant and delicious. About six waiters and waitresses hovered over us, catering to our every whim. They were mesmerized by the kids, and two even got to hold Jacob, giggling all the while.
Our last stop was the electronics market, just across the street. We strolled through three stories of densely packed shops, all containing bargains for the Western tourist.
This You Tube video is long (about 6 minutes), but if you view half of it you'll get an idea of our walk.
With so many people and children in one apartment, we had to take care of laundry every day. The stackable washer and dryer were in a convenient spot next to the kitchen, and the washer worked very well.
Princess outfit and book for night
Bed time story
Listening intently
Ready for bed
The flaming dish is three times cooked pork. The top crust was so mouthwateringly crunchy that I could have eaten the entire dish by myself. Little Jacob was strapped into his high chair with a napkin, otherwise he would have slipped right through. The "cheesy" looking mound is actual a noodle dish with a thick cream sauce.
Whoops, I included the same dish twice. The crispy toasted sesame pockets could be filled with the crispy fried onions and fish (?), which tasted remarkably similar to the tiny fried Indonesian fish Bopie loves so much.
Nanjing Road has to be experienced to be believed. Paul, when standing away by himself, was accosted by several young women. We observed this first hand, much to our surprise, as they didn't seem put off at all by his Chinese haircut.
Sunrise, view from Jacob's room (Vic's room during the visit)
We are 20 floors up; look down and you can see the men working, and the shanties where they sleep.
View toward the road from the balconey.
View of the grounds
This is Matt and Renee's apartment building; their apartment is on the corner, 20 stories up.
Bird's eye view of the grounds
You can see the rectangular "cut outs" that light the garage below these grounds.
Children's play area from above.
The grounds and play area.
Maddie hanging on tight, and coming down the rope.
View from the balcony over neighboring towers.
Vic taking photo of self from the balcony and into the living room.
Living area from the entry way; Maddie is watching a tape.
View from the kitchen through the dining area and to the living area. We would stand in the kitchen and close this door and call folks back in the States.
Looking out over new towers; the stove is on the left.
Alcove, Jacob's chair, and water bottle, just adjacent to the kitchen door.
Matt feeding Jacob; the kitchen is in the background.
The dining table was made of frosted glass and wood. This was our last breakfast: Renee bought Indonesian rendang, and noodles.
Getting ready to leave for the day.
Light fixture in living room and Jacob's room.
Study area, and children's play corner.
The green pull out couch made a very comfortable bed.
Maddie's room; Paul and Carol's guest room.
Jacob's room.
Master bathroom.
Master bedroom.
