Shanghai Day 2 - April 3rd

Posting twice today because Google is blocked in China, so if I don't get this out over the ship Internet system today, it won't go out for three more days.

Today we visited some older and more traditional areas: about an hour and a half out of the city is the Watertown of Zhujiajiao, a 43 square kilometer network of rivers and canals where shops and markets line the waterways (yes, all major south Asian cities seem to have a watertown) famous for its 36 bridges. Then back in town we went to the Old City area of traditional Chinese Architecture; including the Yu Chinese Gardens.

 The famous Bridge of the Five Passages

 The famous Stone Bridge

 The famous Wooden Bridge. You are beginning to get  the idea.

Squid-on-Stick was being sold by waterside vendors. We decided to wait until later for lunch.

We took a boat ride and here is the view from the boat:

Back in Shanghai, we wandered through the traditional Chinese architecture of the Old City:

The Mid-Lake Pavillion

Then the Yu Garden, built by a wealthy individual as a tribute to his parents and ancestors:

Finally, we returned to our favorite Shanghai restaurant, M on the Bund, for some food and a drink. Since it was late afternoon, we were just in time for "High Tea." But instead of tea we had Tsing Tao beer. A new tradition is born.

High speed train to Beijing tomorrow!!!